Heritage Week 2014

Architectural Conservancy
of Ontario
London Region Branch Newsletter
Heritage Week 2014
www.acolondon.ca
Celebrate Heritage Week 2014 February 17-23
Since 1974, the Heritage Canada Foundation has designated the third Monday of February as Heritage Day in Canada. In 1985, the Ontario government extended the recognition of our heritage by designating the entire third week
in February as Ontario Heritage Week.
This week provides ACO London with more opportunities to highlight our area’s rich heritage. Beginning with the
second annual Heritage Fair on February 14-15 presented by the London Public Library and London Heritage Council with major contributions by members of ACO, the week is capped by the seventh annual Heritage Awards Gala.
ACO London and the London Heritage Foundation are your hosts on Thursday, February 20 at 7:30 pm
at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, for the Heritage Awards Gala. It is a festive occasion to acknowledge
the accomplishments of those who care about the London region’s built heritage.
Patrick J. Coles: Seven Decades of Training and Practice
In 1966, Patrick Coles, an architect with 23 years of study and practice
in England and involvement in architectural preservation, responded
to an ad and moved to Canada. Within one week he was hired as an
associate and later a partner in the firm of Philip Carter Johnson and
became involved in the design and construction of London’s City Hall.
In 1972 when he established his own firm, Patrick Coles Architect,
he resumed his involvement in architectural preservation. A selected
list of 31 restoration and rehabilitation projects includes: Grosvenor
Lodge, Eldon House, Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, the Flint Cottages in
Springbank Park, the Paul Peel House in Fanshawe Pioneer Village, and
The Church of St. John the Evangelist. His expertise was also called
upon for feasibility and condition studies, of which a selected list of 76
includes: Fanshawe Pioneer Village, St. George’s Anglican Church, St.
Thomas City Hall, Kilworth United Church, Alma College, and St. Peter’s
Basilica.
In 1973 London appointed its first Historic Sites Advisory Committee,
which became the Architectural and Historic Sites Committee.
Patrick Coles was chair of the committee and made drawings for
the architectural introduction to its publication, Reflections on
London’s Past (1975). When LACAC (Local Advisory Committee on
Architectural Conservation) was formed under the Ontario Heritage
Act in 1975 Patrick Coles was a member for 8 years, a member of
the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Provincial Advisory Board
and chair for 2 years, and a member of Middlesex County Council’s
Accessibility Advisory Committee, serving from 2010 - 2014.
Patrick Coles’ expertise and dedication have left a rich legacy which
will have an impact on our architectural heritage for generations to
come.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Heritage Awards ......................Pages 1-4
Realtors and Heritage Properties .. Page 5
Desginated Properties............... Page 6-8
Designation Quiz ......................... Page 6
Upcoming Events .........................Page 8
The Church of the Ascension
The Church of the Ascension was created in 2000 from an
amalgamation of four smaller churches. The architects, Richard
Hammond and Alison Hannay of Cornerstone Architecture in
London successfully transformed a former commercial building
into a modern church building that met the varied needs of the
present congregation and incorporated the history of the past
congregations. All of the 60 stained glass windows from the
founding churches were incorporated with care and expertise
from Sunrise Stained Glass of London. The church also features
a Memorial Wall where more than 200 commemorative and
donor plaques from the founding churches are displayed. The
wall allows families and community members to see that their
ancestors are still honoured and gives new members a sense of
the church’s history. The Unity Project
During a celebration on August 15, 2013, the Unity Project for
the Relief of Homelessness in London marked two key achievements. Not only did it celebrate the end of its Save UP Front
project for the restoration of the Queen Anne style façade of
its home at 719-721 Dundas St. which received heritage designation last year, but also it marked 10 years since opening its
doors. The Save UP Front project began fundraising efforts two
years ago to repair the aging Queen Anne-style façade. The
yellow paint was removed to reveal the 1899 facade built of red
brick with gray stone block trim that had replaced an earlier
1880’s era façade.
The campaign which raised $100,000 received early support from
a group of dentists — the London Dental Community Cares —
and later attracted the support of many Unity Project backers.
A custom fence crafted by local metal sculptor Richard Sturgeon
was installed in November along with curbside landscaping,
the final touches on the historic site that now offers transitional
housing to Londoners looking for a way to overcome the cycle
of poverty that often accompanies homelessness. “The Unity
Project’s value words — respect, co-operation, interdependence,
compassion — are embedded in the gate.
782 Wellington Street
Just ten years ago, the main entrance to this house was on the
north side, opening onto a carport, and there was no verandah.
Leslie Scott and Chris Vinden undertook a careful restoration
and historically appropriate enhancement of the exterior of their
c1895 Queen Anne Revival house. The gables, with their unusual
half-ball and oval detail and the new stone verandah with
classical columns, dentils and balustrade make the house a must
see amongst the graceful heritage homes in Bishop Hellmuth
Heritage Conservation District.
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London Clay Arts Centre
The London Potters Guild’s transformation of the c1896 building at 664 Dundas
Street in London’s Old East Village into the London Clay Art Centre is an excellent
example of adaptive reuse. At the time of purchase in 2008, it had been vacant
for several years with boarded windows and a badly leaking roof. Restoration of
the façade was guided by a photo taken around 1912 by the Henry Hines Photo
studio (and depicted in the book East of Adelaide by Alan Noon).
Guild members chipped away at plaster to uncover the interior brick walls, then
cleaned and highlighted them with a clear acrylic coat. The original hardwood
floors have been retained, along with two early stained glass windows.
Imaginative light fixtures were created from original ceiling joists that were too
warped to be retained for that purpose. The geothermal heating and cooling
system is the first geo-thermal retrofit in the core part of London.
Many individuals, levels of government, organizations, funding agencies, and
companies contributed to the success of this project. Most important, however,
the design-build firm of MacFadyen Design and Build is acknowledged for its
outstanding restoration and reno work on the building with Greg Gilles leading the project and generating the
creative design elements in the finished interior.
Spirit of Flight Aviation Museum
The Spirit of Flight Aviation Museum, operated by 427 (London)
Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association is located on the
grounds of the original RCAF Crumlin airbase adjacent to the
London International Airport. The building is an original 1940
airmen’s canteen, which has been preserved and maintained by
the Wing since its purchase in September 1959. In addition to the
currently available 2000 square feet of floor space, plans include
a future expansion into an attached building acquired in 1983,
presently being used for rental income.
The museum is dedicated to highlighting all aspects of civilian and
military aviation history from the Southwestern Ontario region,
which began as far back as 1862 with the first balloon ascent over
London. Working with various heritage and educational groups,
wing members are confident of developing engaging, educational, entertaining and interactive exhibits, presentations and social functions. The seven Air Cadet squadrons now affiliated with the Wing will be a major focus of
the museum. The Wing has received recognition from the Airport Authority for its past military and civil accomplishments. Their goal is to bring greater recognition to this region’s exciting and inspirational aviation accomplishments, past, present and future.
55 Grand Avenue
Mark Incitti and David McCord have conducted extensive research
into the history of 55 Grand Avenue including speaking with previous
residents to restore and renovate the former home and studio of
noted London photographer, Ron Nelson. The foyer was restored
to its original footprint by removing a later addition hall closet and
three-piece bath but salvaging architectural glass bathroom wall
panels, and designing and installing stained glass wood-framed
windows that compliment larger windows on the stair landing.
The lower steps and balustrade were re-built on the staircase to
complement its original style. Both the front parlour and front
upstairs bedroom were restored to their original footprints. Original
baseboards, doors, casework, were reused throughout house. Older
and original features were preserved including a perhaps original,
hand painted wallpaper mural panel hidden behind the foyer drywall
and Mrs. Nelson’s treasured red velvet flocked damask dining room
wallpaper.
New renovations/upgrades include replacing later addition linoleum tile flooring with older style narrow-width
hardwood flooring, matching missing hardware for existing cabinets, and complementary-style garage doors.
Ongoing restoration and renovation work continues throughout the house.
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City of London and Friends of Meadowlily Woods
Friends of Meadowlily Woods are committed to protecting this
Environmentally Sensitive Area in London which contains a 19th century
farmhouse, woods, flour mill remnants, and a bridge, with evidence of
an early first nations settlement. Bequeathed to the city in 1981 by
Harrison Fraser on condition that it be used as parkland, when threats of
inappropriate development were encroaching on the area, the Friends
of Meadowlily Woods was formed to ensure that Mr. Fraser’s wishes
be carried out and that the natural and historic nature of the property
be better known to the community. The house, bridge and mill have
all received separate designations under the Ontario Heritage Act. The
Friends of Meadowlily Woods have worked with the City of London to
prepare a long-term plan for the property, hosted celebrations to mark
the 100th anniversary of the bridge (2010) and 125th anniversary of
the mill (2011). They have raised awareness through Doors Open
London, educational pamphlets and a website www.meadowlilywoods.
ca, and have partnered with heritage and environmental organizations
in guided walks, workshops, seminars, fundraisers, public meetings,
trail creation and cleanup, and organized plantings. Their activities
over the last five years, working with the City of London, culminated
on November 16, 2013, with a celebration of the newly restored
Meadowlilly Bridge. Meadowlily Woods designation as a cultural
heritage landscape through the Ontario Heritage Act has yet to be
finalized by the London Advisory Committee on Heritage and the City of
London but in November 2013, Friends of Meadowlily Woods were presented with the Margaret and Nicholas Hill
Cultural Heritage Landscape Award by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.
Glanworth Library
The library in Glanworth has been a community effort since 1923, when a local
fundraising committee canvassed the district for subscriptions toward the building
of the library and by November 1st, the total amount of $975 was paid to Alex
Simpson for building the library. Nearly 90 years later, the recently-formed
Glanworth Community Association rallied to protest the proposed closure of the
library by the London Public Library Board of which it became a part when the City
of London annexed Westminster Township in 1993.
The association not only staved off closure but has been successful in advocating
to have the building declared a historic site as well as acquiring local and provincial
funding for a $230,000 renovation to bring the library up to current building code
requirements with the installation of a ramp and washrooms.
Pat Malicki Remembered
The passing of Pat Malicki of Windsor is a great loss to her family and friends
and to those who support the preservation of our architectural heritage.
After helping to found the Windsor Regional Branch of the ACO in 1995, she
served as Provincial President from 2000 - 2002 and was on the executive
board for many years. From three old French churches in Lakeshore to
Amherstburg’s magnificent Reynolds House to the former Essex County Court
House (Mackenzie Hall) and many sites beyond, Pat’s unswerving attention to
Ontario’s most important architectural sites leaves a legacy to be admired. She,
“truly believed that the ability to remember our history will make our future
more meaningful.” It is fitting to take time to remember her accomplishments
this Heritage Week.
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Credit: Windsor Star
Restoring Heritage Commercial Buildings in Strathroy-Caradoc
The Heritage Awards committee has recognized two projects that took
advantage of Strathroy-Caradoc’s About Face Community Improvement
Plan. In 2011 Kathleen Anderson’s restoration and adaptive reuse of the old
Derby Inn and Ashwell Block was cited for preserving two important heritage
facades in Strathroy’s core and for serving as a significant example to others.
This recognition was followed in 2012 by the Heritage Award given to Janet
Gibbons for the restoration of the exterior of an old bank building at 39 Front
Street in Strathroy. ACO London Region congratulates the municipality of
Strathroy-Caradoc and its citizens for taking significant steps to preserve small
town built heritage.
The About Face Community Improvement Plan encourages property owners
and tenants in the designated areas of Melbourne, Mount Brydges and
downtown Strathroy to rehabilitate and restore their properties using the
financial incentives available through this plan. Specifically this plan attempts
to:
• Encourage the restoration and rehabilitation of buildings and properties in
the designated commercial districts;
• Maintain and enhance the architectural heritage of the municipality’s
commercial districts;
• Encourage investment in designated area properties and improve the economic
viability of the municipality’s commercial districts; and,
• Improve the image and beautify the municipality’s commercial districts.
The following incentives may be offered to those projects approved under this plan:
• Municipal staff expertise to assist in the development of preliminary design and
structural plans, and to assist in the identification and securing of alternative
public funding sources.
• Capital grant up to 50% of the cost of façade and structural improvements
that satisfy design guidelines. Capital costs may include professional design,
material, labour and taxes necessary to complete eligible work.
Financial Opportunities in Selling & Insuring Heritage Properties
A Course by Professionals for Professionals organized by the Chatham-Kent branch of the Architectural
Conservancy of Ontario in cooperation with the ACO branches of London, St. Thomas and Windsor in partnership
with the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
11:00am to 3:00pm
former Morpeth United Church
19224 Hill Road (corner Ridge Street)
Morpeth, ON (Chatham-Kent)
off highway 401 exit 109 – south of Ridgetown
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Chris Borgal, OAA, FRAIC, CAHP leading heritage consultant
Jim Leonard, Ontario Heritage Trust Provincial Registrar
Marcus Letourneau, Senior Cultural Heritage Specialist, Vice-President OAHP
with Dave Benson, former Heritage Coordinator and Museum Director for Chatham-Kent
Ryan Jacques, Planner for Chatham-Kent
Brian Nagata, Junior Planner for Chatham-Kent
REGISTRATION: $20.00 including light lunch - cheques to ACO Chatham-Kent branch
Contact information. Marlee Robinson – 519 784 2548 or [email protected]
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The Ins and Outs of Heritage Designation
Formal designation of heritage property gives recognition in terms of its heritage value, as well as a tangible
measure of protection.
Heritage designation is the result of a local community process, involving the London Advisory Committee on
Heritage (LACH) which applies established criteria for natural, scientific, cultural and historic assets set out in
the Ontario Heritage Act. This process is usually initiated by the owners of heritage properties who appreciate
the value of said property. Only in rare occurrences does a municipal government initiate the process. The
“reasons for designation” will have been carefully researched in consultation with City staff, and provide a basis for
understanding and respect for the property in question.
LACH makes its recommendation to the Planning and Environment Committee of Council which in turn makes
recommendations to City Council. If Council approves, a “Notice of Intent to Designate” is advertised three times
in the London Free Press over a 30-day period. If no objections have been filed, Council gives its final decision. The designation of a heritage building is defined by a municipal by-law under the Ontario Heritage Act. That
bylaw is attached to the land title of the property and is transferred from owner to owner as title changes hands.
Buildings may be de-designated by municipal by-law.
Designation does not restrict use of the property, but may prevent unsympathetic changes or delay demolition
while practical options are explored and advice provided. Designation does not obligate an owner to restore a
property to its original condition or its appearance in an earlier period but implicit in designation is the obligation
of the owner to try to maintain the property with its heritage features.
Research has shown that designation has not adversely affected property values: in fact, heritage buildings
have been less affected where there has been a general downturn in property values. Designation of heritage
properties enhances community renewal initiatives and contributes to the local quality of life and economic
development. Adaptive reuse of designated properties creates employment and income in a community and has
less impact on the environment in terms of energy required for renovation, land fill requirements and re-use of
material.
Perhaps of greatest significance to the owner is the knowledge that the designation will follow the property
regardless of owner, thus providing assurance that the heritage value will continue to be respected and available
for appreciation for future generations.
The Heritage Awards Gala will provide an opportunity to acknowledge the heritage properties that received
heritage designation in 2013.
London Designation Data Quiz
a) In 1977 which London landmark was the first heritage building to receive designation under the Ontario
Heritage Act passed in 1975?
b) In the 1980’s almost 50 properties were designated but which one was repealed only a few years after
designation when the building mysteriously burned to the ground in 1985? A heritage plaque marks the site now.
c) In the 1990’s the number of designated properties quadrupled and our first Heritage Conservation District was
designated in 1993. London now has 5 HCD’s but which was the first?
d) Properties in HCD’s are designated as part of the heritage streetscape but owners can also apply for
designation of their building. In the 1990’s which street that was part of what was to become a HCD saw a
record number of houses approved for designation?
e) In 2001 which much loved building that had enriched the lives of so many was designated, just one year
before it closed its doors?
f) Not all designated buildings are houses or buildings frequented by the public. Which city owned downtown
building that is not open to most London citizens was designated in 2003?
g) Did you know the Norton Attawandaron Village, discovered in 1988 during an environmental assessment for a
PUC pipeline, is believed to have been occupied from about 1400 to the early 1500’s? Where in London will you
find this 1993 designated property?
h) Which 1990 designated building held out hope of preserving part of a historic streetscape but proved to be
structurally unsound and was demolished after being delisted?
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3378 Homewood Lane
The owners of this c1867 one and one half story vernacular Gothic
Revival farm cottage, Mike and Darla White, recognized the value
of their home to the farming history of the former Westminster
Township. The white brick used in construction probably was made
at brickyards located on Commissioners Road West, formerly Brick
Street, west of Wharncliffe Road South. The very fine level of
decorative brick work on the cornice is more commonly seen on a
commercial building in a downtown setting. Two unusual vertical
sets of brick pilasters in the form of staggered quoins extend down
from the cornice to the foundation framing both sides of the front
elevation centre door which retains its sidelights and transom. As
London spreads well beyond its original borders into the once rural
townships that surrounded it, it is important to preserve reminders
of our agrarian past.
678 Talbot Street
The two and one half story c1896-97 Queen Anne style buff brick residence on
the east side of Talbot Street between Mill and John Streets has been meticulously
restored by its owners, Patrick Coggins and Tristan Turner. The front elevation
gable end features an intricate combination of paired windows, shingling, ornate
rounded brackets and sunburst designs. The stained glass windows that are
so much a part of London’s inventory of heritage homes are seen on the first
story stained glass hall porthole window on the south elevation and the floral
pattern transom above the large plate glass windows on the first story of the
front elevation. In the interior, original high baseboards, window and door trim
and Eastlake influence staircase have been preserved. As one of the dwindling
number of surviving houses constructed along Ridout and Talbot Streets that once
comprised one of London’s elite residential neighbourhoods, the designation of this
property plays an important role in telling London’s story.
275 Thames Street
In 1847, land was bought at what is now 275 Thames Street for the
African Methodist Episcopal Church (also referred to as the Fugitive
Slave Chapel). It is the site of the first church of the Black community in
London which became established when Canada abolished slavery and
subsequently became a refuge for slaves fleeing from the U.S. In 1869,
the congregation moved to Beth Emmanuel Church. In April 2013 the
present owner, Jim Donnelly of Aboutown Transportation, applied for a
demolition permit for this site and adjacent buildings. With the owner’s
consent, in April 2013 the request for demolition was deferred pending
the successful removal of the building to a new location at 432 Grey
Street, adjacent to the Beth Emanuel Church, on property owned by Beth
Emanuel.
1926 Photo
Credit: Ivey Family Room, London Public
Library, London, Ontario Canada
The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP) began to raise
funds for the move. According to FSCPP, in its new location, the hopes are
that “the chapel will be used to preserve its history and facilitate research
and education about the Underground Railroad and related subjects. The
centre will also include a Black history library and a small showroom or
museum for Black historical artifacts”. Some of these artifacts will come
from the archaeological dig that was begun in the spring to assess the
historical and cultural significance of the site. Go to www.fscpp.ca for more
information.
As uncertainty arose over the financial status of Aboutown, city council
2014 photo
was asked to issue a notice of its intent to designate the building. “If for
Credit: Marlyn Loft
nothing else, to give a clear signal this building remains important in the
eyes of staff and council,” city planner, Don Menard explained. In November 2013, the fugitive Slave Chapel received heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
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WASHING ARTIFACTS FROM FUGITIVE SLAVE CHAPEL
This summer several ACO London members volunteered to help unearth artifacts buried beneath layers of history
in the land surrounding 275 Thames Street. This winter those artifacts were cleaned , sorted and identified. Many
volunteers, including ACO members, gently removed dirt from a wide variety of bottles, animal bones, nails and
broken pottery under the careful tutelage of archaeologist, Darryl Dann. Some of these items will be on display in
the London Room at the London Public Library as part of Black History month. Go to www.archaeologymuseum.ca
for videos of the artifacts and cleaning process.
Artifact Washing
Credit: Darryl Dann
Artifact Washing
Credit: Darryl Dann
UPCOMING EVENTS
ACO London Region Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 7:30pm
Grosvenor Lodge
ACO members and general public welcome.
Guest Speaker: Gary Smith of Friends of Meadowlily
Woods.
2014 Ontario Heritage Conference
“Bridging the Past, Crossing Into the Future”
May 23, 2014 to May 25, 2014
Cornwall, Ontario
Registration Now Open!
To view our program, to get information about
accommodation and venues, and to register, go to
www.ontarioheritageconference.ca.
Register now - take advantage of the early bird fee.
Heritage London Foundation Annual Meeting
Monday March 24, 2014, 7:00pm
Grosvenor Lodge
ACO Members and general public are welcome.
41st Annual Geranium Heritage House Tour
Sunday, June 1, 2014
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Check the Spring 2014 Newsletter for details
ACO/ Historical Society Joint Meeting
Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 7:30pm
Middlesex County Administration Building
(Old Courthouse)
ACO Members and general public are welcome.
Arthur McClelland will speak on Thornwood and the
Becher Family.
Annual Bus Trip
Saturday, September 20, 2014
A trip to Alice Munro Country
Answers to Designation Data Quiz
a)Eldon House b) London Soap Factory at 197-205 South Street c) East Woodfield d) Hellmuth Ave.
e) Elsie Perrin Williams Memorial Library f) Hydro Substation at 119 Carling St. g) 150 Chelsea Avenue in
Kensal Park h) Talbot Inn at Dundas and Talbot Streets
Architectural Conservancy of Ontario - London Region Branch
c/o Grosvenor Lodge
Telephone: 519.645.2845
Fax: 519.645.0981
1017 Western Road
www.acolondon.ca
London, ON N6G 1G5
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