London Region Branch NewsletterHeritage Week 2017 www.acolondon.ca

From the Executive ...................................................... Page 2Getting Infill Right ........................................................ Page 3Early London in Photos ................................................. Page 3Heritage Awards .......................................................... Page 4Heritage Awards .......................................................... Page 5Celebrating London Area Heritage ................................ Page 6

Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary ....................... Page 6LACH Report .............................................................. Page 7London’s Newest Heritage Planner ............................... Page 7Heritage Planner’s Report ............................................ Page 7Fugitive Slave Church Fundraiser ................................. Page 8Ontario Heritage Conference ....................................... Page 8Upcoming Events ........................................................ Page 8

10th ANNUAL HERITAGE AWARDS WINNERS

Heritage Awards...con’t page 4

Every year we honour people and projects with our joint Heritage Awards. The broader community nominates a range of people, projects, and buildings across the London region. This year is the tenth anniversary of the Awards and we have been delighted to receive more suggestions than ever and all of a very high quality. We are pleased to honour three people who have championed heritage conservation for many years, particularly in London’s downtown. Ann McColl and David Lindsay ran a gourmet cookware and kitchen supply shop in historic buildings: first on Richmond Row and then in the repurposed Massey-Harris showroom on Talbot Street. This stewardship, along with their beautifully-restored home in historic Woodfield, show their deep personal commitment to heritage. Both are writers and story-tellers of London’s history and have been vigorous heritage activists over a long period. Debra Rogers has demonstrated a consistent and energetic dedication to history and the conservation of built heritage over the years, especially in the fields of research, writing, and education. She has been an innovator in getting our history on-line and most recently she has created an award-winning mobile app for the interpretation and exploration of London’s downtown: The Heart of London (heyrogers.net/heart-of-london-tour.html).Projects could not exist without people and Colin Duck and Cindy Hartman are to be commended for their ongoing development of the ‘Vintage London’ Facebook page curating a digital historical photo archive (facebook.com/vintagelondon). Their tireless research has produced a remarkable resource for researchers, history buffs, and the community at large which has greatly increased and enriched our knowledge and appreciation of London’s built heritage.

Ann McColl and David LindsayDebra Rogers Photo by Morris Lamont, LFP Colin Duck & Cindy Hartman

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

- 2 -

Late last year Camden Terrace, a unique and historic architectural landmark, was destroyed following Council’s vote for an uninspiring skyscraper development to replace the buildings, instead of incorporating them into the new structure. Unfortunately, there are still many other heritage ‘buildings on the brink’ in our region - expect to hear more about them soon.In more positive news, ACO London Region’s new Policy & Advocacy Committee held its inaugural meeting in December. The committee will help research and propose actions that the branch should pursue in order to help conserve our region’s built heritage. Too much ‘demolition-by-neglect’ (also known as ‘planned demolition’) happens in London and area, and the committee has dedicated itself to getting ahead of such scenarios. If you are interested in learning more about this initiative, please contact us - we would love your input!In November I attended the provincial ACO Awards Dinner in Toronto, where Mark and Cathy Graham received a Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse for their restoration and adaptive re-use of the former Strathroy post office, now the Clock Tower Inn & Bistro. In celebration, the Board held our December meeting there, complete with gourmet dinner and a marvellous behind-the-scenes tour. (See page 6, Celebrating London Area Heritage for more about Mark & Cathy’s win)Please consider joining us for ACO Day at Queen’s Park on Monday, Feb. 27. ACO Policy Committee members Jean Haalboom, Robert Shipley, and ACO members from across the province will meet with MPPs to talk about why -- even with a stronger Ontario Heritage Act -- we are still losing our heritage and what our elected representatives can do to stop it. Let us and Laurie Bryson, MPP Day Co-ordinator (mppday@arconserv.ca), know you can help.On a national level, MP Peter Van Loan’s Private Member’s Bill C-323: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act has been introduced in Parliament. This Bill would give heritage building owners a 20% tax credit for expenses incurred during the restoration of their property. All designated buildings are eligible and the work must adhere to Parks Canada standards and be certified by an architect. Heritage and architecture organizations across the country have come out in strong support of this proposal inspired by the success of the U.S. Federal Historic Tax Credit Program in effect for the nearly 40 years. We urge you to write The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment (ec.ministre-minister.ec@canada.ca), who is responsible for historic places in Canada, as well as London area MPs Peter Fragiskatos, Irene Mathyssen, Bev Shipley, Karen Vecchio, and Kate Young urging them to support this landmark initiative. Learn more at nationaltrustcanada.caAs a new year begins, let’s take the positive energy and goodwill that comes with the turning of the calendar and use it to continue to engage and educate our neighbours, friends, and colleagues about the great value of built heritage.Mike Bloxam

President - ACO London Region

FROM THE EXECUTIVE...

Architectural Conservancy Ontario - London Region

519.645.2845 info@acolondon.ca www.acolondon.caTwitter: @ACOLondonOnt Facebook: ACOLondon

c/o Grosvenor Lodge1017 Western RoadLondon, ON N6G 1G5

2017 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALYou will be receiving a membership renewal notice. Membership is based on a calendar year and is due at the beginning of each year. Please renew by returning the membership form and a cheque in the enclosed envelope. You may also renew online at arconserv.ca/branchesIndividual - $35 Household - $40 Student - $12 Associate Member - $45

ACO LONDON BRANCH COUNCIL

President Mike BloxamPast President Maggie WhalleyVice-President Jennifer GraingerTreasurer Anita FrewRecording Secretary Dorothy Palmer Membership Secretary Sharon LunauCommunication Coordinator Sandra Miller Newsletter Editor Mike Baker Newsletter layout / Web Site Marty PetersonNext Gen Benjamin VasquezAdvisors on the Executive Janet Hunten

Anne McKillopDon MenardKyle Gonyou

Nancy Tausky

Representatives toUrban League Marlyn LoftLACH Maggie Whalley

Members-at-Large Bob Porter Genet Hodder

Heritage Scholarship Kyle Gonyou Nancy Irons- Murray Mike Lunau

COMMITTEE CHAIRSProgram Arthur McClelland Geranium Heritage House Tour Sylvia ChodasACO/ HLF Heritage Awards Marlyn LoftRestoration Grant Committee Don Menard

ACORN IN A NUTSHELLDo you receive ACO’s free bi-weekly e-newsletter Acorn in a Nutshell? If not, you’re missing out on interesting and timely heritage news updates from our provincial parent organization! Sign up today: http://bit.ly/2jOwQp2

- 3 -

Getting Infill RightOne of the reasons I love living in an older part of the city is the eclectic character of my neighbourhood. I find it fascinating to look at the transition in the style of houses as you move from the river towards Commissioners Road. With the century homes closer to the core, war-time housing as you pass Emery and mid-century houses as you get closer to Baseline and beyond, Old South is certainly a study of the past 150 years of our city.

As with any neighbourhood, there will be turnover and renewal. Families move in, children grow, and empty nesters may downsize. Sometimes, the smaller houses of the past may not be large enough for today’s families but many still see our community as an ideal place in which to raise their kids. To take advantage of the charm of an established neighbourhood, old houses may be renovated or new houses may be built where old ones once stood. This is all a normal part of how a neighbourhood matures. In most cases, it is done quite well, but in some…well, not so much.

About a year ago, I asked city planning staff to investigate the trend of rebuild housing in Old South to see if there might be a way to better manage how it integrated with the existing homes along the street. This was not to say that new houses needed to be an exact match to their neighbours but rather that infill housing should be somewhat complementary to the houses that surround it.

When you look down most streets, there’s a certain rhythm created by a mostly consistent distance between houses and setbacks from the street. There may also be a general similarly in size, height and width. Ensuring that new builds maintain some consistency with the existing neighbourhood is a principle embedded in our Official Plan in order to help guide infill and intensification. However, these rules don’t currently apply to a situation where one house is removed and replaced with a new one, which was occurring frequently in Old South.* As a result of consulting with residents and industry over the past year and looking at best practices in other cities, our planning staff will soon be bringing forward updated policies to address these conflicts.

The London Plan, London’s new Official Plan (thelondonplan.ca) encourages growing inward and upward as a city. In order to help curtail sprawl and promote a more efficient use of land, city council has set an ambitious intensification target of 45% for all new development. (45% of all new development must be built within existing residential neighbourhoods) I fully support this objective but it will place pressure on our city’s older neighbourhoods in order to accommodate that new growth. While we’ve made some good headway, we can still do more to preserve the heritage and character of our neighbourhoods. We need to continue to push to make sure we get these policies right because I believe there are many good examples of infill around the city that can be a model for the rest of London. Let’s ensure our city continues to move towards its future while respecting its past.

By Councillor Stephen Turner

* Editorial note: Part of Old South is now covered by the Wortley Village - Old South Heritage Conservation District which contains guidelines for infill and replacement housing. A version of this column was previously published in the Spring 2016 issue of Your Old South magazine.[Photo courtesy of City of London website]

Early London in Photos This beautiful new publication by local author and ACO London VP Jennifer Grainger contains period photos from the Orr Collection. Named for Tom Orr, the last owner of London Printing for whom the photographs were taken, the Collection is now owned by Museum London.The photographs are beautifully reproduced with much architectural detail clearly visible and are organized into sections such as public buildings, business and industry, sports and leisure, and people.From the introduction of the city’s first streetcar to the construction of Normal School, the bustle of early garment factories to the free-wheeling fun of bicycle clubs, the book highlights the Victorians who built London at work and play.Available at Attic Books, Brown & Dickson Booksellers, Oxford Book Shop, Museum London, and other fine retailers.

- 4 -

At 43 Bruce Street, Mike and Cathy Lynch have achieved a thoughtful restoration over many years of this very attractive Ontario cottage in Old South, built in 1886. Doors, windows, barge board (gingerbread trim), shutters, and porch have all been sensitively restored or replaced with a measured consideration of the house’s historic aesthetics. Similarly they have taken time and shown creativity in conserving or replicating interior features. In SoHo, Catherine Morrisey, collaborating with her craftsman and contractor Justin Cronsberry, has achieved an imaginative and skillful restoration of 111 Clarence Street. The 1870s yellow brick Ontario cottage has been carefully revitalized, combining a a high degree of conservation and modernization. Trim has been retained and/or copied, old doors rescued, and new wooden windows have been sourced. This restoration effort contributes greatly to raising awareness in the community of the architectural value of this structure and the historic interest of this location in the SoHo neighbourhood.1945 Highland Heights is a rare local example of a Usonian-style mid-century modern residence, designed by London architects Riddle & Connor in 1953, which has been sympathetically restored and renovated by owners George Kerhoulas and Jacqueline Crosby. In particular, steel kitchen cabinets were refinished, original bricks were ‘harvested’ for additions and renovations, and the courtyard patio and pond were re-animated. Like many of this year’s projects, the owners showed tireless attention to sourcing and designing appropriate historic details and balanced respectful restoration with an up-to-date renovation.Lily Seed has brought new life to the former Church of the Hosannas in Hyde Park village, now re-opened as the ReVita Medical Esthetics and Spa. She demonstrated care and attention in retaining many original architectural elements, particularly the stained glass windows, in her adaptive reuse of this 1890s landmark in Hyde Park, one of the few surviving heritage properties in this area. Ms. Seed took the time to research the families connected to the commemorative stained glass windows, returned the windows to them, and had complementary new windows made.David Cook has overseen the transformation of a century-old former manufacturing plant in Old East Village and the subsequent creation of it into a food hub incubator, grocery stores, and eatery. The Somerville Building on Dundas Street East — formerly a cardboard packaging factory, a slot machine manufacturer, and home of O-Pee-Chee Gum — is now seeing new life as the Old East Village Grocer. Many original structural features, such as wooden beams, floors, and columns have been retained and upgraded in this large open space where creativity and vision have made it a vital new destination in Old East.

ReVita Medical Esthetics and Spa.

Kerhoulas Carport

111 Clarence Street The Somerville Building

- 5 -

‘The Cube’ at 403 Talbot Street in London’s downtown is a fine example of high tech finding a home in an historic building. Eric Vardon of Arcane recognized the appropriateness of this large, raw open space as ideal for their growing digital marketing firm. York Developments saw the potential of the former brick and beam Fireproof Warehouse Company, and Zed Architecture of London re-developed the 1920s building to create a vibrant, collaborative workplace. These entrepreneurial partners help to prove that old buildings can continue to have highly productive lives while enriching our built environment.

Our Awards Gala also gives us the opportunity to recognize the work of new heritage advocates including Western University student, Sylvia Nagy, who will be receiving this year’s ACO London Heritage Scholarship for her series of articles about our city’s heritage in LondonFuse (londonfuse.ca). The prize includes a $1000 grant and one year’s membership with ACO London.

Three properties received heritage designation plaques this year and their stewards will be recognized during the Awards ceremony:

Tom and Marilyn Austin for 68 Bruce Street - a late 19th century one and a half storey vernacular house with wood siding;

Life*Spin for 864-872 Dundas Street East - the 1885 brick commercial building which received an ACO-HLF Heritage Award last year; and,

City of London for the King Street pedestrian bridge - a steel Pratt ‘through-truss’ bridge, constructed in 1897.

As Canada celebrates its sesquicentennial year, we are delighted to recognize the 50th anniversary of The Ivey Family London Room at the Central Branch of the London Public Library. Without their dedicated, passionate, and knowledgable staff and historic collections, we and many other researchers would be unable to do the valuable work of keeping London’s history and heritage alive.

We are thrilled to celebrate our 10th Annual ACO-HLF Heritage Awards Gala at the historic Delta Armouries Hotel! This remarkable adaptive re-use project has become a beloved and iconic downtown landmark, showcasing the best of old and new by conserving the historic 1905 Romanesque Revival armouries building and creating a striking new high-rise tower that respectfully complements its founding predecessor. The perfect example to show us the way forward as downtown London once again undergoes exciting renewal!

Cube

Sylvia Nagy68 Bruce Street

King Street pedestrian bridge

- 6 -

Celebrating London Area HeritageFor the second year in a row, a London area heritage project has nabbed a Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse from the provincial ACO. Following wins in 2015 by the London Roundhouse and the Chisholm Building, Mark and Cathy Graham’s Clock Tower Inn in Strathroy got a nod in 2016.

Housed in a former 1890 post office and customs house, the Inn is named for the building’s clock tower, an addition, made in 1901, that has become a local landmark. The building is one of a dwindling number from that period sometimes referred to as ‘Dominion Style’ post offices, many of which were designed by Thomas Fuller, Chief Dominion Architect from 1881-1897.

The building survived a number of uses from the time it was decommissioned in 1964 to when Mark and Cathy bought it in 2014. Their extensive renovation even involved reactivating the clock and the bell, much to the delight of the guests.

ACO Board member Sandra Miller was named to the 2017 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the category of Heritage. Sandra was recognized for her extensive social media work which not only includes communications work for our branch but also administering the 340 plus member Facebook group Forest City Modern. Her dedication to raising awareness about the value of Mid-Century Modern heritage was also noted by the mayor in his presentation.

She has identified 15 key properties and brought them to the attention of the London Advisory Committee on Heritage and City Council, who unanimously recommended adding them to the Inventory. Her MidMod Movies documentary film series, screened in partnership with the London Public Library and just completing its fifth season, was also cited. In her brief statement of thanks Sandra quite dedicated her honour to the ‘Grand Dame’ of London’s heritage movement, Janet Hunten, a long-time ACO member and an inspiration to us all.

By Mike Baker Photo provided by Sandra Miller

Photo provided by Sandra Miller

Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary!The London Journal Project

In 1967, the University Women’s Club created a weekly engagement book featuring photographs by Bill Lehman of London’s many Victorian-era buildings as a way to draw attention to the increasing pace of demolition and to encourage appreciation and conservation of heritage architecture.

The calendar was published by the City of London as their official Centennial publication. In the book, then Mayor Gordon Stronach wrote: “While venerating our progress, we should also be mindful of the stable and traditional past. The firm, resolute foundations of a century ago lend character to the present and confidence to the future.”

Fifty years on, we have the opportunity to reflect on our heritage conservation efforts as a community. While many of the places pictured in the London Journal 1967 have been retained, some have been destroyed.

Thanks to Canada 150 London and Heritage Planner, Kyle Gonyou, each week in this sesquicentennial year a new ‘then and now’ image will be published online. You can follow the weekly updates on Twitter at @Canada150London (#LdnOntJournal hashtag), on Facebook at facebook.com/pg/canada150london, and on the Canada 150 London website: LondonCelebrates.ca/London-Journal.

- 7 -

HERITAGE PLANNERS’ REPORTAt the end of 2016, the City of London has:• Seven Heritage Conservation Districts, with over 4,000 heritage designated properties;• 328 individually designated heritage designated properties;• 1,740 heritage listed properties; and,• One Cultural Heritage Landscape.

In 2016, • Three properties were added to the Register (Inventory of Heritage Resources);• Four properties were designated under the Ontario Heritage Act;• One designating by-law was repealed (former location of Fugitive Slave Chapel);• 11 heritage listed properties were removed from the Register and demolished, and Municipal Council permitted the

demolition of three heritage designated properties.

London’s Newest Heritage PlannerLast summer Laura Dent joined Kyle Gonyou in the Urban Regeneration division of the Planning Department thus doubling the City’s heritage planning staff.Laura brings to the position extensive educational qualifications including degrees in architecture and building science from McGill and Rensselaer Polytechnic in New York. A licensed architect in New York State, she is also a graduate in planning from the University of Waterloo and is a registered professional planner. Prior to joining the Planning department, Laura operated a heritage consulting business.In addition to sharing general heritage planning responsibilities, since her arrival Laura has been tasked with matters related to municipally-owned heritage properties working in conjunction with the City’s Facilities division. Laura is monitoring work at Eldon House which is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation. Another project relates to the identification and conservation of architecturally-significant features of buildings in the former South Street Hospital complex. Both projects have already benefitted from Laura’s professional expertise. Laura can be reached through the Planning Office, 519-661-4980, or at ldent@london.ca.By Don MenardPhoto courtesy of Bearstone International website

London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH) ReportA proposal has been submitted for a six-storey apartment building requiring the demolition of four smaller dwellings on College Street in Old North. LACH felt that, although the dwellings are not exceptional and demolition could be permitted, this proposal is out-of-scale for the low-rise neighbourhood and would have an unfavourable impact on the important adjacent heritage-designated home of noted London architect O. Roy Moore. Other incompatible projects include Auburn Development’s re-submitted proposal to build a 22-storey high-rise at 560 and 562 Wellington Street within the West Woodfield Heritage Conservation District (HCD) overlooking heritage-designated Victoria Park. LACH and many others, including the Woodfield Community Association and ACO London, feel that is too tall, does not fit within an HCD, and its dominance would negatively impact Victoria Park. (Comparisons to high-rises surrounding New York City’s Central Park fail to note that it is 47 times larger than Victoria Park!)There was a review of the proposed St. George - Grosvenor HCD which was recently unanimously passed by Council. LACH felt that although Richmond Street North itself is not included in the study area, measures should be taken to protect valuable heritage assets on this potential rapid transit thoroughfare by listing and designating key buildings in the Heritage Inventory. Western University’s Public History MA students’ term project was a portion of historic buildings on Richmond Street.LACH received the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Widening of Wharncliffe Road South from Becher Street to Commissioners Road West. Although most heritage buildings (i.e. those in the Old South HCD) in the study area will not, or will only marginally, be affected by the road widening, 100 Stanley Street, on the corner of Stanley and Wharncliffe and adjacent to the railway bridge will be significantly impacted. Mitigation options were discussed from a simple ‘keep the building in place’ to relocation, removal, or demolition. LACH affirmed its resolution to keep this well-maintained heritage-designated home in situ.Finally MP Peter Van Loan’s Private Member’s Bill C-323: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (first reading Dec 1st, 2016) was presented for LACH’s comments. Bill C-323 proposes offering tax credits of 20% for rehabilitating historic properties and is inspired by the success of the U.S. Federal Historic Tax Credit Program in effect for the nearly 40 years. It defines ‘historic properties’ as those listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, or designated as a heritage or historic site or property under the laws of a province. This is an important cause and it was decided that we should lobby MPs.By Maggie WhalleyLACH Representative for ACO London

- 8 -

Canada 150 LondonCelebrate Canada’s 150th with events all year long!londoncelebrates.ca/calendar

Be Mine, Dance & DineElsie Perrin Williams EstateSaturday, February 11, 6:30-11:30 pmheritagelondonfoundation.ca

London & Middlesex Historical SocietyWednesday, February 15, 7:30pm Vintage LondonWednesday, March 15, 7:30pm Sesquicentennial QuizOld Courthouse

10th Annual ACO-HLF Heritage Awards GalaThursday, February 16, 6:30pmDelta Armouries Hotel BallroomACO & HLF Members free, RSVP required

Ontario Heritage WeekFebruary 20-26heritagetrust.on.ca/Programs/Heritage-Week.aspx

Urban League of London“Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs) in London”Thursday February 23, 7:00pmGrosvenor LodgeGuest speaker Kyle Gonyou, Heritage Planner, City of London

5th Annual Heritage FairSaturday, February 25, 9am-3pmMuseum Londonlondonculture.ca/heritagefair

London Advisory Committee on HeritageWednesdays, 5:30pm; March 8, April 12, May 10City Hall, 2nd Floor Meeting Roomlondon.ca/city-hall/meetings-advisory/Pages/default.aspx

ACO London AGMTuesday April 4, 7:00pmGuest Speaker Clark Bryan on architecture & history of Aeolian Hall, tourAeolian Hall, 795 Dundas Street E.

Save the Date!Geranium Heritage House TourPiccadilly neighbourhoodSunday, June 4, 1-5pm

UPCOMING EVENTSThe Fugitive Slave Chapel will celebrate Black History Month with the premier of My Name is Margaret Harman. Written and directed by Jason Rip, the play is a multi-generational story of the Harman family who escape slavery in the Southern States eventually coming to London, Ontario and the Fugitive Slave Chapel. When three-year-old Margaret is taken to be sold at auction, her parents vow to reunite with her somewhere, somehow. For this to happen, the toddler must be taught to always remember her true name: Margaret Harman. All proceeds go towards restoration of the Fugitive Slave Chapel.Opening night reception, Wednesday, February 8 at 7pm. Hear Jessie Chesnut describe research she’s done on her family’s history, finding a story similar to one which unfolds in the play between a plantation owner’s daughter and a slave. Runs February 8 - 11 at The ARTS Project, with performances each night at 8pm and a 2pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets: The ARTS Project, 519-642-2767 or online at artsproject.ca, $18 in advance or $20 at the door.

Fugitive Slave Chapel Fundraiser

Ontario Heritage Conference

June 8-10, OttawaCanada 150: Past, Present and Future of Heritage ConservationOttawa has a rich history associated not only with its role as the national capital but also its early days as a lumber town and a rich agricultural area defined by the Ottawa River - a Canadian Heritage River - and the Rideau River and Canal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conference organizing committee is busy brainstorming ideas for engaging sessions that span the range of rural and urban heritage issues as well as issues at all levels of government. Early June in Ottawa is a beautiful time of year so we are planning walking and bike tours to fill out the program.The Conference Gala dinner will be held at the Canadian Museum of Nature, a municipally designated building and a National Historic Site of Canada. The building has undergone a significant restoration and project which included the construction of a contemporary addition. Conference delegates will have the opportunity to explore the museum before the dinner and hear about its history and architecture.More info: ontarioheritageconference.vpweb.ca