Toronto Heritage Fund Grant -

2223 Bloor Street West (Ward 19)

The Economic Development and Parks Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 28, 1999) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board:

Purpose:

To assist the owner to complete the necessary restoration.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funds are provided through the Toronto Heritage Fund.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant application for 2223 Bloor Street West of up to $5,000.00 be approved, in principle;

(2)the grant be conditional on the owner entering into a Restoration Grant Agreement prepared by the City Legal Department in consultation with the Acting Managing Director of the Toronto Historical Board; and

(3)the owner ensure the Toronto Historical Board's support for this project is suitably recognized.

Background:

On May 4, 1999, an application was made for a Toronto Heritage Fund Grant by E.R.A. Architect Incorporated to assist with the exterior restoration of 2223 Bloor Street West.

The property at 2223 Bloor Street West, known as the Runnymede Theatre, is designated under PartIV of the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law No. 97-90, passed by City Council on January 29, 1990, and is also subject to a Heritage Easement Agreement, registered on title as Instrument No.CA599827 on May 7, 1999.

At its meeting held on June 28, 1999, the Toronto Historical Board adopted the staff recommendation that the request for a Toronto Heritage Fund grant be approved.

Discussion:

The Toronto Historical Board recommends that a grant of up to $5,000.00 be approved, in principle. It should be noted that grants are awarded as matching funds.

Chapters Ltd. is a tenant of the theatre and is converting the theatre into one of its bookstores. The grant application is for exterior restoration work that will: (a) remove paint from and repair the precast stone plinth along the street facade; (b) repair two spalled precast stone sills; (c) repair the parapet wall; and (d) repair a concealed stucco panel which is covered by a billboard.

The application also calls for the restoration of a rear chimney. Staff considers the chimney as redundant and the work will alter its appearance. Therefore, this is an ineligible grant item and is not included as eligible work for the grant.

This property has a highly visible profile and is a landmark building in the Bloor West Village neighbourhood.

The tenant of the property is Chapters Limited. The property is owned by Bookstore Holdings Incorporated. The restoration architect is E.R.A. Architect Incorporated. The contractor for the work is Clifford Restoration of Toronto.

Contact Name:

Ms. Marisa Williams, Preservation Officer - Historical Preservation, 205 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1N2, Tel: 392-6827, Ext. 240.