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November 24, 1998
To:North York Community Council
From:Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
Re:1998 Proposed Additions To The City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties,
North York District, Ward 7, 8, 9, & 11.
Purpose:
The Inventory of Heritage Properties for the North York district, is a compilation that
recognizes the architectural and historical value of buildings, structures and properties that are
unique and significant in our community. North York's current Inventory was approved by
North York City Council in the late 1970s. In 1997, thirty-eight (38) properties were added by
North York Council. The North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural Conservation
Advisory Committee has been reviewing additional properties within the North York area that
should be listed on the Inventory. It is the recommendation of the North York Heritage
Committee that the twenty-five (25) properties reviewed in the attached report be added to the
City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties for the North York district.
Source of Funds:
N/A
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)The twenty-five (25) properties outlined in Appendix "A" be added to the Inventory of
Heritage Properties for the North York district, as per the recommendations of the North York
Heritage Committee (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee); and
(2)The appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to
give effect thereto.
Background:
An important task in documenting and preserving a community's history is to identify,
catalogue and maintain an inventory, or listing of significant heritage properties on an ongoing
basis. In the late 1970s, an Inventory of Heritage Buildings was created for the North York
area and approved by North York Council. At the time, the Inventory identified a number of
properties considered to be significant in some way to North York's 19th and early 20th century
history. In 1997, the North York Heritage Committee and North York City Council approved
thirty-eight (38) additional properties which included examples of North York's recent
heritage and the Modern Movement of Architecture.
To date, there are 127 properties listed on the Inventory, with 19 properties designated under
part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990). However, this small number of properties
represents only a partial inventory of the area and efforts to expand the Inventory continue.
The purpose of this report is to present another group of significant properties representing a
broad range of architectural styles, historical themes and urban development in the North
York area. A total of 25 properties (shown in Appendix "A" of this report) have been
identified and are proposed for inclusion in the Inventory of Heritage Properties for North
York.
Discussion:
The Inventory of Heritage Properties is a compilation that recognizes the architectural and
historic value of properties that are unique and significant in the North York community.
Listing, unlike designation under part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, places no legal
restriction on a property. The Inventory is intended to be an up-to-date record containing
significant buildings, structures and sites. As a research and planning tool, acknowledging
these properties through the Inventory helps to provide the City's residents with an
understanding and appreciation of place, while helping to preserve the City's unique built
heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.
This new group of properties deals with a number of architectural, functional, social, and
contextual themes spanning North York's history from the middle of the 19th century to the
closing decades of the 20th century. Specifically, these deal with "Historic Revivalism" in
early 20th century housing design, industrial heritage, gates and physical barriers of
architectural significance, and historic burial grounds.
City staff and the North York Heritage Committee have recently begun to study, document
and commemorate buildings and structures representing North York's recent heritage and the
Modern Movement of Architecture. Modernism was an international movement that
revolutionized the approach to the design of buildings, structures and urban planning. It had
considerable impact on North American culture, attitudes and lifestyles and it is a period in
the history of architecture that is being recognized, reviewed and carefully documented by
several leading communities and cities across Canada.
Last year, North York Council approved 16 examples representing this style for inclusion in
the Inventory of Heritage Properties. Several more examples have been identified within the
group of new properties, some of which are from the study entitled "North York's Modernist
Architecture" - a publication undertaken jointly by the former North York Planning
Department's Urban Design Division, and the Culture Branch, Parks and Recreation
Department, in 1997. These properties are also contained in Appendix "A".
Listing on the Inventory of Heritage Properties for North York places no legal restriction on a
property, nor does it impose obligations on a property owner or affect property rights. Listing
does not affect legal title or sale, restrict the legal use of a property, prohibit development,
building alterations or additions. With this in mind, and with the advice of the City's Legal
Department, the City is not obligated to obtain the consent of a property owner for listing their
property on the Inventory of Heritage Properties.
At its meeting of October 27, 1998, the North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural
Conservation Advisory Committee reviewed twenty-five properties for inclusion in the
Inventory of Heritage Properties for the City's North York district and adopted the following
staff recommendations:
(a)that the North York Heritage Committee/LACAC approve the properties identified in
Appendix `A' for inclusion in the Inventory of Heritage Properties in the North York district.
(b)that this report and North York LACAC's recommendation be forwarded to City Council
through the North York Community Council for consideration; and
(c)that Council for the City of Toronto be asked to add these properties to the Inventory of
Heritage Properties for North York.
It should be noted that each of the following properties has been well researched and
measured against the "Guidelines for Evaluating Heritage Property" adopted by the former
North York Council in February 1996. The approved criteria, which examine the architectural
merit, historic associations and urban context of a property, not only provide a framework
within which properties are considered, but also provide Council with the assurance of a
reasoned, well-considered process for the listing of heritage properties. The Criteria are
attached as Appendix "B".
Conclusion:
The Inventory of Heritage Properties is a useful tool for the research and preservation of the
City's heritage, serving as it does to identify properties of historical and/or architectural
significance to the North York district. The properties herein recommended for inclusion in
the Inventory are appropriate additions and add to our understanding of the built heritage of
the North York district of the City of Toronto.
Contact:
Beth Hanna,
Manager, Culture Division - North York
(416) 395-7415 or (416) 392-5225
Fax: (416) 395-7886
Joe Halstead,
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
/bh
Report
October 19, 1998
To:Chairman and Members
The North York Heritage Committee/Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee
(LACAC).
From:Beth Hanna, Manager, Culture Division - North York
Re:1998 Proposed Additions To The City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties,
North York Region, Ward(s) 7, 8, 9, & 11.
Purpose:
An important task in documenting and preserving a community's history is to identify,
catalogue and maintain an inventory, or listing of significant heritage properties on an ongoing
basis. In the late 1970s, an Inventory of Heritage Buildings was created for the North York
area and approved by North York Council. At the time, the Inventory identified a number of
properties considered to be significant in some way to North York's 19th and early 20th century
history. In 1997, the North York Heritage Committee and North York City Council approved
38 new properties which included examples of North York's recent heritage and the Modern
Movement of Architecture.
To date, there are 127 properties listed on the Inventory, with 19 properties designated under
part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990). However, this small number of properties
represents only a partial inventory of the area and efforts to expand the Inventory continue.
The purpose of this report is to present another group of significant properties representing a
broad range of architectural styles, historical themes and urban development in the North
York area. A total of 25 properties (shown in Appendix "A" of this report) have been
identified and are proposed for inclusion in the Inventory of Heritage Properties for North
York.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1.The North York Heritage Committee (LACAC) approve the properties identified in
Appendix <A' of this report for inclusion in the Inventory of Heritage Properties in the North
York region.
2.this report and North York LACAC's recommendation be forwarded to City Council
through the North York Community Council for consideration; and
3.Council for the City of Toronto be asked to add these properties to the Inventory of
Heritage Properties for North York.
Discussion:
The Inventory of Heritage Properties is a compilation that recognizes the architectural and
historic value of properties that are unique and significant in the North York community. It is
intended to be an up-to-date record containing significant buildings, structures and sites. As a
research and planning tool, acknowledging these properties through the Inventory helps to
provide the City's residents with an understanding and appreciation of place, while helping to
preserve the City's unique built heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.
This new group of properties deals with a number of architectural, functional, social, and
contextual themes spanning North York's history from the middle of the 19th century to the
closing decades of the 20th century. Specifically, these deal with "Historic Revivalism" in
early 20th century housing design, industrial heritage, gates and physical barriers of
architectural significance, and historic burial grounds.
A new direction that City staff and the North York Heritage Committee have been taking
deals with the study, documentation and commemoration of buildings and structures
representing North York's recent heritage and the Modern Movement of Architecture.
Modernism was an international movement that revolutionized the approach to the design of
buildings, structures and urban planning. It had considerable impact on North American
culture, attitudes and lifestyles and it is a period in the history of architecture that is being
recognized, reviewed and carefully documented by several leading communities and cities
across Canada. Last year, North York Council approved 16 examples representing this style
for inclusion in the Inventory of Heritage Properties. Several more examples have been
identified within the group of new properties, some of which are from the study entitled
"North York's Modernist Architecture" - a publication undertaken jointly by North York's
Planning Department and the Culture Branch, Parks and Recreation Department, in 1997.
These properties are also contained in Appendix "A".
Listing on the Inventory of Heritage Properties for North York places no legal restriction on a
property, nor does it impose obligations on a property owner or affect property rights. Listing
does not affect legal title or sale, restrict the legal use of a property, prohibit development,
building alterations or additions. With this in mind, and with the advice of the City's Legal
Department, the City is not obligated to obtain the consent of a property owner for listing their
property on the Inventory of Heritage Properties.
It should be noted that each of the following properties has been well researched and
measured against the "Guidelines for Evaluating Heritage Property" adopted by North York
Council in February 1996.
The approved criteria, which examine the architectural merit, historic associations and urban
context of a property, not only provide a framework within which properties are considered,
but also provide City Council with the assurance of a reasoned, well-considered process for
the listing of heritage properties. The Criteria are attached as Appendix "B".
Conclusion:
The Inventory of Heritage Properties is a useful tool for the research and preservation of the
City's heritage, serving as it does to identify properties of historical and/or architectural
significance to the North York region. The properties herein recommended for inclusion in the
Inventory are appropriate additions and add to our understanding of the built heritage of the
North York region of the City of Toronto.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________________
Beth Hanna, Manager
Culture Division (North York)
Contact: (416) 395-7415
email: bhanna@city.north-york.on.ca
BH:scb
Proposed Additions To The Inventory Of Heritage Properties
For The
City Of Toronto - North York Region
|
No. 21 Alexandra Wood
(ward 9)
Thomas & Dorothy Deacon Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Colonial Revival (strong NeoClassical traits)
Frame construction; brick veneer exterior walls; asphalt
shingle roof, wooden trim and detailing.
Not known.
2-storey; strong influence of 19th century Ontario
NeoClassicism; 5-ranked facade; projecting 3-ranked
frontispiece; 1/2-round window inserted into tympanum; buff
coloured brick belt courses; windows have 6/9 and 6/6
muntin arrangements with segmental heads and brick
voussoir lintels; elegant NeoClassically styled pro-style
portico with transom; eaves/fascia and soffit have boxed
profiles.
Constructed 1934
Built for Thomas R. Deacon & his wife Dorothy. Deacon
served in World War I between the years 1917-18 with the
C.A.F. He was a Lieutenant in Canada, England and France
and Captain of the Queen's Own Rifles (Reserve) during the
years 1940 - 45. He also served as a trustee for the North
York High School Board during the years 1935-46 and was a
member of the United Church of Canada. He held
memberships with the University Club, Toronto Hunt Club,
and Albany Club.
The residential buildings located on Alexandra Wood form a
part of the early 20th century Alexandra Gardens subdivision.
Architecturally, this Revivalist residence represents a phase
in the development of "suburban" houses having to do with
the renewed interest in the Colonial and Tudor styles at the
beginning of this century. |
Front Elevation
|
No. 2365 Bayview Avenue
(ward 9)
F.P. Woods Estate
Log Cabin Retreat
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development:
Other: |
Early 20th century log cabin
Log timber and variegated limestone construction.
Gordon Gibson, Architect
One-storey; asymmetrical; gable roof; parapeted stone gable
end-wall with fireplace; sited within ravine edge of property
behind formal garden.
post 1930.
After the construction of the principal house on the property,
Emma Wood (the wife of Frank P. Wood) commissioned
architect Gordon Gibson to design this small log structure for
use as a daytime retreat. The cabin sits on the original property
of the Frank P. Woods Estate which features one of the most
impressive architect-designed homes to be built in this region
at the beginning of the century. Frank Wood and his brother
Edward (of Glendon Manor) were founders of the Brazilian
Traction Company. Frank was also a skilled financier. The
estate property and the main house have operated as the
Crescent Boys School since 1967.
The estate forms a part of the network of mansion houses built
in Bayview Heights between the years 1920 - 40.
The main house is a listed building on the Inventory of
Heritage Properties for the North York region. |
|
No. 2275 Bayview Avenue
(ward 9)
Glendon Hall Gatehouse
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development:
Other: |
Italian Renaissance Revival
Masonry (stucco) exterior walls; brick plinth; ceramic tiled
hipped roof.
Molesworth, West & Secord Architects
One-storey; L-shaped asymmetrical configuration; ceramic
tiled roof; overhanging bracketed eaves; stone sills; decorative
shutters; Italian character relates to main house (Glendon Hall)
which forms a part of the Glendon College property.
Constructed 1922-23.
Glendon Manor forms a part of the original E. R. Wood estate
also known as Glendon Hall (now operating as Glendon
College under York University). Glendon Hall was built for
Edward Rogers Wood in 1922-23. Wood was nationally
known as a principal in the founding of the Brazilian Traction
Company as well as for his leadership of the National Trust
and Dominion Securities Company of Canada.
The estate forms a part of the network of early estate houses
built north of Bayview and Eglinton Avenues at the beginning
of this century. The area was known as Bayview Heights and
was referred to as "Millionaires Valley".
The main house is a listed building on the Inventory of
Heritage Properties for the North York region. |
|
No. 2275 Bayview Avenue
(ward 9)
Gates of Glendon Hall
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
|
These impressive stone gates are executed in the Beaux Arts
style which originated in France from the Ecole des Beaux
Arts. The gates contrast dramatically to the more informal
Italianate character of the original Glendon Hall estate.
Constructed from smooth-cut limestone, the gates demonstrate
the specialized skill of the early 20th century stone mason.
Decorative wrought iron is also featured in this elaborate gate
system and is executed between piers along Bayview Avenue.
Molesworth, West and Secord Architects
The compressed height of the stone piers possess a
monumental character with their impressive urns, frieze-like
bands, niches and decorative ornamentation. The gates define
the stretch of the original property along Bayview Avenue
from the boundaries of the original Bruce Estate gate house
(Annandale House) north to Lawrence Avenue at the main
entrance to Glendon College.
Constructed 1931
Forms a part of the original Glendon Hall estate built in
1922-23 (now operates as Glendon College). Glendon Hall
was built for Edward Rogers Wood who was nationally known
as a principal in the founding of the Brazilian Traction
Company as well as for his leadership of the National Trust
and Dominion Securities Company of Canada. When E.R.
Wood and his wife Agnes-Euphemia purchased additional
property to the west in 1931, they commissioned Molesworth,
West and Secord (who designed the Main House in 1926) to
execute elaborate fencing and gateways along Bayview
Avenue. |
|
No. 29 Beechwood Avenue
(ward 9)
Whealy Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
French Colonial Revival
Credit Valley Stone exterior walls; ceramic tile roof
(contemporary material).
Allward & Gouinlock
Grey, blue and red Credit Valley stone exterior; architectural
character comes from the dominant, steeply pitched, hipped
roof and repeating dormers; large stone chimneys with simple
profiles; asymmetrical facade has casement windows with
segmental arches; built-in/recessed port-cochère; interiors
designed to take advantage of view to rear gardens and
surrounding lands.
Constructed in 1934
This residence was built for J. Alfred Whealy, Esquire of York
Mills. As a suburban residence built in the early 20th century,
this house also represents the renewed interest and trend in
emulating historical styles found in North American Colonial
settlements and Europe.
This house represents one in a series of Colonial Revival style
residences constructed of Credit Valley stone along
Beechwood Avenue, designed by the same architectural firm.
This residence also symbolizes the second wave of urban
growth in the York Mills community which at the beginning of
this century was the setting for some of the most gracious
architect-designed houses in the area. |
|
No. 30 Beechwood Avenue
(ward 9)
Salmund Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Colonial Revival
Exterior walls are constructed from Credit Valley Stone; roof
is covered in cedar-shake; wood for clapboard treatment
around dormers and windows.
Allward & Gouinlock Architects
1-1/2 storeys; rectangular massing; broad, steeply pitched,
gabled roof; symmetrical approach to design of facade; 8/8
multi pane sash windows with wide, 17th century English
influenced frames; gabled dormers with 8/8 sash; front
doorcase features 19th century influenced doorcase with
sidelights, raised pilasters, plain frieze, and panelled sections.
Constructed in 1934
This Colonial Revival residence was built for Kenneth
Salmund. Salmund was the Manager of the Monetary Times
Printing Company of Canada located in downtown Toronto at
341 Church Street. As a suburban residence built in the early
20th century, this house also represents the renewed interest
and trend in emulating historical styles found within North
American Colonial settlements and Europe.
This house extends the unique theme of stone residences
situated along Beechwood Avenue - the majority of which
were designed by Hugh Allward, Architect. York Mills
experienced a second wave of growth in the early 20th century
with the construction of both modest and very large
architect-designed houses. Many of these houses were
occupied by well-known Toronto citizens. |
|
No. 21 Devere Gardens
(ward 9)
Residence of Harland Steele
Front Elevation
Colonial Revival
Brick Veneer; horizontal clapboard applied in select locations;
wooden windows and shutters and colonial inspired front
doorcase; roof is asphalt shingle.
Not known.
1-storey bungalow style dwelling with rectangular massing;
gable roof has generous pitch with front projecting cross-gable
and returns; multi-pane 6/9 wooden sash windows; garage
extension.
Constructed in 1945.
This modest home takes on historic significance in connection
with a prominent 20th century Canadian Architect. It was
occupied by Harland Steele (1900 - 1996) who began an
illustrious career with Forsey Page and co-founded the
"landmark" architectural firm of Page + Steele Architects.
Steele designed a number of residences and schools in Forest
Hill along with apartment buildings, including the Park Lane
Apartments on St. Clair Avenue West and the Garden Court
Apartments on Bayview Avenue (designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act). In addition to the number of awards he received,
he was an active member of the Ontario Association of
Architects, serving as its president in 1946 and 1947. He was
also elected to the Royal Institute of British Architects and
named an honourary fellow of the American Institute of
Architects. Commissions in Toronto include St. Clements
Church, Regent Park Housing Complex, Queen Elizabeth
Building (CNE), O'Keefe Centre and the College of Pharmacy
to name just a few. |
|
|
|
No. 20 Hedgewood Road
(ward 9)
Pinewood/Jarvis Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Colonial Revival
Stucco clad exterior; wood is the principle material for
windows, dormers and front entrance detailing; roof is covered
in contemporary asphalt simulating Cedar shake.
Unknown
2-1/2 storey; broad rectangular plan; high-pitched truncated
hipped roof with flared, overextended eaves; 6-ranked nearly
symmetrical facade; 4-ranked arched dormers; white stucco
exterior; Georgian inspired 12/12 sash windows on ground
floor; 8/8 sash on second floor; 8/8 sash at dormers; black
louvred shutters; elegant wooden front portico has engaged
columns on either side of recessed entry integrated with
sidelights and round-headed pediment.
Constructed circa 1928
Built for Stewart R. Jarvis and his wife Evelyn Guthrie at the
beginning of this century. Jarvis was partner with the firm of
J.L. Goad & Company located at 293 Bay Street in Toronto.
As stockbrokers, the firm dealt primarily with government,
municipal and corporate bonds. Jarvis was a member the
Royal Canadian Yacht Club in addition to other social
organizations.
Pinewood represents a phase in North York's development
having to do with the construction of historical Revivals in the
York Mills/Yonge Street area and along Bayview Avenue in
the 1920s and 30s. Many of these large, architect-designed
houses were built and occupied by members of the Canadian
establishment along with other successful individuals who
made significant contributions to the Canadian economy.
Pinewood is among the more elegant Revival houses along
Hedgewood Road (formerly Pinewood Avenue). |
|
No. 49 Highland Crescent
(ward 9)
Residence of Jacobine Jones
Front Elevation |
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Colonial Revival
Brick with wooden clapboard
Unknown
1-1/2 storey; double garage wing; front facing cross-gables;
cedar shake roof; multi-paned sash windows;
circa 1930
Jacobine Jones, born in 1898 (England) was a prominent
Canadian Sculptor who in 1942 set up her studio in this York
Mills home. Here, she produced three dimensional works of
art thematically based on her love of animals. Jacobine taught
art at Toronto's Northern Vocational School and was Director
of sculpture at the Ontario College of Art. In 1950, after
recognition of her work at the World's Fair, she created four
large Canadian historic figures for the new University of
Toronto archives. These included statues of Champlain,
Wolfe, Simcoe and Brock. She also created the 30 ft. mural at
the Bank of Nova Scotia in Toronto. In 1954, Jacobine Jones
was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy and the
Sculptor's Society of Canada. Jones was married to Peter John
Stokes, a well respected Canadian architect specializing in
architectural conservation.
Reinforces a second theme connected to the York Mills
community having to do with the settlement of young artists in
the area during the first half of this century. The name of
Walter Seymour Allward, C.W. Jefferys, and Franklin
Carmichael are among the York Mills' artists which have
earned national reputation. |
|
No. 79 Highland Crescent
(ward 9)
The Birches
Orval D. Vaughan Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Eclectic Revival (with Italian and Spanish Mission
influences).
Exterior stone; red asphalt roof; wooden casement windows;
and stone front door surround; copper eavestrough with fully
developed patina.
Unknown
2-storey; L-shaped; wide front entrance with overhead
transom; juxtaposed stair tower with pyramid style roof;
garage wing has front-facing gable; symmetrically arranged
casement windows with horizontal glazing bars (4
lights/division); wooden decorative shutters; stone and
wrought entrance gates feature canon balls at the tops and bear
the property name: The Birches.
constructed circa 1930
The Birches was built for Orval D. Vaughan (and his wife
Nora). Orval Vaughan is linked to one of the wealthiest and
most celebrated families in the City of Toronto - the Vaughan
family. Orval Vaughan served as vice-president of Eatons
(after his brother John James Vaughan who resided at
Donningvale - 2245 Bayview Avenue) for many years, but he
is perhaps best remembered for his work with the University
of Toronto where he was a member of the Board of Governors.
Orval Vaughan is said to have been a major force in the
University's enormous expansion of the campus during the
postwar boom of the 1950s.
Although the Vaughans lived in this house for a short time
period, this residence exemplifies the settlement of York Mills
by members of the Canadian establishment and prominent
Toronto citizens at the beginning of this century. |
|
No. 4700 Keele Street
(ward 7)
Jacob Stong's Barn
(York University)
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Builder:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
19th Century Agricultural Building
Log and heavy timber construction.
Constructed by Jacob Stong.
This barn, situated on the York University campus, is a large
structure with an impressive height and footprint area. Its
overall rectangular form and gambrel shape roof is
characteristic of many barn buildings in the province, but a
building of this type is rarely encountered in the City of
Toronto today.
Constructed circa 1854.
Jacob Stong, born in 1821, is the eldest son of Daniel and
Elizabeth Fisher Stong (who settled nearby on the banks of the
Black Creek in 1816). In 1841, Jacob married Sarah Snider
and built a large Georgian house along with several
outbuildings including this barn structure on lot 25,
Concession 4 west. Sources indicate that Jacob Stong was
known to be a great judge of livestock at county fairs and that
he was active in most barn raisings throughout the area. He
was also known to be an expert at the early forms of roofing.
In 1874, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and was also
a director and judge when the Canadian National Exhibition
was organized.
Historically, this barn is a reminder of the Stong family legacy
and the 19th century community of Kaiserville which was
centred at the crossroads of Steeles Ave West and Jane Street. |
|
No. 33 Old Yonge Street
(ward 9)
Residence of
Walter Seymour Allward
South Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Arts & Crafts/Craftsman Influenced
Smooth masonry veneer; cedar shake roof; exposed wooden
structure and detailing at the eaves.
Believed to be constructed by Walter Seymour Allward
Originally developed as a studio-home with a wing of living
spaces. Property consists of 2-1/2 storey main house with
L-shaped plan and large coach house. Later alterations
undertaken by Boris Zerafa; house is sited within ravine and
natural setting; Important features -battered buttresses;
exposed rafter ends at eaves; stone detailing i ncluding hearths
and structural pillars at south elevation and sun-burst attic
storey windows. Bearing important testimony to Allward's
occupation is the stone lintel over the studio entrance which
bears the inscription "W - Studio".
Believed to be constructed in 1937.
No. 33 Old Yonge Street was the home of the nationally
acclaimed architectural sculptor Walter Seymour Allward,
born in Toronto 1876. Allward is best known for having been
awarded the commission for the Canadian War memorial on
Vimy Ridge, France, begun in 1924, and consecrated in 1936.
In 1938, he received a parliamentary vote of thanks for his
work on Canada's Vimy Ridge memorial and in 1997, Vimy
Ridge was declared a national historic site. Allward's work can
be seen across the nation taking the form of monuments, busts
and other 3-dimensional figures. The full-length heroic statue
of General Simcoe, 1st Governor of Upper Canada, at Queens
Park was also undertaken by Allward in addition to other
political and military theme monuments in the Province.
The York Mills area was popular for settlement by several
prominent Canadian artists at the beginning of the 20th century. |
|
No. 12 Sunnydene Crescent
(ward 9)
E.H. Watt Residence
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Period (Tudor) Revival
Employs a variety of masonry systems consisting of
variegated limestone and decorative brick veneer. Mock
timber and stucco is also used as architectural treatments. The
roof is a contemporary tile shingle, replacing an earlier slate or
cedar shake roof.
Jocelyn Davidson, Architect
2-1/2 storey residence; symmetrical H-shaped plan with side
extensions and port-cochere; high-pitched cross gables;
limestone cladding with tabbed limestone window surrounds
and mullions; intricately patterned brick infill between mock
timber detailing; windows are leaded casements in multiple
banks; heavily massed chimney stack typical of Tudor Revival
buildings.
Constructed circa 1930
This Period Revival residence was built for E.H. Watt, a stock
broker and president of the firm Watt & Watt Brokers.
This large handsome residence forms a part of the early 20th
century community of Bayview Heights which was initially
developed as a community of estate homes north of today's
Eglinton and Bayview Avenues during the 1920s and 1930s.
Referred to historically as "Millionaires Valley", Bayview
Heights was settled by prominent Toronto citizens, who
constructed some of the most impressive architect-designed
houses to be built in this region.
|
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No. 134 Sandringham Drive
(ward 9)
Penryth/Rogers' Residence
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Period (Tudor) Revival
This stately Tudor house obtains its picturesque architectural
character from a variety of materials such as the variegated
earth-coloured stone; brick veneer, stucco, mock timber and
carved wood. The asphalt roof is contemporary replacement
for what might originally have been Cedar shake or slate.
Unknown.
2-1/2 storey; rectangular asymmetrical massing with angled
garage wing; prominent front-facing cross-gable;
overemphasized chimney base and flu; distinctive integration
of stucco and stone, mock timber and patterned brick;
high-pitched gable roof; banked casement windows; hipped
dormers; cast-stone Tudor-arched recessed entrance;
organically carved frieze above garage doors.
Constructed 1932
Penryth House was built for Thomas Rogers and his wife
Alice H. Historic documents show that Thomas Rogers was
secretary treasurer of the Lake Simcoe Ice & Fuel Company
Ltd. which supplied much of the ice and fuel in the area
required for operating household appliances.
Sited within a residential subdivision of a later date, Penryth
architecturally represents a phase in architectural history
having to do with the renewed interest (internationally) in
historicism and the construction of large architect-designed
houses after the turn-of-the-century. Summit Drive, later
renamed Sandringham Drive, formed a part of the Armour
Heights community - an early planned subdivision of large
houses which did not come to full realization. |
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No. 215 Yonge Boulevard
(ward 9)
Gates of Glenalton/Strathrobyn
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Tudor Influenced
Indiana limestone construction - random ashlar in combination
with cast-stone detailing.
George, Moorhouse & King
Gates consist of stone piers and cast-iron decorative grilles.
The stone piers are elegant and tall structures, divided into the
three distinct sections consisting of plinth, shaft and capital.
The design of the gates are influenced by English medieval
architecture of the 16th century - namely the Jacobean and
Elizabethan periods - discernable by the patterned stone frieze,
crown and cast-iron lantern.
circa 1926
The gates form the original entrance to Strathrobyn House,
later renamed Glenalton by its second owner Mr. A. L.
Ellsworth. Preceding Ellsworth, the property was settled by
Colonel Frederick B. Robins who in 1913 commissioned the
architectural firm of George, Moorhouse and King to design
and supervise the construction of one of the most impressive
Period Revival houses in the North York area. In 1942, the
house was tenanted to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Subsequently, the property was purchased by the Federal
government and now operates as the RCAF college.
Glenalton is linked to the second phase of urban growth in the
York Mills area at the beginning of this century. York Mills
witnessed the construction of many large architect-designed
houses built for members of the Canadian establishment in the
Colonial and Period Revival styles. |
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No. 106 York Mills Road
(ward 9)
The Manse
Historic York Mills Baptist Church
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Ontario Cottage Style
Heavy rubble stone foundation; frame construction with
superimposed contemporary horizontal siding (simulates
original clapboard); roof is of contemporary asphalt shingle.
Presumably constructed by members of the congregation.
1-storey; low-hipped roof; symmetrical distribution of
windows (5-ranked) - all are set within generous amounts of
wall space. Facade is influenced by Ontario Georgian style.
This structure is documented as having a construction date
circa 1850.
This building takes on significance in connection with the
historic York Mills Baptist Church which was built in 1833
and demolished in 1945. This one-storey building replaces an
earlier manse that was built earlier in 1840. In 1832, records
show that 1/2 acre of land was purchased for a chapel/meeting
house, burying ground and a house and garden for the minister.
In 1833 the meeting house was completed and the Chapel
dedicated. The church experienced financial difficulties in
1869 when its membership declined to six persons. It was
known as the "Church of the Six Sisters" - its membership
included Mrs. Eliza Gibson, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Sylvester,
Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Thomas Grey and Miss Jennet Marquis -
all early settlers in the area.
This structure is a testament to the early development and
settlement of the historical community of York Mills. The 19th
century burying grounds still exist and are adjacent to this
building. The manse now functions as a private residence. |
Properties Representing The City's Recent Heritage &
The Modern Movement of Architecture In The North York Region
|
No. 55 Ameer Avenue
(ward 9)
Baycrest Terrace
& Wagman Centre
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Awards:
Age:
Community
Development: |
Modernist - International Style
Reinforced concrete with buff coloured brick veneer
Boignon and Armstrong Architects
The Baycrest Terrace and Wagman Centre represents an
exercise in Modernism incorporating angular forms, extensive
fenestration, patterns of light and shadow and interior spaces
linked to outdoor rooms and green spaces. On the ground
floor, the expression of interior spaces is clearly portrayed in
the light coloured exterior surfaces, reinforcing the public,
social and recreation spaces of the building. The Centre's
facilities include assembly rooms, meeting areas, lounges,
dining rooms, technical support spaces and recreational
spaces. Individual living units for the elderly are simple,
practical spaces - airy and compact.
Received 1977 Canadian Housing Design award.
Constructed in 1976
The design of the "Terrace" represents one of the last
buildings in the North York area to be directly influenced by
20th century Modernism. It was built as an extension of the
Baycrest Hospital complex for elderly individuals requiring
minimal medical supervision and assistance. |
|
Citadel Village
At
Valley Woods Road
(ward 11)
Front Elevation
|
Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Awards:
Age:
Community
Development: |
Modernist - with influence of the International Style.
Concrete, stucco and wood
Tampold and Wells
Citadel Village consists of large blocks of staggered housing
units which have been placed and oriented on their site to
create a pervasive feeling of community through the use of
pathways and courtyards; building edges have undulating
surfaces, individuals units have a distinct identity within a
unified whole; overall planning incorporates natural
topography and features of original landscape; a 6-storey
apartment building is the focus of the site along with crescent
shaped block that is given a colonnade treatment along its
front; layouts are functional designs for living.
Housing Design Council's Award of 1967.
Constructed 1967
The construction of Citadel Village bears testament to North
York's development as a rapidly expanding urban area in the
middle of this century. Suburban areas such as these proved to
be the setting and inspiration for some of the most inventive
housing concepts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. |
|
Canadian Forces Base
Downsview
Plant No. 1
(ward 8)
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development:
Other: |
Functionalist/Industrial
Concrete and brick construction along with steel for roof
structure and fenestration.
Mathers and Haldenby (Structure No. 1)
Plant No. 1 represents an evolution of linked structures
(consisting of 5 additive parts) largely designed for aircraft
assembly-line processes; exterior decoration denotes
importance of interior activities; hangar areas are impressive,
large, light-filled volumes with unsupported cross-braced steel
trusses and were used to accommodate finished aircraft.
Architecturally, this complex is important for its functional
design and for its contribution to the industrial built-form and
setting of Downsview.
Constructed 1929 - 1944 (5 - structures).
Plant No. 1 is significant for its association with the aircraft
industry in Canada and the pioneering stages of aircraft
development at Downsview. It is also important because of its
expanded military role of the aircraft industry during the
Second World War and in postwar domestic aircraft
production.
Plant No. 1 is perhaps the only structure to span the entire
period of de Havilland's production at this location. The
construction of Building No.1 in this complex initiated the
site's change from agricultural lands to an industrial park.
This structure has been Federally designated as a "recognized"
heritage building for architectural and historical reasons. |
|
Canadian Forces Base
Downsview
Plant No. 2
(ward 8)
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development:
Other: |
Functionalist/Industrial
Contemporary materials consisting of concrete, brick and steel
for fenestration and structure.
Unknown
This building is an early example of a large-scale assembly
line plant in Canada illustrating additive design, an unadorned
exterior and the use of contemporary materials. The industrial
purpose is evident in the large roof monitors, extensive
fenestration and large moveable steel doors. Large interior
volumes were employed to accommodate both the aircraft
manufacturing process and the storage of finished aircraft. A
notable feature is the unsupported cross-braced steel trusses.
Constructed 1940
Plant No. 2 is historically significant in connection with the
expansion of the aircraft industry in Canada during the Second
World War and in post-war domestic aircraft production.
Locally, it is significant because it denotes the expansion of
the Downsview manufacturing complex during WW II. The
construction of this building and the growth of the Downsview
complex between 1940 and 1944 expedited the manufacture
and repair of aircraft for wartime use. This massive plant
nearly quintupled de Havilland's manufacturing capacity and
was the single addition to the complex which contributed most
to wartime production.
Plant No. 2 illustrates the remarkable expansion of the de
Havilland and the aircraft industry during the 1940s to the
status of a major component of the Canadian economy.
This structure has been Federally designated as a "recognized"
heritage building for architectural and historical reasons. |
|
Canadian Forces Base
Downsview
Garage No. 55
Base Transportation Garage
(ward 8)
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development:
Other:
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Modernism/International Style - Industrial
Contemporary materials consisting of concrete, brick and steel
for structure, windows and doors.
Not identified
Geometrical massing; three well articulated roof monitors;
linear delineation of facades; regular arrangement of doors and
windows in unbroken planes and absence of ornamentation.
The degree of attention to the design and construction of the
hangar is unusual for a wartime building of this type. Clear
expression of architectural elements such as doors and
prefabricated steel window frames are characteristic of the
Modernist design aesthetic. As a result of its primary
manufacturing purpose, the structure is recognized as differing
above and beyond standard in Second World War hangar
designs (Workshop Bldg. No. 58 is virtually identical).
Constructed circa 1943.
This hangar was constructed as a result of the expansion of the
de Havilland plant during WW II for the manufacture and
repair of aircraft during the war. Garage No. 55 is also
associated with the postwar production of aircraft until 1953,
when the plant was moved and the entire area became a part of
the Canadian Forces Base at Downsview.
This building along with the adjacent Workshop building are
the earliest and largest structures in the eastern portion of the
original de Havilland plant, and they are the sole survivors of a
row of hangars originally located along Sheppard Avenue
West.
This structure has been Federally designated as a "recognized"
heritage building for architectural and historical reasons. |
|
140 Sylvan Valleyway
Bedford Glen
(ward 9)
Front Elevation
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Style:
Construction:
Architect:
Design:
Age:
Awards:
Community
Development: |
Modernist - with influence from the International Style.
Concrete, load-bearing and articulated masonry, cedar shake
and wood detailing.
Annau Architects
This medium density housing development integrates the
contours of its ravine site with that of surrounding residential
neighbourhood. The success of the design results from
sensitivity to the surrounding residential context, respecting
scale, materials and architectural vocabulary of housing in the
area. A focus of the site is the laminated wood pedestrian
bridge that spans over the sunken garden, waterfall and
reflecting pool. The horizontal emphasis of the complex
recalls the character of buildings designed in the International
style and the landscaping embodies the Modernistic principle
which integrates nature and buildings.
Constructed in 1976
Architect Yearbook Award, 1976;
Canadian Housing Design Award 1983.
Bedford Glen is among the early forms of higher density
housing in the North York area which demonstrates a clear
understanding of context, site and urban design issues in the
context of Modernity. |
Historic Burial Grounds
|
Townline Church Cemetery
Kaiserville
(ward 7)
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Front Elevation
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Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Earliest marker recorded dates to 1845
This cemetery comprises two burial grounds and consists of
the Stong Family Burying Ground (Kaiserville) and the
Evangelical Congregation Burying Ground. The legacy of the
Stong Family is associated with the occupation of the lands
known as Lot 25, Concession 4 WYS. Several generations of
the Stong family farmed and cultivated the lands south of
Steeles Avenue between Keele and Jane and Streets from 1816
onwards. A total of 31 markers have been documented and
transcribed. The Kaiser, Hoover, Boynton and Atkinson
Families are among some of well-known families buried at the
grounds.
The burial grounds are associated with the historic community
of Kaiserville which developed near the Black Creek and
centred near the crossroads of today's Steeles Avenue West
and Jane Street. |
|
York Mills Baptist Church
Old Yonge Street/York Mills Road
(ward 9)
Historic Burial Grounds
Front Elevation
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Age:
Historic
Associations:
Community
Development: |
Oldest marker dates to 1839.
The burial grounds take on significance in connection with the
historic York Mills Baptist Church which was built in 1833
and demolished in 1945. The congregation was considered to
be one of the earliest in York County. The lands for the burial
grounds were purchased in 1832 when plans for the
construction of a chapel/meeting house and a house and
garden for the minister were also underway. Some of the
earliest settlers of the area to be remembered in the cemetery
include members of the Bond, Sylvester, Paterson, Rumsey
and Gooderham families.
The historic York Mills Baptist Church burial grounds which
survive on York Mills Road east of Old Yonge Street are a
testament to the early development and settlement of the 19th
century community of York Mills. The church manse, located
beside the grounds, still exists today, but functions as a private
residence. |
Prepared by:Steven Bell, Architectural Historian
October 1, 1998
Culture Division - North York
Heritage Section (Historical Preservation)
Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING HERITAGE PROPERTIES
APPROVED BY NORTH YORK COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 1996
| A)ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE/INTEGRITY - To be considered to be of
architectural value, a building would demonstrate one or more of the
following: |
i)STYLE - Notable, rare, unique or early example of an architectural style, type or convention.
ii)CONSTRUCTION - Notable, rare, unique or early example of a particular material or method
of construction.
iii)ARCHITECT - Designed or built by an architect or builder who has made a significant
contribution to the community, province or nation.
iv)DESIGN - Attractive or unique because of its overall excellence, artistic merit or uniqueness
of design, composition, craftsmanship or details.
v)SITE - Occupies its original site.
vi)ALTERATIONS - Retains most of its original materials and design features; has had little
alteration.
vii)CONDITION -Good structural condition
| B)HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE - A building could be deemed to be of historical
significance if one or more of the following conditions were met: |
i)AGE - Comparatively old within the context of the area.
ii)PERSON(S) - Associated with a person who made a significant contribution to the
community, province or nation.
iii)EVENT - Associated with an event or movement of local, provincial or national
significance.
iv)COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Associated with the history or development of an area.
(This would include structures such as farm and village houses or churches).
v)CONTEXT - Able to illustrate broad patterns of cultural, social, political, military, economic
or agricultural history.
vi)ARCHAEOLOGY - Site is known or thought to be the location of archaeological remains.
| C)CONTEXTUAL IMPORTANCE - A structure is considered to have contextual
importance if one or more of the following apply: |
i)CONTINUITY - Contributes to the continuity or character of the street or neighbourhood.
ii)LANDMARK- A prominent or conspicuous structure that has visual or sentimental value
for the community.
iii)SETTING - Contributes to the identity of a community or landscape.
A:\REPORT1.WPD
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