Toronto Heritage Fund Grant Application -

49 Wellington Street East (Flatiron Building)

 The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations embodied in the following transmittal letter (May 4, 1998) from the Municipal Grants Review Committee:

 Recommendation:

 The Municipal Grants Review Committee on May 4, 1998, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the attached report (April 24, 1998) from the Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board, respecting the Toronto Heritage Fund Grant Application for 49 Wellington Street East (Flatiron Building).

 (Report dated April 24, 1998, addressed to the

Municipal Grants Review Committee from the

Managing Director, Toronto Historical Board)

 Purpose:

 To assist the owner to complete necessary restoration as part of a four year phased restoration project.

 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 Application for 49 Wellington Street East for a sum of up to $25,000.00 dollars be approved;

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

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

 Background:

 The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, was designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law No. 534-75, passed by City Council on November 26, 1975. The property is also subject to an Ontario Heritage Foundation Heritage Easement Agreement, registered on September 9, 1977.

 On February 10, 1998, Michael McClelland on behalf of David Walsh, the property owner, wrote requesting a grant from the Toronto Heritage Fund to assist with a restoration project phased over four years. The proposed work consists of repair and replacement of copper gutters and flashing at the roof, dormers and corner turret. Masonry repointing and brick replacement are also included. The estimated total cost for all phases is $438,500.00. The first phase work totals $57,884.00.

 Comments:

 The owner is undertaking a four-year phased restoration project. The scope of work for the first phase, scheduled to commence this summer, includes roof flashing and masonry conservation concentrated on the corner tower and first 5 meters along the north and south walls.

 This grant application exceeds the $10,000.00 limit which normally requires the owner to enter into a heritage easement agreement with the City. However, as this property is already subject to a provincial heritage easement agreement, staff does not believe a separate City Agreement is needed. A letter of acceptance in principle to the work from the Ontario Heritage Foundation is attached for the record.

Prior to any work taking place, both the Ontario Heritage Foundation and Heritage Toronto staffs will review and approve the detailed specifications. This work is critical to maintaining the distinctive appearance of the corner turret of the building. Staff of Heritage Toronto believes that the high public profile of this landmark building warrants the recommended grant amount for the first phase and expects to look favourably on proposed future phases.

 Contact Name:

 John Blumenson, Toronto Historical Board, Tel: (416) 392-6827, ext. 242/Fax: (416) 392-6834.

 (A copy of the letter of acceptance referred to in the foregoing report is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)