Peter Wokral, Senior Heritage Planner II, provided an introduction, advising that this item is related to the proposed demolition of a vacant commercial building located at 147A Main Street. Mr. Wokral advised that the subject property is located within the Unionville Heritage Conservation District as a Class A building but noted that upon further physical inspection of the building, it was apparent that most if not all of the original 19th century building was replaced after a fire in the late 1950s. Mr. Wokral advised that the current proposal includes the demolition of the existing building, following which, a new building of the same dimensions, footprint with an additional covered deck/patio would be constructed. Mr. Wokral advised that Heritage Section Staff have no objection to the proposal subject to some minor changes to the proposed design features such as window treatments, and recommended delegation of future variances of the subject property to Heritage Section Staff.
Doug Denby, Deputant, shared historical images of Unionville, including an advertisement and image from the original taxidermy shop on the subject site. Mr. Denby noted that the Tudor treatment of the replacement building in the late 1950s was likely considered appropriate for the area. He also noted his concern related to the extent of change that was being proposed for Unionville and the impact on the area’s character.
Evelin Ellison, Deputant, expressed the importance of recognizing the history of the property and suggested that a plaque be placed on the site to commemorate the former uses of the current and former building.
The Committee members provided the following feedback:
- Inquired as to the suggestion that the building on the site is not original and asked for the date of reconstruction. Mr. Wokral advised that the floor joists and structure of the current building are not representative of 19th Century construction, leading Heritage Section Staff to believe the building not to be the original. Mr. Denby provided a brief history of past ownership of the building.
- Suggested that wheelchair accessibility be included in the plan.
- Suggested the removal of shutters from the proposed design and questioned the larger expanse of glass windows on the front elevation.
- Inquired as to the proposed metal roof. Mr. Wokral confirmed that metal roofs are not permitted within the Unionville Heritage Conservation District plan and advised that a standard asphalt roof would be recommended.