Historic Resources Inventory Evaluation Form

Transcription

1 Historic Resources Inventory Evaluation Form Evaluation Date September 12, 2017 Community District Downtown Designation Grade 2 The place should be rated for each of the criteria below, in order to establish its relative significance. This will determine if the place merits inclusion on the Medicine Hat Historic Resources Inventory, or not, and whether it is Grade 2 (Moderate/High Heritage Significance) or Grade 1 (Exceptional/Outstanding Heritage Significance). Site Name(s): Corona Hotel Municipal Address: Street SE Architectural Style: Classical Revival Legal: 1491;36;13-15 Date of Construction: 1912 Architect: William T. Williams (hotel and theatre) Site Area: ha Builder: Morton Fulton (hotel), William R. Penland (theatre) Consultant(s): Donald Luxton & Associates Heritage Planner: City of Medicine Hat Evaluation Date: Y 2017 M 09 D 12 1

2 Statement of Significance Site Name Corona Hotel Site Name: Corona Hotel Municipal Address: Street SE Description of Historic Place The three-storey brick Corona Hotel building is located roughly mid-block on 5 th Street SE between North Railway Street and Maple Avenue SE in Medicine Hat s historic downtown centre. The rectangular-plan building, located east of the city s railway tracks and historic train station, is identifiable by its red brick exterior with horizontal concrete banding, single and double assembly window openings, parapet with stepped central and corner sections, split brick pilasters separating storefront structural bays, and fullheight storefront windows with glass block spanning the front façade. A one-storey section runs the length of the building on the laneway (west) façade. Heritage Value of Historic Place The Corona Hotel, constructed in 1912, is symbolic of a period of rapid development in Medicine Hat during the Edwardian era, prior to the First World War, and is reflective of the increased demand for short and long-term accommodation during this explosive period of growth. Prior to the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1883, the land on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River that would become present-day Medicine Hat, was largely devoid of non-indigenous peoples. A few intrepid explorers and trappers had traversed the landscape in the late 19 th century; however, it was not until the arrival of the railway, that settlement began in earnest. The CPR s construction of rail yards and a station, and later establishment in 1903, as a divisional point for the railway, further propelled development in the prairie community. The railway line served as the centre point from which development radiated out. Boosters promoted the region s available land and abundant natural gas and clay deposits throughout Europe and eastern Canada to attract immigrants to southern Alberta. The available natural resources, combined with Medicine Hat s positioning on the railway in addition to incentives offered by the city, also made it highly attractive to manufacturing industries that required high temperatures for production. The work force required by the factories and associated commercial developments, drew people to the city, who in-turn required short and long-term accommodations. The city underwent a boom in the construction of single and multi-family dwellings and hotels in the Edwardian period. Hotels served as a point of entry for newcomers, providing both short and long-term lodging. The Corona Hotel s positioning half a block east of the CPR Station made it highly attractive to settlers arriving to the city. Construction of the Corona Hotel was commissioned by owners, William Reid Penland ( ) and William Henry Babb ( ). Penland arrived in Medicine Hat in one of the city s early pioneers. He worked in the mining industry in California and Montana before coming to Alberta where he established a real estate business. Penland went into partnership with W.H. Babb in Babb came to Canada in 1902 from Oregon, initially acquiring Cold Springs Ranch, before going into the hotel business with Penland. The pair s Corona Hotel when completed in 1912 consisted of 40 hotel rooms, a poolroom, and a café and grille. The same year the hotel permit was obtained, a permit for an addition of an opera house (for theatre and film) and rooms to the east façade of the hotel was acquired; the addition was completed in Unfortunately, Babb was killed in a car accident in May 1912, preventing him from seeing the completion of the opera house. The partnership of Penland and Babb was dissolved in In 1917, J.T. Bergman ( ) acquired the hotel. The Corona Hotel is further valued as a notable example of a Classical Revival style hotel constructed using locally sourced materials and as one of the few remaining historic hotels in Medicine Hat s 2

3 downtown. Prominent local architect William T. Williams designed the hotel and the later opera house. Williams, who designed a range of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in Medicine Hat, designed the Corona Hotel in the Classical Revival style. This style of architecture was popular in the Edwardian era for its ability to convey a sense of permanence, wealth, and security through its form, materials, and detailing. Classical Revival architecture was derived from Greek and Roman precedents and characterized by balanced symmetrical designs with prominent cornices, pediments, porticos, and was typically built of masonry construction. The Corona Hotel references this style of architecture through its commanding scale, masonry construction of brick and concrete, banding elements, full-height storefront, and numerous windows that punctuate the building s facades permitting an abundance of light to penetrate the interior rooms. The hotel was constructed by the local contracting firm of Morton Fulton for a value of $75,000, and the later addition of the opera house was built by W.R. Penland for the cost of $35,000. The Corona Hotel is also significant for its connection with Medicine Hat hotel mogul, George Cantalini, owner and hotel mogul in Medicine Hat. George Cantalini ( ) immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1904, settling in Lille, Alberta. In his homeland his family were wine and liquor merchants, although, like most immigrants, he had to seek another profession. He gained employment in the coal mines near Blairmore; however, he would only work briefly in the mines before taking a position first with the Cross liquor store in Blairmore, then Fernie Brewery store in Frank and later as an agent with Sick s Lethbridge Brewery in He came to Medicine Hat that same year. Cantalini continued to work for Sick s until 1922, when he purchased the Corona Hotel from J.T. Bergman. This purchase was the start of Cantalini s hotel empire. He would later acquire the Assiniboia Hotel (1931), the Royal Hotel (1934), and the Cosmopolitan Hotel (1944), which would become the headquarters of Cantalini Hotels. Following the destruction by fire of the Assiniboia, he purchased the Huckvale Block (1946), which he converted to a hotel in It was during Cantalini s ownership that the Corona Hotel underwent significant alterations, including the opera house being converted to a bowling alley Bowladrome in 1941 and the restaurant Walnut Room undergoing extensive remodeling in Cantalini passed away in 1962; however, his family retained ownership of the Corona Hotel until circa The Corona Hotel is additionally valued as a landmark in Medicine Hat s historic commercial downtown as one of a few remaining early hotels. Its siting, design, and detailing make it a highly distinct historic building in the city. Character-Defining Elements The key character-defining elements of the Corona Hotel include but are not limited to its: - location roughly mid-block on 5 th Street SE between North Railway Street and Maple Avenue SE in Medicine Hat s historic downtown centre; - positioning at the property line with no setback from the street, spanning multiple lots with laneways at the side and rear of property; - form, scale, and massing as expressed by its: overall rectangular plan; three-storey height with one-storey portion on the southwest façade; flat roof with parapet; - masonry construction including: red brick laid in common bond with grey mortar; public façades (north and west) with red faced brick laid in running bond with grey mortar; concrete parapet caps, sills, and sill bands; buff brick on public façade of parapet; segmented arch brick lintels; - Classical Revival-style details including: symmetrical form; structural bays separated by split brick pilasters; remnants of pressed tin cornices; decorative brick relief around second floor front façade windows; full-height storefront; - fenestration such as: double assembly rectangular window openings; single assembly rectangular window openings; large rectangular storefront openings; single door with transom; and - additional elements including internal brick chimneys with concrete caps. 3

4 Historic Images William Reid Penland, unknown date (Ancestry.com). Corona Hotel with Opera House and rooftop sign, 1913 (Esplanade Archives). 4

5 Postcard of the Corona Hotel, circa 1913 (Esplanade Arcives) Corona Hotel with later one-storey addition on east façade and painted signband. Rooftop sign is gone. Circa 1930 (Esplanade Archives). 5

6 Hotel with new rooftop sign and theatre entry filled in, 1954 (Esplanade Archives). 6

7 Corona Hotel lounge, circa 1965 (Esplanade Archives). Alf Cantalini with Corona Hotel staff, unknown date (Esplanade Archives). 7

8 George Cantalini, 1955 (Esplanade Archives). Corona Hotel, 1979 (Alberta Heritage Survey). 8

9 Ceiling height of former Opera House dropped, 1979 (Alberta Heritage Survey 79-R ). Additional Images Corona Hotel showing reworked parapet. Opera House addition, cornices, windows have all be removed. Glass block installed in storefront windows, (DLA 2017). 9

10 East façade with windows replaced and/or boarded over. Internal chimney evident. (DLA 2017). Single assembly window opening with segmented arch brick lintel and concrete sill. Door with transom and brick arched lintel. Brick in common bond, (DLA 2017). 10

11 Rear façade with fenestration removed and fire exit, (DLA 2017). One-storey section from time of construction. Note window opening resized and sashes replaced with glass block. Original door openings resized and doors replaced, (DLA 2017). 11

12 Painted signband on west façade. Red brick in common bond. Remnant of tin rooftop cornice and slots for removed section of cornice evident, (DLA 2017). 12

13 Statement of Integrity Site Name Corona Hotel Values Summary: The Corona Hotel, constructed in 1912, is symbolic of a period of rapid development in Medicine Hat during the Edwardian era, prior to the First World War, and is reflective of the increased demand for short and long-term accommodation during this explosive period of growth (Theme Value Town Development in Medicine Hat). The Corona Hotel is further valued as a notable example of a Classical Revival style hotel constructed using locally sourced materials and as one of the few remaining historic hotels in Medicine Hat s downtown (Theme Value Built in Medicine Hat). The Corona Hotel is also significant for its connection with Medicine Hat hotel mogul, George Cantalini, owner and hotel mogul in Medicine Hat (People Value). The Corona Hotel is additionally valued as a landmark in Medicine Hat s historic commercial downtown as one of a few remaining early hotels. Its siting, design, and detailing make it a highly distinct historic building in the city (Landmark Value). Period of Significance: 1910s Chronology of Alterations: 1913 Electric sign replaced Grill room and café added Fire exits added to building s second and third floor. Painted signband added to west façade. One-storey addition to west façade of building Rooftop sign altered 1940 Front entry of theatre altered 1941 Bowladrome alterations Windows on one-storey section (east façade) bricked in. Two windows on main floor front façade switched to glass block. Roof parapet altered Remodeling (kitchen and dining room) 13

14 1964 Renovations to beverage room 1965 Neon sign added to laneway beside (north façade) building 1968 General renovations 1972 Drop ceilings and wall panelling added 1979-present Tin cornices removed. Windows boarded over. Storefront and west façade (one-storey section) are changed to glass block. Post 1983 Rooftop and storefront tin cornice removed One-storey bowling addition demolished, storefront windows replaced with glass block 1990 Former opera house demolished Aspects of Integrity 1. LOCATION Yes No N/A Location is the place where an historic resource was constructed or the site where an historic activity or event occurred. 2. DESIGN Yes No N/A Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure and style of a resource. 3. ENVIRONMENT Yes No N/A Environment is the physical setting of an historic resource. Whereas location refers to a specific place, environment refers to the character of the place in which a resource played its historic role. 4. MATERIALS Yes No N/A Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period(s) or time frame and in a particular pattern or configuration to form an historic resource. 5. WORKMANSHIP Yes No N/A Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history. It is important because it can provide information about technological practices and aesthetic principles. 6. ASSOCIATION Yes No N/A Association is a direct link between an historic resource and a significant historical theme, activity or event, or an institution or person. 14

15 Statement of Integrity: The Corona Hotel maintains all the aspects of integrity necessary for it to convey its significance/heritage value. The building s original form, scale, and massing are largely intact. A range of original materials are intact; however, the original fenestration and cornices have been removed, parapet and storefronts reconfigured, and windows replaced. A highly significant alteration was the removal of the three-storey addition that housed the former opera house and Bowladrome. - Foundation: The foundation was not clearly visible to assess its construction and/or condition. - Cladding: The exterior brick is in fair condition. Damaged and missing bricks are present. Mortar loss, past unsympathetic repairs, and efflorescence are present on all façades. Concrete parapet cap deteriorated with cracked, chipped units. - Roof: Could not be accessed to assess present condition. - Roof elements: Gutters and downspouts present and functioning. Parapet has been significantly altered from its original design and the tin roof cornice has been removed. Portion of cornice still intact shows signs of corrosion and loosening of anchors. Paint failure is also present on the cornice remnant. - Windows: Windows have been boarded over, glass block installed, or windows replaced. The opening size has been maintained. Sills and lintels are intact. - Doors: Original location of the doors and their configuration of a single door with transom are intact. The doors and transoms have been replaced. Some upper floor doors have been filled in with brick. - Chimney: Internal brick chimneys are intact. - Alterations: The addition that housed the opera house has been removed. The original parapet with open balustrade sections has been removed and the parapet reworked. The rooftop tin cornice has been partially removed. The storefront cornice has been removed and the storefront windows filled with glass block. All windows and doors have been replaced. Awnings have been installed over the doors on the front façade. 15

16 CRITERIA Statement of Criteria 1. The place is closely and meaningfully associated with one or more themes, events, periods of time, or cultural traditions considered important in the history of Medicine Hat. (Historic) 2. The place is strongly associated with the life or work of a person, group of persons, or institution(s) of importance in Medicine Hat s history. (Historic) 3. The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or represents an important creative achievement in design, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, construction, materials, or technology. (Aesthetic, Architectural, Technical) 4. The community, or a social or cultural group within the community, is deeply attached to the place for social, cultural, or spiritual reasons. (Social, Cultural, Spiritual) 5. The place, by virtue of its location, its symbolism, or some other element, serves to communicate the heritage of Medicine Hat to a broad audience. (Landmark, Symbolism) 6. The place could yield important information that will contribute to the understanding of Medicine Hat s past. (Scientific, Educational) 7. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Medicine Hat s cultural history. (Historic, Rarity) 8. The place is important in the historic urban development of the neighbourhood or city. (Context, Landscape, Urban Context, Group Value) Site Name: Corona Hotel Level of Heritage Significance N/A Low Moderate High Based on the above criteria, does the place merit inclusion on the Historic Resources Inventory? (at least 1 High or 4 Moderate ) Does the place possess exceptional/outstanding qualities for any of the criteria listed above? If yes, explain: No No (result GRADE 2) Yes Yes (result GRADE 1) Does the place retain sufficient integrity to convey significance? If not, the place will not qualify. No Yes FINAL EVALUATION Date Approved by Heritage Resources Committee: September 12, 2017 GRADE 2 GRADE 1 16