SUBJECT: Report recommending 563 North Shore Boulevard East remain on the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources

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1 Page 1 of Report PB TO: FROM: Development and Infrastructure Committee Planning and Building SUBJECT: Report recommending 563 North Shore Boulevard East remain on the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources Report Number: PB Wards Affected: 1 File Numbers: Date to Committee: December 15, 2014 Date to Council: December 18, 2014 Recommendation: Approve that 563 North Shore Boulevard East remain on the Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources. Purpose: The purpose of this report is to respond to legislated responsibilities under section 27 of Ontario Heritage Act which concerns the keeping of a Municipal Register of heritage properties and to advise Council that the property owner of 563 North Shore Boulevard East has requested that their property be removed from the Municipal Register (as a non-designated property). Further, the report outlines the cultural heritage value of the property and, based on that value, recommends that the property remain on the Municipal Register. It is an important landmark to the community that warrants the interim protection of remaining on the Municipal Register so that it may be fully evaluated if intent to demolish is ever received. Background: Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act requires the clerk of every local municipality to keep a Municipal Register of properties of cultural heritage value or interest situated in the municipality. The register must also include all properties in the municipality that are designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Ontario Heritage Act

2 Page 2 of Report PB also allows municipalities to include properties of cultural heritage value that are not designated. Staff received a request for removal of 563 North Shore Blvd East from the Municipal Register (as a non-designated property) not related to demolition. The subject property was given an A grade when it was evaluated by Heritage Burlington (then called LACAC) in 1997 and later was re-evaluated with the same grade in Discussion: This report outlines the cultural heritage value of the property at 563 North Shore Blvd East. This information reflects the property and its cultural heritage value and provides the rationale for it remaining on the Municipal Register. Property Location:

3 Page 3 of Report PB Air Photo: 2013 Cultural heritage value is based upon the Ontario Regulation 9/06, established under the Ontario Heritage Act. Ontario Regulation 9/06 includes three main criteria: 1) design or physical value; 2) historical or associative value; and 3) contextual value. A property may be recommended for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act if it meets one or more of the criteria. In reference to 553 North Shore Blvd. East, these are described in greater detail below. Design value or physical value: Designed by William Souter, of the important Hamilton architectural firm, Hutton and Souter, 563 North Shore Blvd East was built in 1925 for P.D. Carse and is known as the P.D. Carse Residence. The dwelling is a two-storey Tudor Revival style structure defined by the front elevation with its overhanging upper level projection of brick work with Tudor-style detailing, and the stone decorative elements that reference original Tudor stuccoed frame structures with timber structural and decorative elements.

4 Page 4 of Report PB The windows are multi-paned and grouped in a way that is evocative of the medieval era/tudor style and the front and rear elevations have large projecting gables within the cross-gabled roof. The back elevation, which is the front of the house, has a stone Tudor arch for the entrance way. In short 563 North Shore Blvd E. or the P.D. Carse Residence is a good example in Burlington of a formally designed Tudor Revival structure. North Elevation (facing North Shore) circa 1926 back of house North Elevation (facing North Shore) circa 2013 back of house

5 Page 5 of Report PB Front of house circa 2014 Historical or associative Value: The property is significant based on its association with the architect, William Russell Souter, of the Hutton and Souter architectural firm. William Souter was a prominent architect that began in the firm of Mills and Hutton in He rose within the firm and later created a partnership with Gordon J. Hutton, forming the firm of Hutton and Souter in Souter was a master of the Tudor Revival style and the firm gained prominence when it received the medal of distinction from the Pope Pius XI in Rome for Souter s neo-gothic design for the Christ the King Roman Catholic Basilica in Hamilton. The property also appears to be originally part of Plan 614, Inglehaven survey, registered by W.D. Flatt in The house was featured in the July, 1926 issue of Canadian Homes and Gardens, a magazine published from 1925 to 1962, which targeted urban readers from the uppermiddle class and presented forward-thinking designs and styles. The images within Canadian Homes and Gardens reveal that the structure was larger than it is today and that it was situated on a rise of land that originally extended to Burlington Bay. The properties gardens highlighted in the Canadian Homes and Gardens article about 563 North Shore Boulevard East were constructed with stones that were brought from Waterdown, which suggests the participation of, and association with W.D. Flatt's brother, who was road buillder.

6 Page 6 of Report PB Its associative value also lies in it being within W.D. Flatt s Inglehaven survey which opened up the North Shore Boulevard. The firm Hutton and Souter are known to have designed three buildings in Burlington: the subject building; the Hutton House at 217 Hart Avenue; and 585 North Shore Blvd East. All buildings were constructed in However, of the three, only 563 North Shore Boulevard East remains. Its significance is further supported by the fact that it is the only Hutton and Souter designed building remaining in the city. Contextual Value: The property s contextual significance relates to its association with the W.D. Flatt Inglehaven survey, its role in establishing the high degree of architectural craftsmanship of homes built along North Shore Boulevard as well as its location and siting relative to Burlington Bay. The lot is thought to have originally extended to the shore of the Bay and the 1926 Canadian Homes and Gardens article states: The stones for the Carse garden were brought from Waterdown Mountain, some weighing as much as five tones. The result is a naturalistic setting of the greatest richness and variety. Evergreens, poplar and willows play a large part in the landscape development of the estate, while fruit trees overhang the pondsh Although lots have been severed from the original property, the grounds are still impressive and complement the dwelling. Together the structure and its lands set the standard of high quality development that was to occur along the North Shore Boulevard. Heritage Attributes: Tudor Revival architectural style Front and rear elevations with projecting gables with front elevation projections with Tudor-style detailing Stone decorative elements evocative of Tudor stuccoed frame structures with timber and structural and decorative elements Tudor style arched entranceway on the south elevation or front of house Multi-paned windows grouped to provide a medieval effect Provincial Legislation The recommendation to retain 563 North Shore Boulevard East on the Municipal Register is consistent with regulation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Act enables municipalities to identify and conserve significant cultural heritage resources and

7 Page 7 of Report PB Ontario Regulation 9/06 assists municipalities in identifying places that have cultural heritage value at the local level. Ontario Regulation 9/06 Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest In assessing a property s relative cultural heritage value, staff refers to the Ontario Heritage Act s Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest Ontario Regulation 9/06 that outlines three main categories of cultural heritage value, and which are further divided into subcategories. 1. Design or physical value: i. is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method, ii. displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit, or iii. demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement. 2. Historical value or associative value: i. has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community, ii. yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture, or iii. demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community. 3. Contextual value because it, i. is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area, ii. is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings, or iii. is a landmark. The purpose of the Ontario Regulation 9/06 is to provide an objective base for the determination and evaluation of resources of cultural heritage value. The criteria are essentially a test against which properties can be judged; the stronger the characteristics of the property compared to the standard, the greater the property s cultural heritage value. A property need only meet one of the three main criteria of the Ontario Regulation 9/06 in order to be designated under Part IV of Act. 563 North Shore Boulevard meets all the tests with its significant design and physical, historical or associative and contextual value. Heritage Burlington and city staff therefore recommend that the property remain on the Municipal Register.

8 Page 8 of Report PB Strategy/Process Upon receiving a request for removal from the Municipal Register without submission of a demolition permit or intention, an interim evaluation is triggered. The purpose of this interim evaluation is to review and confirm existing information and test the criteria set out in Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The interim evaluation was conducted by a volunteer committee member of Heritage Burlington, the city s Citizens Advisory Committee on heritage matters. Staff also reviewed the property. The property owner did not consent to allow access to the property, thus the evaluation was conducted from the road s edge using archival photographs. The scope of the evaluation was adequate to determine that the property had sufficient merit to remain on the Municipal Register as a property of interest to the city. Options Considered The subject property is included on the Municipal Register as a non-designated property. Council has two options in dealing with this request for removal from the register: i. Retain the property on the Municipal Register as it is a property of cultural heritage value or interest as per Ontario Regulation 9/06 under the Ontario Heritage Act; or ii. Remove the property from the Municipal Register. Heritage Burlington and staff recommend that 563 North Shore Blvd East remain on the Municipal Register as the property has significant cultural heritage value to warrant its inclusion on the Municipal Register. The data and documentation clearly outline and accurately reflect the cultural heritage value as per Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act of 563 North Shore Blvd East, and therefore support its continued inclusion on the Municipal Register. Financial Matters: There are no financial matters arising from staff s recommendation. Environmental Matters: There are no environmental matters arising from staff s recommendation.

9 Page 9 of Report PB Public Engagement Matters: There was no public engagement associated with the evaluation of the property. However, the property owner was contacted prior to the start of the evaluation process. Staff requested an opportunity to enter the private property on behalf of the Heritage Burlington Committee member and for staff to have an opportunity to review the building without visual impediments such as trees and walls. The property owner declined this request. Conclusion: Staff s recommendation is that based on the cultural heritage value of 563 North Shore Boulevard East, the property s inclusion on the Municipal Register is justified. Staff recommend it remain on the register as it is a rare surviving example of the work of prominent architect, William Russell Souter, of the Hamilton architectural firm of Hutton and Souter, and of Souter s Tudor Revival-style structures in Burlington. The Official Plan, Part II section 8.1 states Cultural resources of significant cultural heritage value shall be identified and conserved. As such, retaining 563 North Shore Boulevard on the Municipal Register supports the first principle in the city s Official Plan policies on cultural heritage resources, as the property has cultural heritage value as per Ontario Regulation 9/06 under the Ontario Heritage Act and deserves interim protection so that it may be fully evaluated if intent to demolish is received in the future. Respectfully submitted, Jenna Puletto, Planner II Heritage and Development , ext Appendices: a. Heritage Burlington s comments on 563 North Shore Blvd. E.

10 Page 10 of Report PB Notifications: (after Council decision) Name: Property Owner Heritage Burlington Mailing or Address: Planning to Provide Jim Clemens, C/O Clerks Approved by: Bruce Krushelnicki, Director of Planning and Building Nancy Shea Nicol, Director of Legal Services & City Solicitor Scott Stewart, General Manager of Dev. and Infrastructure Pat Moyle, Interim City Manager Reviewed by:

11 Page 11 of Report PB Appendix A: Heritage Burlington comments North Shore Blvd. E. Date: November 3, 2014 Subject: Heritage Burlington Comments regarding 563 North Shore Blvd (Plan 272, Lot 3,4) Long Vue : The P.D. Carse Residence This property is: Designated On the Municipal Register Yes In the Inventory previously graded: A B C D Is there a description of this property on the City of Burlington Directory of Heritage resources? YES NO Property Description: Municipal Address: 563 North Shore Blvd East (also known as North Shore Blvd East) Year built: 1925 Building use: Residential Architectural description: Opulent 2 storey Tudor. Both front and rear elevations have large projecting gables at each side, but the front elevation has overhanging upper level projections with Tudor-style detailing. The brick structure has stone decorative elements which allude to the original Tudor stuccoed frame structures with timber structural and decorative elements. The multi-paned windows are grouped for a further medieval effect. The front elevation has a gabled projection incorporating the entrance portico.

12 Page 12 of Report PB Circa 1926 North Elevation (facing North Shore) actually back of house Circa 2013 (facing North Shore) back of house

13 Page 13 of Report PB Front of house Aerial view c.2013

14 Page 14 of Report PB Character-defining elements (exterior): Both front and rear elevations have large projecting gables at each side, but the front elevation has overhanging upper level projections with Tudor-style detailing. The brick structure has stone decorative elements which allude to the original Tudor stuccoed frame structures with timber structural and decorative elements. The multi-paned windows are grouped for a further medieval effect. The front elevation has a gabled projection incorporating the entrance portico. Very well maintained. The east wing now appears to be reduced from two-and-ahalf storeys to one-and-a-half. The original solarium appears to have been renovated or replaced. We were unable to access the grounds to view the house in close proximity, so have relied upon public images, including those on Realtor.ca. Historical Value: Designed by William Souter, of the well-known Hamilton architectural firm, Hutton & Souter, in 1925 for P. D. Carse, this house was featured in the July 1926 issue of Canadian Homes and Gardens. This property is significant based on its association with WD Flatt (Inglehaven Survey development) and Hutton and Souter (Hamilton). The firm Hutton and Souter are known to have designed 3 buildings in Burlington: the subject building 563 North Shore Blvd E, the Hutton House at 217 Hart Avenue, and 585 North Shore Blvd East. All buildings were constructed in (ref: 585 North Shore Blvd E was demolished in 2008 to accommodate a larger private residence.

15 Page 15 of Report PB Hart Ave is no longer on the Municipal Register. The original 2 nd floor of 217 Hart Av was destroyed by fire in January 2008, and there was extensive water damage to the rest of the home as well. (ref: As such, this home at 563 North Shore is the only remaining intact Hutton and Souter building in Burlington.

16 Page 16 of Report PB Contextual Value: The property s contextual significance pertains to its role in the development of the Inglehaven survey; it s relationship to the no-longer existing 585 North Shore and the Hutton House at 217 Hart Avenue; and its location and siting relative to Burlington Bay and North Shore Boulevard East. The lot is thought to have originally extended to the Lake. The PD Carse residence is thought to have set the architectural tone for the development of North Shore Blvd East. This tone was reinforced through subsequent developments, including the construction of the Green House in 1929 at 682 North Shore Blvd East. (ref: According to the Canadian Homes and Gardens feature in 1926, the stones for the Carse gardens were brought from Waterdown Mountain, some weighing as much as five tons. The result is a naturalistic setting of the greatest richness and variety. The stones from Waterdown suggest the participation of WD Flatt's brother, the roadmaker. Proposal: To be removed from Municipal Register Suggestions: The property should remain on the Register, based on the information at hand. Submitted by: Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee Member Wendy Starr