Summary of Heritage Input

Transcription

1 Summary of Heritage Input Commonwealth is providing services to the City of Ottawa, as heritage expert in the Lansdowne Revitalization project recognizing not only that Lansdowne accommodates designated heritage buildings, but that it very much is a historical place that played significantly in the growth of Ottawa. The initial task for Commonwealth was to prepare a background report chronicling the history of the site. This brief included notional directions for use by the 5 design teams for the Urban Park Design Competition as well as the OSEG design team. Since the submission of this document, Commonwealth has been providing advice and guidance to the OSEG team related to heritage considerations and assessing impacts of proposed new development to ensure new development would capitalize on reflecting the history of place in addition to respecting and appropriately accommodating Lansdowne s heritage resources. Part of this also involved developing a code for heritage supporting the Lansdowne Strategic Design Review and Advisory Panel in undertaking their third party peer review of the OSEG development proposal. The following identifies and summarizes the work that Commonwealth is currently undertaking for the City for the revitalization of Lansdowne Park. This work includes: Determination of Commemorative Significance, Undertaking a Heritage Impact Assessment to support required heritage approvals, Documenting assessments of the Advantages/ Disadvantages in moving the Horticulture Building Assessing the Technical Feasibility of Moving the Horticulture Building, Liaison with Heritage Agencies, and Preparation of an Interpretive Strategy/Plan Determining Significance of Lansdowne Park Prior to undertaking a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), Commonwealth is preparing a statement of significance for Lansdowne Park as a distinct cultural landscape and to answer the question - what makes it significant. A chronology documenting the history of site has been prepared that is the basis for making these determinations. The (HIA) will build on the chronology and the heritage code. The significance of Lansdowne Park as a cultural landscape very much draws from the significant role of Lansdowne as a regional centre piece, in shaping its neighbourhood, as a development impetus for Bank Street, as an early terminus to Elgin Street and as a major node along a greenway system linked by water (the Rideau Canal) and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway (QED) both are intimately linked to Lansdowne Park and all three are defining heritage elements of the fabric of Ottawa with the Rideau Canal also being distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The analysis of overall pattern of planned landscape and evolved features provides a clear, legible framework distinguishable from the surrounding urban grid. These roles define the property s commemorative significance. Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is being prepared to evaluate the impact the proposed development (OSEG and Urban Park) will have on the cultural heritage resource(s) and recommend an overall approach to the conservation of the resource(s). It is intended to focus on the overall property as well as the various resources. This assessment will be completed in draft

2 once a decision on the winning urban park design has been made and some determination of the integration elements between the OSEG plans and the winning urban park plan have been identified. Once council makes a decision on the LPP which will identify the heritage approvals that will be required, the (HIA) will be finalized to allow formal heritage approvals to be sought. The (HIA) is based on an understanding of the significance and heritage attributes of the resource(s), identifying any impact the proposed development will have on the resource(s), considering mitigation options, and recommending a conservation strategy that best conserves the resource(s) within the context of the proposed development. The conservation strategy for Lansdowne will apply conservation principles, describe the conservation work, and recommend methods to avoid or mitigate negative impacts to the cultural heritage resource(s). The conservation strategy recommendations will inform decisions and direct the Conservation Plan. The potential of impacting archaeological resources will be addressed as part of an Archaeological Assessment. The rationale for the requirement to provide an (HIA) arises from: the Ontario Heritage Act; Section 2(d) of the Planning Act; Section of the Provincial Policy Statement (2005); and Section 4.6, Policies 4.6.1, 4.62, of the City of Ottawa Official Plan. The Horticulture Building Making a determination on the future of the Horticulture Building has been a key element of the work undertaken to date and will continue based on the decisions made by Council on the LPP. Determinations made to date related to the Horticultural Building are based on the historic significance of the building, an analysis of history of place, the impact of new development as options were being examined by OSEG, character defining elements and the benefits to Lansdowne as a whole and the wider community. A number of options for dealing with the building were looked at before the decision was taken to pursue having it relocated. The retention of only the front façade was discussed and ruled inappropriate. Retaining the building in place was initially considered the best approach from a heritage perspective. Like the Aberdeen Pavilion, the Horticulture Building is designed as a purpose built standalone pavilion, accessible from all sides, with a large exhibition space for public use. These character defining features provide direction for a consistent conservation approach; one that reconciles conservation with economic sustainability, and public policy objectives. Through the assessments undertaken through a collaborative process between the HBC team and Commonwealth, a determination was made that heritage values should be weighed, against other consideration including public and development interests. The relocation option for the Horticulture Building was considered to be the most respectful of the building and was determined to be the best solution for the revitalization of Lansdowne. The benefits outweighed the unavoidable harm to the heritage values with moving the building. The following summarizes the basis for this determination: Retention In-situ would result in:

3 Maintaining heritage integrity of place and confirmation of the City designation under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The building being located amongst the new mixed-use development needing to meet the program objectives for an urban mixed-use precinct. Requiring extensive upgrading to meet commercial/retail standards, an aggressive pass through requirement and potentially subdividing into multiple tenants. The building losing its pavilion character and ability to be animated on all sides and the opportunity to serve a public use. The building becoming overwhelmed and its prominence diminished as a result of the new development. Only a portion of the facade being highly visible as a defining element of Lansdowne. The use of the building becoming more focused on supporting the commercial elements of the mixed-use development and losing its function as a public building. The important character defining relationship of the Building with the Aberdeen Pavilion as two public buildings forming a shared forecourt being significantly changed as a result of the new development program. A development requirement that would necessitate temporary relocation of the building - lifted and moved while the underground parking is excavated and then moving it back. Relocation to a location east of the Aberdeen Pavilion that mirrors its current location would result in: Loss of heritage integrity of place but continued confirmation of the City designation under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act and the City of Ottawa Official Plan as provided for policy 3. The OHT acknowledging the City s intention to move the building on to easement lands as defined in the 1983 OHT Easement Agreement as Part 2, establishing three views sheds focusing on the Aberdeen Pavilion. The OHT making the necessary adjustments to the easement Agreement. The building retaining its pavilion character with potential to be animated and activated on all its sides. The building, with the Aberdeen pavilion, defining the edge of the urban park and placing the urban park in a historical context defined by the Rideau Canal. The Aberdeen Pavilion, Horticulture Building and the Stadium Complex creating a backdrop stage for a dynamic public place and providing for a compelling reflection of the history of Lansdowne Park. Re-establishing a unique urban square in front of both the Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticulture Building allowing the two buildings to continue to speak to each other in a location where the legibility and visual prominence of that historical relationship is significantly enhanced. The building remaining a public building that would be positioned to be used in a way that reflects its public nature and historical use and namesake by possibly accommodating uses associated with the farmers market. The building standing proud as its own building that would become a highly visible element for Lansdowne with its re-orientation to the Canal. The building supporting having Lansdowne refocused to embrace and be integrated with the canal environment. The requirement to move the building only once. Assessing Technical feasibility of Moving the Horticulture Building

4 Prior to relocation, the heritage fabric of the building must be fully documented. Prior to its relocation an assessment of the building s structural integrity must be undertaken and documented. All pre-move-work necessary to protect structural integrity must conform to best conservation practices to avoid damaging and/or destroying heritage fabric. Prior to relocating a determination that the new location does not interfere with OHT sight lines. A methodology set out and approved outlining the steps necessary for the move. The building to be relocated to the east of the Aberdeen in a way that mirrors its current location west of the Aberdeen. Every effort must be made to move the building in one piece to ensure the integrity of the heritage fabric of the building is retained. A conservation strategy and reuse options should be set out for approval. The front portion of the Horticulture Building is to be restored to its original condition and the rear section rehabilitated. Interventions to accommodate new uses and to provide pass through and access is to be developed as part of a conservation strategy respectful of the building fabric and character defining features. The relocated building must accommodate uses that are public in nature and that will relate to the urban park area and/or the farmers market. As part of the buildings conservation, every effort must be made to retain the original volume and exhibition qualities of the interior. Liaison A significant aspect in undertaking an (HIA) for Lansdowne is the liaison with a number of agencies, including Parks Canada, the National Capital Commission, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the City of Ottawa. As well, Commonwealth is working with various other consultant teams (engineers, movers) in undertaking the work to assess the technical feasibility and requirements for having the Horticulture Building moved. All have a vested interest in the property and all are committed to and support the protection of the heritage values at Lansdowne Park. Their interest relates to the potential impact of the proposed redevelopment project on the Rideau Canal (a World Heritage Site adjacent the site) as well as the Aberdeen Pavilion a National Historic Site of Canada. Both the Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticultural Building are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Aberdeen Pavilion was designated as a National Historic Site in 1983 and was restored by the City of Ottawa with funding from both the federal and provincial governments. As a result of these financial contributions agreements were signed with Parks Canada and the Ontario Heritage Trust. These agreements include an approval process that must be followed. The campaign to preserve the Aberdeen Pavilion was a dramatic exception to the downgrading and neglect exhibited to Lansdowne in more recent times. A Heritage Easement between the OHT and the City was signed outlining the responsibilities of the City with regard to the Aberdeen Pavilion and identifies site lines, including a view corridor from Bank Street and three view-sheds from the Driveway with restricted potential for redevelopment. As part of the outcome of Council s decision on the LPP, it is expected that formal, heritage approvals will be required from the City of Ottawa, Parks Canada, and the Ontario Heritage Trust for any changes to building fabric and for potential new uses for the Aberdeen Pavilion. Heritage easements were established as a component of the Aberdeen Pavilion restoration to reflect conditions and characteristics in place at Lansdowne at that time. They define two parts of the property: Part 1 right-of-way extending from Bank Street to the Aberdeen Pavilion and around it; and Part 2

5 establishing viewsheds from the QED to the Aberdeen Pavilion. The agreement stipulates that any structures placed in the easement require design review and approval by OHT. With the revitalization plans to date, there will be new elements located in the easements necessitating OHT review to determine how the intent of the protections sought through the easements can be accommodated with a new set of conditions and characteristics. As well, it is necessary to coordinate with the OHT and other agencies providing them with information necessary to understand the development intent and where necessary; modify the easements and/or development plans to satisfy any concerns. To that end, the City has entered into a dialogue with the OHT in order to brief the OHT and establish an approach before formal application is made. This approach applies to the encroachment of the right-ofway between Bank Street and the Aberdeen Pavilion as well as, the placement of the Horticulture Building on the easement lands. As noted the formal heritage approval process would be initiated following Council s decision on the LPP. At that time, clarity will have been established on the nature of the heritage approvals that are expected to be required. Interpretive Strategy As a part of the conservation, an interpretive strategy is being developed to provide for a variety of interpretive experiences throughout the revitalized Lansdowne that are engaging, memorable to visitors and will aid Lansdowne in achieving its place as an attractive, exciting, vibrant destination. As a part of the development of a plan, Commonwealth has engaged a group of local experts/stakeholders to contribute to the interpretive content. Work will involve more research, content organization, diagramming, media concepts, sketches, costing and preparing a package that can be presented back to the stakeholders and to Council. The Interpretation will:. Identify heritage resources that are suitable for consideration. Resources will include buildings, their individual and communal architectural elements, and other landscape features, views, events and persons associated with various histories. Recognize key players and their impact on Lansdowne and the City. As well as the role of Lansdowne in the urban development as a major node along the driveway and a feature of the Rideau Canal. Work with the public and various agencies including the NCC, Parks Canada. the City, the urban park design team, the OSEG design team and the OHT to ensure that the stories, messages and the media are consistent with their goals. Emphasis will be placed on the spirit of the place. The idea of Lansdowne as a meeting place, an agora for the entire Ottawa valley. Recommend specific methods of heritage interpretation that are appropriate for Lansdowne. Identify specific installation locations throughout the site, and recommend interpretation methods. Provide design and communication methods for recommended interpretation. Ensure that all infrastructure related to the implementation of the interpretation plan demonstrates design excellence and enhances the public realm. The interpretative plan to be developed will be integrated into the revitalization plan that will highlight throughout the site the historical significance of Lansdowne to the City and the region.