While yesterday we saw the result of neglect, today we shoot over to Willistead Crescent were one of the City’s Designated homes, with a caring owner is undergoing a restoration to a cedar roof.
Built in 1927 for Dr. Charles Hoare, the “Hoare House” was designed by architects Sheppard & Masson.
You’ve gotta give it to roofers. You’d never get me up there! 🙂
andrew do you have any information or pics on the chrysler plant 5 in windsor? thanks
Didn’t they get a $25,000 grant? It’s easy to repair a roof when the money is free flowing try doing that to a nice older home without “significant” status.
They did recieve a grant, however I don’t have the figures in front of me. I don’t believe it was $25k but it could have been.
The money is hardly “free flowing” as you claim. There is money put aside into the CHF (Community Heritage Fund). That money is earmarked to go towards applicants of designated properties to repair or restore original outside elements of designated buildings.
There are so few “signifcant” structures in this city, and very few breaks for owners of these properties, I don’t see a problem with it.
In the case of a cedar roof restoration, the grantee is eligible for upto 50% of the DIFFERENCE between cedar roof and ashphalt replacement. So in this case even if the property owner recieved $25,000 the total cost of the project would be in the neighbourhood of $75-$80,000. That still means that the owners are putting in at least $50k of their own cash into the project. Whatever grant money they are given, is simply a helping token from the fund.
I don’t see a problem with it either. In fact I am glad they were able to get the grant money considering how few structures are still left in the city.
I just wish those who don’t have such “significant” structures but still have or live in heritage areas that are unique to the city can get such grants as well. As you stated, with very little structuers left I would hope that the CHF could expand to include other dwellings as well before these too are destroyed.
Thank you for your explanation on how these grants are utilized. It is much appreciated.
So, when might the Low-Martin house on Niagara be receiveing their designation? I understand that the owner can apply (and likely be approved), or, the city can make it happen (and have it approved) If there’s no interest from the owner, or, the community, then, it truly is ‘Walkerville’s Shame’
Good question. The owner has been approached several times. Most recently the offer came that if he disginated the house he would be eligible for funds for the roof repairs.
He replied that he wasn’t interested and didn’t want any money.
Well, in light of that kind of a response from the owner, he doesnt necissarily need to be part of the equation. It is still possible for this property to be designated, should the community support it. Does anyone in Walker communicate with their Councillor? This would a fine project for the hired-on heritage planner at the city. If not a house like THIS, what else could she be busy with designating as heritage?
Forced designation is really the last resort. It’s only ever happened once in Windsor and it was on the Joyce house on Riverside that Chuck Mady wanted to demolish. Usually designation is only done at the owners request.
Sadly even if designation was forced on the Low-Martin house, it cannot be used to make the owner repair or maintain the property. The greatest fear I have of that house is Demolition by neglect.
The neighbours to care, but sadly their hands are tied as well. They showed up en mass to object to the severing of the property into two lots that was proposed. I’m sure that they would love nothing more than to have the house repaired and taken care of. I think the biggest problem is the owner wants to sell the house, but he’s asking more than the market will support.
If you have been reading/iistening to the news at the moment, you will notice that there are a few of Windsor’s other significant structures that are in trouble (Holy Rosary Church, Holy Name of Mary, etc)… To save these buildings would likely mean a forced designation on behalf of the community. There can only be so many of those before Council becomes reluctant to appease all of the heritage-enthusiasts in the area. I do, however, think that the Paul Martin House is worthy of the fight.
Love Old Walkerville. Most of the owners have the ability and the desire to keep the neighbourhood respectful. If the owners of Paul Martin’s old digs don’t then they should sell to an organization that does and move on.
Walkerville should wake up and have a festival like other small towns.
All money collected should go towards the repair of old homes / business fronts to maintain the historical value.
(the funds should go to those buildings for which the owners would otherwise not be able to afford the repairs.)
All homes would be put into a raffle and the winner would recieve the money in the form of repairs etc.
(painting, wood work, details, etc.)
Even the smallest amount of money can make a big difference. What do you think?