I know that I must seem like a broken record, but the former Bank of Montreal at Walker and Ottawa is next up for a date with the wrecking ball.
This beautiful old building was purchased by the owners of the plaza behind the bank.
No plans to reuse the building, but it sure would make a nifty parking lot!
The heritage committee at their last meeting made a motion to designate the property, this has at least frozen the demolition permit pending an upcoming council meeting.
This is far from over however. Make sure you e-mail or call your councilors and let them know that you support the preservation of Walkerville’s and Windsor’s architectural landmarks, and that this corner is too important to become a parking lot.
This building, given its location truly acts as a gateway into old Walkerville, either along Walker or along Ottawa. Any other city in Canada would love to have a building like this, and would have the vision to reuse it.
In Windsor, it’s the same story, greedy, short sighted property owners with visions of blacktop. Walker Road has lost enough of its heritage properties over the last few years, and enough is enough.
The citizens of Windsor have to help out, and stand up and let their elected officials know that we need to preserve what’s left.
If this historic building located in one of Windsor’s most historic districts (with apologies to Sandwich) can’t survive this attempt at demolition, then little hope remains for what’s left.
Article from the Border Cities Star, March, 1920.
Click the Image above to download a .pdf copy of the flyer
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Scaledown.ca has launched a facebook page as well, if you’re hooked up on facebook join them to keep updated about the battle to save the bank:
“Save Walkerville’s Architectural Heritage”.
“Spread the word! We’ve got to stop this attack on our heritage and the things that make this city!”.
Event: Save Walkerville’s Architectural Heritage
“Walkerville is under attack yet again”
What: Rally
Host: …Scale Down, Windsor
When: Today, June 8 at 1:40pm
Where: Your telephone/computerTo see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=29419808696
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View Comments
Fausto,
I am not sure what you mean? Just because there isn't a building on every corner or a grand announcement at that intersection doesn't mean it still isn't the gateway for coming into Walkerville from the south. Regardless, that intersection is horrendous not only for accidents but as an eye-sore as well. Another demo wont' help it at all!
It's always the same old story. A few well-connected property developers are able to vision of utopia on everybody else because the idiots at city hall care more about catering to the few than doing what is in the best interests of the majority. Let's hope the voters remember how little this administration has done for them when they go to the polls next November.
One building at a time , little bye little it will all add up and there will be NOTHING left in this town that is unique and interesting. Most of these buildings that our grandparents/great grandparents shopped at are slowly being wiped off the face of this city. it is makes me sick. How the hell do some of you people out there call this an eyesore ??? to me an eyesore is some shitty ass 1980's or 90's stucko or aluminum sided building, not a beautiful classy 1920's brick structure with Roman/Greek stone work!!! keep up the good work Windsor
ME, just merely calling attention to how much more this gateway can be. I don't think that this b.o.m. building is enough on its own. Yes it should be preserved. But I also think that the other corners should be treated similarly.
Is there a law that says you cant build up to the sidewalks edge there at walker and ottawa? Paking lots should not be acceptable for a gateway to a walkable community.
Perhaps there is a photographic record of what used to be on the south side of Ottawa St., opposite the B.o.m building that would give a clearer picture of what this corner used to look like. Or was always it always a parking lot?
OK, ME, since you've got the VIP treatment from Valentinis, why don't you give him a call about this building and report back to us on what his position is on this demolition, and if he's going to try to stop it or not.
Not to be picky, but if we are going to approach this from a historical p.o.v. it needs to be clarified that Ottawa @ Walker is not the gateway to Walkerville from the south. Tecumseh road is. As a matter of fact the original "Welcome to Walkerville" billboard prior to annexation was even further south of Tecumseh road by the current Chrysler property. Fausto did call it the Gateway to Ottawa street, which on the other hand is a fair statement, of course.
John, that may be so, but that corner is the gateway into Old Walkerville.
When this bank went up in 1920 the main part of Walkerville was still located from Ottawa St. north....
I have no quarrel with it being the main/central part of Walkerville, or its place in so-called "old" walkerville, only with the definition of the south boundary of Walkerville.
Fausto raised a good question...is there any photographs of this intersection before the sprawl builders got their paving machines to 'er? It would be a nice reference point to go from.