This big old commercial building had the dreaded orange fences go up the other day.
However given the scaffolding out front, I don’t think we’re going to see a demolition here. I sadly suspect a Windsor special “treatment” is planned.
Old original windows, and nice stone work in the facade.
Go see it while you can, the styrofoam should be slapped up soon.
I’m not sure why Windsorites hate architecture so much.
Let me guess…the stucco dip? When did Dairy Queen get in the structural arts business?
I saw this yesterday. I don’t understand why this is actually legal.
The OAA does not allow architects to use stucco veneer unless it has a drainage layer behind surface. These surface sealed stucco treatments are not only a complete slap in the face to architecture, they are a terrible system, prone to water penetration. Ask any architect about face sealed stucco and they will tell you their liability insurance does not cover them if they specify it on a building.
Therefore I believe the city could infact inact a bylaw that prohibits face sealed EFIS (stucco) systems. The dual layer system with a drainage layer beind is more expensive and therefore we may see less of this kind of activity.
I am so sick of ignorant building owners bastardizing their building so they don’t have to maintain the brick veneer. Their cheap stuccoification will only last so long before water gets behind it and has nowhere to go. They they will be up the creek without a pattle!! no turning back now.
end of rant.
Windsor doesn’t have the balls not to demo solid buildings let alone put a bylaw in place to stop the sickening use of stucco.
I would bet my house that even if they enacted the bylaw they would use the excuse that enforce is “very” busy and can’t get to the complaints. Sort of like when they drive to one complaint and see three more on the way; they can’t even jot down the address to send letters to clean up the three problem properties. Oh CUPE, how great you really are (and all “public” sector unions for that matter).
Perhaps the WHC could begin a list of “potential heritage properties” This list could include all the building throughout the city that are not quite eligible for heritage status, but have heritage qualities. Buildings like this!! (this structure may actually be eligible for designation). Regardless. Owners of buildings on this list and the heritage register could be sent education material that shows what can be done with wonderful buildings. Examples of good restoration and improvements. This could discourage this type of activity.
Most people are ignorant of what they are doing. We need to educate the public.
uugh……
Wish I had something else to say about the subject….but I don’t. 🙁
Look at it from the other side, though. The building aparently is empty, and definately is for sale, I assume with no takers. The alternative to tearing it down is what, leave an owner with a building he can neither rent or demo? Who covers the expenses of a building when it isn’t (and has no immediate prospect) of turning a buck. It’s a miserable choice to make, but the option the owner has is to walk away. Then you’ve got a slum.
I’m for Shane’s suggestion. If it’s not an appropriate building practice, I’m not sure why the building code permits it in the first place.
McKerlie millen used to rebuild motors and also sell auto parts from the corner unit.
I worked in that building selling auto parts when Mckerlie-Millen was there.
It’s a damn travesty to see what’s happening to our city. I know we’ll never have the kind of money a place like Calgary has to rehabilitate our old buildings but do we have to keep expanding outward while the city centre dies out? Hey Kenny Lewenza! Why don’t you move the CAW’s head office back to Windsor and help out the city that made you and your pals wealthy!
Dang another building of our past being left to nothing. Instead of making it so it can’t be torn down as I am gathering is what is happening why not fix the dang place up like it use to be and rent the apartment’s out.
It’s taken forever, but this building has indeed received the stucco treatment.
Yup. And it looks like shit. Can’t wait until it deteriorates..it will look even better.
The disneyfication of Windsor continues….