Type of Development: Historic Preservation

Project Name: Former British Whig-Standard Building

Project Address: 302-310 King Street

Owner(s): Kincore Holdings Limited

Date of Completion: Facade - 1999; Shell - 2003; Interior - ongoing.

Project Designer(s): Architecture & Interior Design: Alexander Wilson Architect Inc.

Structural Engineering: Zegers Engineering Ltd.

Mechanical Engineering: Atira Engineering

General Contractor: Acclaim Building Services

Project Description: The British Whig Building is a remarkable heritage building which forms a streetscape wall on the north side of the Market Square. Built in 1895, by the architect Joseph Power. "The Whig" was designed as "an asymmetrical blend of heavy, rounded arches and roughly textured stone with classical pilasters and cornices." The building was expanded in 1942 for the radio station, CKWS and some of the original detailing was removed. In 1963, the facade was "modernised" by removing all heritage detailing and destroying the sandstone base and arch to re-clad it with black marble and limestone. In the late 1990's the Whig Standard left their downtown premises and the property was purchased by Kincore Holdings Ltd. who held a design competition in 1998 for its restoration and was won by Alexander Wilson Architect Inc. The design challenge was to restore the facade and to renovate the interior for a mixed use retail/office/ residential facility. The facade restoration required the co-operation of a variety of trades and artisans including the design and fabrication of custom copper freizes, cornices, and urns; new solid oak storefronts and single hung windows; new stained glass elements; and new Credit Valley sandstone base elements including soffits and arch elements. It is the Owner's belief that restoration of heritage buildings will provide inspiration for ongoing heritage re-development and intensified activity within the Downtown Core: a place to live, work, gather and play.

Significant Characteristics: Upon entering the building one is immediately struck by fireplaces levitating above the floor levels, and a patchwork quilt of materials and irregular walls. In lies the intrigue and beauty of this building. The restored classical facade and the exposure of the original interior elements reveal a tapestry richly woven with the thread of time. Some notable features include:

• Replication of all upper floor windows using white oak or restoration of original windows.
• Two leaded stain glass windows were used to interpret the design for the remaining 23 windows.
• Credit Valley sandstone was quarried and matched to the original rusticated stone on the facade.
• The replicas of the original copper cornices and urns now adorn the building top.
• Lobby of the building will boast "a wall of time."

Type of Development: Historic Preservation

Project Name: Royal Artillery Park

Project Address: 344-350 Bagot Street

Owner(s): 1259647 Ontario Limited (Mr. Greg Rosen)

Date of Completion: 1999

Project Designer(s): Ernest A. Cromarty

Project Description: The site of the Royal Artillery Barracks includes the two storey stone building constructed in 1843 which contained the office of the Commanding Officer, sergeants' room and barrack accommodations for up to fourteen men in each room. This structure has undergone under extensive renovations to accommodate offices in the upper and lower levels. The subject property is also developed with a two storey stucco building fronting on Bagot Street with a commercial business on the main floor, (Reid & Seimonsen Design Group), and apartments constructed on the second storey. This building was originally constructed as a one storey building and a second storey was later built leaving the original roof intact. To the rear is a one storey commercial building which currently is home to a hair salon. The original structure was a carpenter shop as part of the military complex. The original Artillery Park extended from Sydenham Street to Bagot Street and from just south of Ordnance Street to Queen Street, except for the site of St. Paul's Church. The plans, sections and elevations of these Barracks are in the Public Archives of Canada in Ottawa.

Significant Characteristics: The goal of the owners was to completely restore and renovate all three buildings with to reflect the past history of the site. The original Barracks were repointed and stone work removed and/or replaced as required. The building received a new roof, gutters and down spouts and the interior masonry was re-pointed and replaced. The Reid & Seimonsen building underwent some exterior work which included a new stucco finish, trim detail, reshingled roof, light fixtures and awning design. All details and design elements respected the heritage and nature of the surrounding area. The complex, which includes all three structures, has been sensitively landscaped with shrubbery, lawns, trees and signage to complement the renovated buildings. Located to the rear of the Reid and Seimonsen building, is a sitting area with a park bench and decorative bollards located at the entranceway.

Type of Development: Renovation

Project Name: Brock Street Common

Project Address: Rear yard between Princess and Brock Street

Owner(s): Kincore Holdings

Date of Completion: 2000-2001

Project Designer(s): Inglis & Downey Architect

Project Description: Lower Brock Street has been an established commercial area since the 1820's. The proximity to the Market, (established in 1801) gave early impetus to residential/commercial development in this area. Fire, including the major fires of 1840 and 1855, and its constant threat, led to ongoing redevelopment of the block. As we see it today Brock Street Common is a Victorian block dating from 1865 to 1903, although evidence of the earlier structures is present throughout. The project sought to renovate and realize the potential of all internal and external facets of this inner-block- from the uses, to the architectural details, to the public squares.

Significant Characteristics: Original storefronts were carefully replicated, as were the residential windows above. The upper cornice was reconstructed and clad with copper. Rear shed additions were removed and the carriageway was reintroduced. The rear stables were converted to office space (KEDCO / Chamber of Commerce Building). A public courtyard incorporates a restaurant patio, limestone walls, a grade level ramp to historic Rochleau Court and Artisans Alley (an area where local artists are invited to display and sell their wares and highlighting the unique talents of the Kingston community). Original copper art,(by Barry Blunden) is displayed in the courtyard. One piece, constructed entirely of copper depicts a clothesline with items hung out to dry. Another, a copper grasshopper, clings to the side of the KEDCO building. There are 13 open concept residential suites on the top three floors of the buildings above the four restored retail units. Some features within these units include: exposed brick and limestone where possible; ceiling heights ranging from 9' to 13'; and preserved advertising art. The carriage houses have been converted to 7000 square feet of prestige office space. Limestone and brick walls were preserved and repaired throughout the buildings. This development has assisted in reestablishing the prominence of Brock Street as a vibrant retail, office and residential district.

Type of Development: Renovation

Project Name: Tara Natural Foods expansion and renovation

Project Address: 81 Princess Street

Owner(s): Jan MacLean and Rudi Mogl

Date of Completion: 2000 (?)

Project Designer(s): Inglis and Downey Architects

Project Description: Originally two stores, Tara Natural Foods replaced a church supply store in 1997 and a Swiss pastry shop in 1999. Renovations began in 1999 to amalgamate the two stores, build a rear addition, and create two 2-storey loft apartments on the upper floors. In total, 4 floors were renovated and the storefront façade was completely refurbished.

Significant Characteristics: During the renovations, the interior of the building was changed substantially. On the ground floor, a cinder block wall partition was removed, creating one large space. The store was then partially divided by a red brick arched wall. Six thousand square feet of maple hardwood floors were laid, a skylight created, and wrought iron detailing added. Throughout the renovation, care was taken to preserve the historic feel of the building by using natural materials such as wood windows and copper details. Although many new elements were incorporated in the renovations, original brick and stone work was exposed and the tin ceiling saved. Perhaps the most substantial changes occurred to the exterior of the building. A completely new storefront was constructed by moving original stone columns to the extremity of the building and using decorative cornice, mouldings, awnings, and lighting to create a façade reminiscent of an old fashioned general store. In addition, new windows and doors add to the welcoming appeal of the new storefront. Although the building has changed significantly in appearance since the renovations were undertaken, perhaps the most important changes are not apparent to the casual observer. A new sprinkler system was installed throughout the building to protect the safety of workers and tenants and the store was rendered wheelchair accessible. The loft apartments created on the second and third storeys of the building have been featured in Kingston Life Magazine.

Type of Development: Commercial

Project Name: Tim Horton's

Project Address: 312-314 Princess Street

Owner(s): Jay & Toby Abramsky

Date of Completion: 2000

Project Designer(s): Architecture & Interior Design: Alexander Wilson Architect Inc., Structural Engineering: Roney Engineering Ltd., Mechanical/Electrical: Zagrodney Engineering Ltd., General Contractor: Wemp & Smith Ltd.

Project Description: 312-314 Princess Street is one of a fine series of 19th century commercial structures which form the north edge of the block bounded by Princess, Barrie, Brock and Clergy Streets. Originally built in the 1840's, it at first served as a small hotel on the stage route between Montreal and Toronto and later went through many reincarnations including a restaurant, a pharmacy and a grocery store. The building was gutted by fire in the late 1990's leaving only the exterior stone walls and remnants of the floor and wall structures standing. This afforded the opportunity to redevelop 3,500 square feet in a manner that would enhance the site and its surrounding context. The program requirements were to maximize the commercial potential of the ground floor; to provide unique residential accommodation on the upper floors; and to design the exterior to fit comfortably with the heritage characteristics of the neighbourhood.

Significant Characteristics: The project design started with the stabilization of the existing stone structure including underpinning of the foundations, repointing and reinforcement of the stone walls which had suffered considerably from exposure to the elements, and the replacement of the floor systems in steel and concrete to further reinforce the shell. The new addition along Clergy Street re-used some of the stone from an original one storey wing which had to be demolished as well new quoined brick and cedar shingles to carry on a dialogue with the brick terrace housing to the south.

The finished building houses a 3,200 square foot Tim Horton's Bakery and Restaurant on the ground floor, four 2 bedroom apartments in the Clergy Street wing, and a bachelor apartment as well as a three bedroom apartments in the original stone structure on Princess Street. The apartments enjoy a central downtown location, generous windows and balconied French doors and exposed natural materials including limestone and hardwoods.

Type of Development: Institutional

Project Name: Pittsburgh Library

Project Address: 914 Highway #15

Owner(s): City of Kingston/ Kingston Frontenac Public Library

Date of Completion: 2000

Project Designer(s): Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Project Description: The new library complex was designed by local architectural firm of Shoalts and Zaback Architects. The site is six hectares of escarpment property overlooking the Great Cataraqui River. The program included the creation of a 5000 sq. ft. branch library, technology area, children's program room, reading and study rooms and a 18,000 volume collection. The project involves the renovation of Historic McLean House and an addition compatible with the historic architecture.

Significant Characteristics: At a cost of $1.2 million the library project restored the original house and grafted it to an aesthetically compatible new addition. The structure's foundation was placed over existing excavations in the bedrock from older additions, giving it a similar orientation and preserving the gardens and other landscape features. The rooms of the McLean House have been restored as reading, study and meeting rooms, as well as a showplace for local history. The main library collection is housed in the new addition, which was treated as a single large space topped with a simple pitched roof. Specialized parts of the collection have been located in bays and porches around the perimeter of that room. There is also a screened porch, where library users can read in a protected outdoor atmosphere during the warm seasons.

McLean House/Hawthorn Cottage is a 140 year-old farm house incorporated into a new library building. It was built in 1866 by John and Sarah Ruttan. The Ruttan family commissioned the building of the house while Mr. Ruttan was first reeve of Pittsburgh Township. The building, erected by local stonemasons is a typical, rather fine, mid-nineteenth century Ontario one and one-half storey stone farm house. It and the surrounding land between Highway 15 and the Great Cataraqui River were purchased by Pittsburgh Township for municipal purposes, and in 1997 it was chosen to be the site for new Pittsburgh Branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Award: Ontario Library Association Design Award 2001.

Type of Development: Non-building Element

Project Name: Portsmouth Villager Gardens - Phase I (five projects)

Project Address: Various locations throughout Portsmouth Village

Owner(s): City of Kingston

Date of Completion: 1998

Project Designer(s): Ann Milina and Villagers

Project Description: This submission comprises several small, diverse projects occurring in various locations around Portsmouth Village. These include the "Triangle Garden" at the intersection of Union, Kennedy, and Church Streets, a plaque outlining the history of Portsmouth and small garden in Aberdeen Park, the Brewery Lane Parkette at the foot of Yonge Street, a bird feeder developed in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Federation at the end of Mowat Avenue, and the improvement of Hatter's Bay Outlook. These projects foster community pride while enhancing open space and aesthetic appeal within Portsmouth.

Significant Characteristics: The Portsmouth Villagers are a small community group that has set out to improve the quality of life in Portsmouth Village through several small projects involving the installation of historic signage, vibrant plantings, and outdoor seating. The projects in Aberdeen Park demonstrate most of these features. The installation of a small, colourful garden and bronze plaque add character and interest to the green space adjacent to the former Township Hall. A major priority for several of the projects undertaken by the Villagers was to increase public access and linkages along the waterfront. One of the key elements of their success was to foster partnerships with the City of Kingston and the boards of local condominiums to gain permission and access to implement their projects. Through their accomplishments, the Portsmouth Villagers have demonstrated what can be achieved in urban design by a small number of citizens determined to improve their community. It is noteworthy that this is Phase 1 of a larger endeavour. (Award: 5 Bloom Award Winner - Communities in Bloom, 2003 in the category cul-de-sac/residential for Triangle Park).

Type of Development: Industrial

Project Name: Andyne/Startek

Project Address: 100 Innovation Drive

Owner(s): Startek Canada Services Limited

Date of Completion: 1998

Project Designer(s): Brisbin Brook & Beynon (Ottawa office); Ritchard Brisbin, Partner-in-Charge; Janice Liebe, Design Architect

Project Description: The Andyne/Startek Building is an office building of 52,000 sq ft located in a 30 acre business park in Pittsburgh Township. The program was a consolidation of a growing company's staff into one suburban office building. The client requirements included that the building meet all the industry standards for office building efficiencies, and be generic enough to accommodate other office uses should there be another tenant in the future. Further, this was to be phase one of a four phase building project, with the intent of building a campus-like development. The architectural challenge was therefore to build the identity of the client and their desire to demonstrate pride in their community and foster internal working relationships into the framework and restrictions of a "spec office" building.

Significant Characteristics: The architectural challenge was to transform a rather flat site and a typical office program into a comfortable campus of gardens and buildings with significant work in interactive spaces suitable for a progressive company's new headquarters (Andyne) in essence, to provide some wonderful architectural spaces that are simple, flexible and uses affordable materials. This was achieved by ordering the building on two axes which are the main structure of circulation throughout the building. These axes occur not only in plan, but are extended out through the building envelope and form the main framework of the gardens and site works. The intent was to root the building in its site, and extend the viewpoints from the building to the gardens and views of Kingston beyond, as an extension of the clients desire to demonstrate their pride in their community. Of special note, the internal layouts generally locate workstations and offices away from the windows providing better, more effective air circulation and outside views for everyone. Also, the civil design provides for storm water to be retained in the parking lot during 100 year storms.