A series of talks sponsored by ACO’s North Waterloo Region Branch is living proof of the merits of Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO)’s campaign for provincial funding to turn heritage into housing.
Each talk focuses on a Waterloo Region heritage building adaptively repurposed as housing — deeply affordable housing in two of the three examples. Only one of the buildings is a designated heritage landmark, a requirement ACO recommends for a proposed provincial grant program, in the hopes it will encourage more protection of our valuable — and very useful — heritage resources.
The first talk, by historical researcher Sandra Parks was held on March 27. It focused on the 1913 Greb Shoe Factory building. After 43 years as a shoe factory, 21 years as an Electrohome factory and 23 years as J.C. Snyder Furniture Factory, the sturdy brick building became a Lofts on Mansion containing 54 condo units in 2005.
The second talk at 7 pm on Thursday April 24, featured Graham Cubitt and Linda Nydam. They presented on their experience managing Indwell’s transformation of heritage and older buildings to meet contemporary needs. A special focus was on the conversion of St. Mark’s and St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran churches in Kitchener. The talk was held at St. Mark’s Place which contain 43 units of deeply affordable housing for previously homeless or precariously housed individuals. A daily meal as well health and social services are also provided ath St. Mark’s Place. The rental costs are very low and residents pay almost nothing for utilities because the building is so energy efficient.
The third talk in the series by Joe Mancini of The Working Centre will focus on the adaptive reuse of the 1927 Mitchell Button Factory building at 97 Victoria Street North, Kitchener. The building will offer 44 units of affordable housing along with medical, counselling and other services. The St. John’s Kitchen will be resumed from a temporary location to a new building next to the affordable housing in the renovated heritage building.
The public is invited to the third talk which takes place in the Community Room at St. The St. Matthew’s Church at 54 Benton St. Kitchener. Access the Community Room is from the parking area off Benton and the Queen LRT stop.
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This year’s ACO campaign addresses the housing crisis and how buildings we value – through thoughtful adaptive reuse and careful renovation – can provide needed housing units. The campaign also focuses on using Canadian resources – labour and materials – to provide for a more sustainable future. A Canada First approach!
ACO is asking the Government of Ontario to provide heritage grants so that heritage will be preserved and at the same provide for the needs of at risk members of our community for housing.