Notice of Intention to pass a By-law to Designate: Tuesday, Oct. 8

Notice of Intention to pass a By-law to Designate
The following properties to be of Cultural Heritage Value and Interest Pursuant to the Provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18) 

Take Notice that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Kingston intends to pass By-Laws under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.18, to designate the following lands to be of cultural heritage value and interest: 

294 Elliott Avenue (Part Farm Lot 5, Con West Great Cataraqui River, Kingston, Part 1, 13R18838; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Elliott Farmhouse;  

• The Elliott Farmhouse is situated on the southwest corner of Elliott Avenue and Harvey Street, in the City of Kingston. This 0.3-hectare property contains a one-and-a-half storey Ontario vernacular limestone farmhouse built circa 1854.
  The Elliott Farmhouse is a representative example of a mid-19th century limestone farmhouse with Georgian influences. The medium-pitched side gable roof with twin stone chimneys located at the gable ends, and central main entrance, flanked by large rectangular window openings, are common for Georgian-influenced Ontario vernacular houses. The Elliott Farmhouse retains its original form and profile with few modifications.
  The building demonstrates a significant degree of craftsmanship, which is visible in the quality of the masonry. Particularly notable is the technical skill of the limestone construction on the publicly presented (west) façade and (north) sides, consisting of hammer-dressed and similar sized limestones, laid in even courses. As a contrast, the eastern and southern elevations are uncoursed, consisting of random-sized stones.
  The Elliott Farmhouse is associated with the prominent Elliott family. The Elliott family were Irish immigrants, who owned much of the farmland in this area by the late 19th Century and who are responsible for its early farming roots as livestock dealers. John Elliott (1823–1913) was a prominent citizen and business owner in the Kingston area and is noted as “the best known in the dominion” for his international cattle sales. At one time the Elliott farmland in this area was more than 50 acres and included barns, drive sheds, stables, an icehouse, an orchard and multiple dwellings. Currently there are three stone heritage dwellings in this area that were once owned by the Elliott family, including Drover’s Cottage at 858 Division Street, 730 John Counter Boulevard (formerly 134 Elliott Street) and the subject dwelling at 294 Elliott Street, which may have served as a rental unit or farm manager’s residence for the Elliott Farm. Given their ownership and prominence in the area, Elliott Street was so named in the family’s honour.
  The Elliott Farmhouse has contextual value as it defines and helps to maintain the former historic rural character of this area, which has been all but lost. The quality of its limestone construction, large, maintained grounds and prominent corner location, provides a tangible reminder of the former rural origins of this area.
  Its heritage attributes include the one-and-a-half-storey massing of the former dwelling with its medium-pitched side gable roof and twin stone chimneys, limestone construction and symmetrical front façade.  

3751 Smith Road (Part Lot 6, Con 4, Western Addition, Kingston, as in FR329337, Lying E of Part 2, 13R344 & S of Part 3, 13R4158; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Bell Farmstead;  

• The Bell Farmstead is situated on the south side of the road east of Radage Road, and backing onto Highway 401, in the former Township of Kingston, now City of Kingston. The 7.5-hectare rural property contains a one-and-a-half storey limestone farmhouse, likely built in the 1860s, for farmers Alexander and Susanna Bell, whose family owned the property for 70 years. A small limestone outbuilding and several detached agricultural buildings are also present on the property.
  The Bell house is a largely intact example of a late-19th century Ontario vernacular limestone farmhouse with Gothic Victorian influences. The one-and-a-half-storey farmhouse is constructed of limestone and includes two distinct sections (north and south) built at the same time but each with a prominent front door and cross-gable roof.
  The Bell house is an unusual mix of styles on a vernacular building. Gothic architecture is known for its dramatic peaked rooves/dormers and tall arched window, which is evident on this residence. The primary façade of the Bell farmhouse displays a well-organized yet asymmetrical arrangement of window and door openings, which is more typical of a Victorian influenced building.
  The northern section is slightly recessed from the southern section and has an asymmetrical front façade with a central entrance and flanking windows. The southern section features an oversized off-centre entrance with transom and side lights, and three similarly sized segmentally arched window openings under a medium-pitch front gable roof with gable-end chimneys.
  The northern section contains a dramatic steeply-pitch front gable (once with vergeboards), over a tall half-round arched window opening above the central entranceway, all reflecting its Gothic influences.
  The side and rear elevations of the stone dwelling have had little change. The stone cellar access is still present on the rear elevation but has been enlarged in recent years. A small limestone building, perhaps a smoke house, is located immediately to the rear of the main dwelling. The high degree of craftsmanship is evident in the exceptional quality of the masonry on the main house, which is squared, dressed and laid in even courses of uniform stone that continue from the main façade around the sides of the building. This craftmanship is also evident in the tall radiating stone voussoirs that top all the doors and window openings of the main house. The oversized entrance on the southern section is emphasized by a deeply recessed paneled surround (currently a modern interpretation) with transom window above and flanking sidelights.
  The Bell Farmstead is associated with the Bell family who owned and farmed the land for three generations. Alexander Bell purchased the property in 1859. Alexander and his wife Susan(na) were Methodist farmers who settled on the Smith Road property, initially in a one storey log house, until the stone dwelling was built in the 1860s. They raised their nine children on the property. The property remained in Alexander Bell’s possession until his death, when the property, including the 150 acres south of Smith Road, was transferred into the possession of his granddaughter Augusta Bell in 1909. In 1929 the property was sold by the Bell family to Earl Clark.
  The Bell Farmstead has contextual value due to its simple yet unusual vernacular design, integrity, limestone construction, unpaved circulation routes and its various agricultural buildings, including the small limestone building. These features and their proximity to the road, supports and maintains the scenic and historic rural character of the road.
  With its Ontario vernacular style and limestone construction, both distinctive elements of nineteenth-century rural architecture in the Kingston area, the Bell Farmstead shares a visual and historical relationship with its surroundings and is an important part of the rural context of the area.
  Its heritage attributes include the one-and-a-half storey massing with cross-gable roof, limestone construction, and original fenestration pattern and various wooden and stone outbuildings. 

3867 Smith Road (Part Lots 7-8, Con 4, Western Addition, Kingston, Part 1 on 13R21029; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Smtih Farmstead: 

• The Smith Farmstead comprises approximately 36 hectares bounded by Highway 401 to the south, Kerns Road and Radage Road to the west, Glenvale Creek to the East and Smith Road to the north, in the former Township of Kingston, now part of the City of Kingston. The farmstead is accessed via a gravel driveway and includes a one-and-a-half storey limestone farmhouse, constructed circa 1860 and a collection of outbuildings.
  The Smith Farmstead has design value because it includes a representative example of a mid-19th century Ontario vernacular farmhouse with a Georgian influence. The one-and-a-half storey limestone farmhouse has a rectangular plan and side gable roof with deep eave returns. The centrally located entrance is flanked by window openings on either side and a steeply pitched gable above with large window opening. The gable’s wood clapboard cladding and larger window opening suggest that this may be a later addition intended to improve the second-floor accommodation. The symmetry on the façade, which is characteristic of the Georgian style, is replicated on the gable ends, through window placement and location of the two stone chimneys. Historical photographs suggest that the exterior walls were finished in a whitewash and prior to 2014, a one-storey addition (i.e., summer kitchen) was located on the east elevation.
  The Smith Farmstead has associative value because of its direct and continuous connection to the Smith family, who have owned the property for at least 175 years. The Smiths were prosperous farmers, growing a variety of crops, raising livestock, and producing hay, wool, flax or hemp, wool, fulled cloth, flannel, and butter. Hiram Smith also served as Justice of the Peace for the former village of Westbrook in 1865. Given the Smith family’s long-time ownership and prominence in the area, Smith Road was named in their honour.
  The contextual value of the Smith Farmstead is expressed through the simple vernacular limestone farmhouse and collection of outbuildings with limestone gateposts marking the entrance, which supports and maintains the scenic and historical rural character of Smith Road.
  The property is also historically linked to the former village of Westbrook, which is located to the southeast. The residence, outbuildings, and landscape share a visual and historical relationship with their surroundings and act as an important part of the historical rural context of the area.
  Its heritage attributes include the one-and-a-half storey massing with side gabled roof with twin limestone chimneys, limestone construction and original fenestration, and limestone gate posts.  

722-766 John Counter Boulevard (Part Farm Lot 5, Con West Great Cataraqui River, Kingston, as in FR442219, Except Parts 5 & 7, 13R8629 & Part 1, 13R17330; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the John Elliott Farmhouse: 

• The John Elliott Farmhouse is situated on the south side of the road, just west of Montreal Street, in the City of Kingston. This 2.3-hectare residential property, sited at the southeast corner of John Counter Boulevard and Maple Street, contains a one-and-a-half storey limestone Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage style farmhouse (civic address 730) built circa 1856 for cattle dealer John Elliott. The subject property also includes two apartment buildings, built in the 1980s, with no heritage value, at civic addresses 722 and 766 John Counter Boulevard.
  The John Elliott Farmhouse is representative of the Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage, as demonstrated through the symmetrical façade, medium-pitched gable roof with twin stone chimneys at the roof peak, one on each end of the house, and a front elevation (facing east) that includes a central gable, featuring a tall arched window opening. There appears to be physical evidence that a verandah once protected the masonry on the front elevation; however, despite this possible loss, the J. Elliott Farmhouse retains its original form and profile with few other modifications.
  The building is well-crafted, with a demonstrable technical skill visible in the attention to the finished masonry. Particularly notable is the limestone construction and fine masonry work on the (east) façade and (north) elevation, consisting of hammer-dressed limestone of similar size, laid in even courses. The west and south elevations are uncoursed.
  The centrally located front entranceway is flanked by window openings, which is typical of the Ontario Gothic Revival Cottage style. All window and door openings have tall stone voussoirs and stone sills. The prominent north elevation includes two bays each featuring large window openings. A one storey limestone wing extends from the west elevation of the main house and features a medium-pitch gable roof with a tall stone chimney at the gable end. Two large window and two door openings face the road (north), while a single opening and projecting chimney breast accentuates its west elevation.
  Despite displaying architectural elements common to the style, the John Elliott Farmhouse also demonstrates several unusual elements. For example, its oversized main entrance is slightly recessed with full length side lights and arched five-part transom. The flanking main floor window openings are also oversized and once housed tripartite windows. And, while the window openings on the façade have flat heads embellished with tall voussoirs, the central entrance and second storey window above have contrasting arched openings with radiating voussoirs.
  The property also includes two large apartment buildings and a single storey detached building, which are not identified as supporting the heritage value of the property.
  The John Elliott Farmhouse is associated with the prominent Elliott family and its patriarch John Elliott. The Elliott family were Irish immigrants, who owned much of the farmland in this area by the late 19th Century and who are responsible for its early farming roots as prominent livestock dealers. John Elliott (1823–1913) was a prominent citizen and business owner in the Kingston area and is noted as “the best known in the dominion” for his international cattle sales. For a time, he and his brother William held a stall at the local market where they sold their meat. John was an active member of the local Orange Lodge No. 352 and represented Frontenac Ward as both an Alderman and Councilor. John and his wife “Miss Toland of Sunbury” had five sons and two daughters. John’s son David Hugh Elliott took over his export business in 1898, expanding it into the United States.
  At one time the Elliott farmland in this area was more than 50 acres and included barns, drive sheds, stables, an icehouse, an orchard and multiple dwellings. Currently there are three stone dwellings in this area that were once owned by the Elliott family, including Drover’s Cottage at 858 Division Street, 294 Elliott Street and the subject dwelling at 730 John Counter Boulevard (formerly 134 Elliott Street). John Elliott built this dwelling around 1856 for the growing Elliott family farm and cattle business.
  Given their ownership and prominence in the area, Elliott Street was so named in the family’s honour.
  Its distinctive and fine limestone construction and prominent location and somewhat isolated nature, makes it a landmark in the area.
  Its heritage attributes include the one-and-a-half storey masing with rear single-storey wing, limestone construction, and gable roof with three tall stone chimneys, symmetrical front façade and original window openings.  

1901 Jackson Mills Road (Part Lot 13, Con 4, Kingston, Part 2, 13R18877; S/T & T/W FR762129, Except the Easement Therein Thirdly Described; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Jackson Mill: 

• The Jackson Mill property is situated on the south- west corner of Jackson Mills and Bur Brook Roads in the former Kingston Township, now the City of Kingston. The approximately 0.9-hectare rural property contains a three-storey frame mill (now dwelling), built circa 1850, and a single storey stone a wood-frame storage building.
  The Jackson Mill is a representative example of a mid-19th century mill, and one of the few remaining mills in the former Township of Kingston. The three-storey rectangular building is built into the west bank of Collins Creek. The foundations and the lower level are constructed of rubblestone, likely locally sourced from the creek and surrounding area. The upper storeys are clad in wood siding (recently replaced). The front façade is symmetrical under a steeply pitched gable roof, with a recessed central entranceway flanked by windows on the first storey and a row of four evenly spaced (originally identical sized, but recently altered) rectangular window openings on the second storey. The recessed entranceway features a door with sidelights and transom window. The north elevation also features rectangular window openings. A small rubblestone and wood-clad addition is found on the south elevation. A rubblestone retaining wall is also featured on the south elevation.
  The Jackson Mill is associated with the Jackson, McDonnell and MacRow families and the evolution of the Jackson Mill and its influence on the growth of this area. In 1835, prior to constructing the mill, William Jackson and partner George Yarker petitioned the Township of Kingston for a patent for a new invention that allowed for “a self setting of the Log for cutting Boards, &c. by cast iron dogs and a combination of Levers”. This machine would produce lumber of a more uniform thickness, reducing cost, material and labour needs, and was not used anywhere else in Ontario at that time.
  Originally developed on land owned by the Church of England, William Jackson and partner Edward Jackson leased the property and constructed a grist mill in the mid-19th century. William Jackson was one of the local blacksmiths whose enterprising ways allowed him to own multiple properties in the surrounding area, including most of Elginburg, where he also ran a successful blacksmith shop. Edward Jackson, an American-born Presbyterian miller, lived in a one-storey frame house on the adjacent property (Lot 12, Concession 4) with his wife Ester, their three children and two Irish-born servants, Thomson Topliff and Mary Burns. From 1857-1858 Edward Jackson was a Director for the Agricultural Society of Frontenac.
  The partnership between William and Edward Jackson (possibly brothers) lasted until the late nineteenth century. By 1877, the Mill was sold to Irish farmer Robert T. McDonnell who had been running it since 1875. The property at the time included 172 acres, a three-and-a-half-storey frame flour mill, known as “Glen Coe” (now 1901 Jackson Mills Road) and a two-storey frame home on the hill across from the mill (now 1892 Jackson Mills Road). During McDonnell’s tenure, a quarter mile portion of the creek east of the mill was quarried through the limestone bedrock to form a raceway, which led from the bulkhead of the Mill and was fed by a mill pond.
  By 1900 the Mill had been sold to the MacRow family who converted it to a sawmill. The MacRows held the property in their family for two generations. Henry MacRow and his wife Emma Day were Ontario-born, Church of England parishioners. Their son, Wilber MacRow (1902-1960), inherited the mill, which remained in operation until 1972, when it was converted to a private residence.
  Through the contribution of William Jackson and George Yarker’s invention, the Mill’s proximity to the Kingston and Pembroke rail line, and the fact that it was the only grist mill operating in this part of Kingston Township, the Jackson Mill thrived and soon a small community grew in the vicinity. The Concession 5 Road (now Bur Brook Road) opened as a route from the Mill to Counter’s Inn on Sydenham Road. Given the prominence and importance of the Mill in the area for over 120 years, Jackson Mills Road was so named in its honour.
  With its unusual design as well as its rubblestone and wood-clad appearance, Jackson Mill is a distinctive landmark that contributes to the character of the Jackson Mills and the Collins Creek area.
  Jackson Mill has contextual value as an important part of maintaining and defining the former rural industrial past of this area. It is historically, physically and functionally linked to the area, particularly to Collins Creek and the former railway. The location of the building, cut into the west bank of Collins Creek, powered the millrace and fed the mill pond, while the adjacent Kingston and Pembroke (K&P) Railway Company line, contributed to the success of the Mill, as it enabled materials to be delivered and product to be shipped out in an efficient manner. The line was built in 1875 and ceased operations in the mid-to-late 20th century. Today it is a walking trail located immediately across the road, where the Jackson Mill is a highly visible landmark.
  Its heritage attributes include the three-storey mill building on a rubblestone foundation, with a steeply pitched front gable roof and symmetrical front façade.  

262 Wellington Street (Pat Lot E, Original Survey, Kingston City, as in FR352614, except the easement therein; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac): 

• The subject property is located on the west side of the street, just north of Barrack Street, in downtown Kingston. The approximately 320 square metres residential lot, contains a two-and-a-half storey red-brick double house constructed in 1888 to plans by Thomas Power.
  262 Wellington Street is a representative and relatively rare example of a Bay-and-Gable style brick duplex in Kingston. Adopting elements of Gothic-styled buildings and English villas, the Bay-and-Gable is a distinct residential style that emerged in Canada in the 1860s and was popular until the late 1890s. The most prominent feature of this style is the large multi-storey bay windows that occupy most of the front façade and extends from ground level and surmounted by a gable roof. The Bay-and-Gable housing form can be found in stand-alone structures, but it is more commonly found as a semi-detached or row-house dwelling. While ubiquitous in older sections of Toronto, the Bay-and-Gable style is less common in Kingston.
  The defining feature of this architectural style is the symmetrical façade, with multi-storey bay windows topped with steep gables. At 262 Wellington Street, these features commence at grade from a rough-faced, evenly coursed limestone foundation, and extend two-and-a-half storeys to twin projecting gables with central single window, decorative brackets, pargetting and wide detailed vergeboard. This building also features several other embellishments including brick detailing below the first and second floor windows in the bays and as a belt-course through the second floor on the main façade. Limestone sills and a central shed-roofed wooden porch with decorative treillage and turned posts, off-sets the red brick construction.
  The building at 262 Wellington Street is associated with the work of well-known Kingston architecture firm, Power & Sons and specifically Thomas Power. Patriarch and principal of the Power firm, John Power (1816-1882) immigrated to Kingston in 1846 where he opened his architectural firm and hired and trained his sons Joseph (1848-1925) and Thomas (1858-1930). While Joseph Power is a well-known local name in architecture in Kingston and beyond, Thomas is seldom referenced. Usually noted as a draughtsman, a newspaper article from 1894 instead notes Thomas as “an architect of rare skill and ability and a member of the Ontario Association of Architects.” While the beautifully rendered architectural drawings of Thomas’ time are only identified by the firm’s name, it is likely that Thomas was responsible for many of them.
  At the time of construction, the dwelling at 262 Wellington Street was owned by Thomas Power in partnership with Samuel Anglin. While not specifically recorded, it  is likely that Thomas had a hand in its design, making it a rare example of his work as an architect in Kingston.
  The property located at 262 Wellington Street is significant in defining and maintaining the character of the streetscape along the west side of Wellington Street, between Barrack and Ordnance streets. While the east side of the street has seen significant redevelopment, the west side of Wellington Street retains its historic residential character of two and two-and-a-half storey duplexes. With its shallow setback, symmetrical fenestration pattern, red-brick construction, and location close to the lot lines, 262 Wellington Street shares a visual and historical relationship with its surroundings, particularly the brick houses to the north at 270-288 Wellington Street, as well as the adjacent limestone dwelling at 266-268 Wellington Street. As part of this group of buildings, the subject duplex helps maintain the historic residential character of this portion of Wellington Street.
  Its heritage attributes include the two-and-a-half-storey red-brick double-house, with symmetrical façade including twin full-height bay windows topped by projecting gables.  

4226 Florida Road (Part Lot 13-14, Con 7, Wester Addition, Kingston, Part 3, 13R18702, Except Parts 1 & 2, 13R18793; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Walker Farmstead: 

• The subject property is situated on the north-west side of the road in the former Township of Kingston, now the City of Kingston. The approximately 53-hectare rural property contains a one-and-a-half storey frame farmhouse, built in the mid-19th century for farmers Hiram and Mercy (nee Timmerman) Walker. Various rear additions have been added to the dwelling, and several detached agricultural buildings are present on the property.
  The Walker Farmstead is an example of a mid-19th century agricultural property with farmhouse, barn and outbuildings. The one-and-a-half storey Georgian influenced (also commonly referred to as an Ontario Cottage style) farmhouse is a rare wood frame example in Kingston. Where many have been lost to neglect and redevelopment, this building is a relatively rare example of a surviving wood frame Ontario vernacular farmhouse (now clad in modern siding), as opposed to brick or stone construction.
  The Walker farmhouse’s simple vernacular architecture is expressed by its restrained profile with regular plan. The medium-pitched side gable roof with central steeply-pitched gable and gable end brick chimney is common for the Georgian-influenced Ontario vernacular style. The front façade is symmetrical, featuring a second storey door to a balcony over the main front entranceway. The entranceway is flanked by rectangular window openings. The north elevation is two-bay and has rectangular window openings and an entranceway. The south elevation includes a hip roof porch. There is a single-storey wing abutting the north elevation that features a saltbox-like roof, a central triple window opening, and a shed-roofed verandah with simple square columns that run across the front façade of the wing.
  A wooden barn is located to the west of the farmhouse with a medium-pitch gable roof. Multiple outbuildings characterize the agricultural nature of the property.
  The Walker Farmstead is associated with the Walker family. The Walkers owned a great deal of land in the area at one time, and with their large family, were well-known in the community.
  Hiram Walker was granted the Crown Patent for the east ¾ of Lot 14, Concession 7 in 1857; however, census data indicates that the Walkers were living and farming the property as early as 1851. During that time, the family was living in a one storey log house, though by 1860, the Walkers built the one-and-a-half storey frame house on the property. Hiram Walker (1807-1879) married Mercy Timmerman (1810-1910) in 1828 and they had fourteen children. The Walker family members were Primitive Methodists. Hiram Walker deeded ¼ acre to build a school on the southeast corner of his property in the early 1860s (at 4300 Florida Road). A few years before his death, Hiram deeded to his eldest son, George Walker, 100 acres in the east part of the lot for “$1.00 and other considerations”. Hiram continued living in his frame house until his death in 1879.
  The Walker Farmstead has contextual value with its simple vernacular design, unpaved circulation routes and various agricultural buildings, and the proximity of these features to the road, supports and maintains the scenic and historic rural character of the road.
  With its Ontario vernacular style and simple frame construction, the Walker Farmstead shares a visual and historical relationship with its surroundings and is an important part of the historical rural context of the area.
  Its heritage attributes include the one-and-a-half storey frame farmhouse with various additions, its gable roof with brick chimney and central steep-pitched gable and a gable roofed wooden barn.  

617-619 Union Street (Part Lot 4, N/S Union St, Plan 54, Kingston City, Parts 1, 3, 13R10659; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac): 

• The property is located on the north side of the street, near the northwest corner with Church Street in the Village of Portsmouth, now City of Kingston. This approximately 230 square metre residential property contains a two-storey rough-cast frame house constructed circa 1850 and used for many years as a tavern.
  The subject property is a representative example of a mid-19th century two-storey wood frame Georgian cottage with its original rough-cast appearance. Typical of the Georgian style is the side gable roof and a central unadorned entranceway, flanked by symmetrically placed windows. While this building has been modified (twin chimneys removed) and restored several times, its profile, massing and fenestration pattern, still retain a strong Georgian character.
  The house was likely built by Alexander Cameron in 1850, at about the same time he built the house at 37 Kennedy Street. Cameron was a Scottish emigrant and carpenter.
  For many of its early years, the property was used as a tavern. Catherine Kirkeman ran a tavern in the building in the 1850s, until she ran in difficulty with village council regarding her lack of stables, which resulted in her losing her tavern license in 1860. A wooden stable was built on the corner of Church Street in the 1860s (replaced by a house in the 1940s). A Mrs. McCutcheon took over the business, where once again it came under public scrutiny, this time for a lack of accommodations (taverns had to have at least two bedrooms and a sitting room for guests). In 1869, Thomas and Catherine O’Donnell ran the tavern into the late 1870s. It is unclear when it became a private residence, however its rocky history as a tavern contributes to an understanding of the values and culture of the Portsmouth community in the late 19th Century.
  The former Village of Portsmouth has a distinct heritage character, consisting of a variety of built heritage resources including frame and stone dwellings from the 19th century. With its distinct Georgian design, original rough-cast cladding and location close to the street near the intersection with Baiden and Church streets, this property helps define and maintain the historic village character of Portsmouth.
  Its heritage attributes include the two-storey rough-cast-clad wood framed building, with symmetrical three-bay front façade, and side elevations with eave returns.  

79-83 Princess Street (Part Lot 111, Original Survey, Kingston City, Part 1, 13R13985; City of Kingston, County of Frontenac), known as the Robert White Building: 

• The Robert White Building is situated on the north side of the road, mid-block between King and Wellington streets in downtown Kingston. The approximately 453 square metre property includes a two-and-a-half storey red-brick commercial building constructed circa 1880 for Robert White’s fabric dying and cleaning business.
  The Robert White Building is an example of a late-19th century commercial building in the City of Kingston. The recent restoration work, done in an effort to return the first storey to a commercial storefront of the era, shows a high degree of craftsmanship.
  The two-and-a-half storey red-brick building with gable roof, has a five-bay second storey. The middle bay is located in a projecting portion of the façade. In addition, the second storey displays segmentally arched window openings. Brick pilasters frame the façade and are likely original features of the building. Historic photos show that the roof had two dormers that were removed then later reinstalled. Though not original, the restored ground floor façade features are typical of commercial storefronts of the building era and adds to the cultural heritage value of the building.
  The Robert White Building was restored by Bruce Downey in 2000. Bruce Downey is a well-known architect in the City of Kington who specialized in the restoration of heritage structures. He was first employed by Wilfred Sorensen (another well-known Kingston Architect), then ran his own practice, and later partnered with Lily Inglis for twenty years (Inglis and Downey Architects) until her retirement in 2001. Bruce Downey has been a member of the Ontario Association of Architects since 1981 and served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Kingston Heritage Committee (formerly L.A.C.A.C) for many years. Notable heritage restoration work by Bruce Downey in the City of Kington includes Springer Market Square, 84 Brock Street, 85 King Street East and the Prince George Hotel. The 2000 restoration works included the period-appropriate recreation of the ground floor commercial façade, the removal of the paint on the brick walls and the reintroduction of the gable roof dormers. To ensure the sensitive conservation of this historic building and to create a historically compatible result, the works were undertaken using historic research and an attention to detail in the craftsmanship.
  The Robert White Building is associated with fabric dyer and scourer (cleaner), Robert White. He worked as a dyer and scourer beginning in 1865 at various addresses along Princess Street prior to moving to 79–83 Princess Street around 1882. Robert White died March 8, 1890 at age 51. His wife Agnes assumed operation of the business until passing it off to their son Albert in 1894. The property was sold to Robert McLeod in 1895 and used as a commercial rental property. One notable renter is Clark W. Wright, son of Clark Wright (Hatter and Furrier, who lived at 25 Colborne Street). In 1908, after leaving his father’s fur business, Clark Jr. operated as an insurance agent and license inspector at 81 Princess Street.
  The Robert White Building is significant in defining and maintaining the character of the streetscape along the north side of Princess Street, between King and Wellington streets. The street displays many early commercial buildings in the City of Kingston. The buildings on this section of Princess Street vary in height from one-and-a-half to four storeys and the construction materials include primarily red-brick and limestone.
  The Robert White Building contributes to the historic streetscape of Princess Street  With its shallow setback, two-and-a-half storey height, red-brick construction, and location close to the lot lines, the Robert White Building shares a visual and historical relationship with its surroundings, particularly the limestone Moore Building at 75-77 Princess Street, which shares a similar scale and design, and the three storey brick buildings at 85-95 Princess Street. As part of this group of buildings, the subject building creates a streetwall, and helps maintain the historic and eclectic character of this portion of Princess Street.
  This variety creates a visually appealing and diverse streetscape along Princess Street. With its restored façade and red-brick construction, the Roert White Building is a visual landmark along the street.
  Its heritage attributes include the two-and-a-half storey red-brick building with gable dormers and parapet wall, the five-bay second storey of segmentally arched window openings, and recesses storefront.  

Additional information, including a full description of the reasons for designation is available upon request from Ryan Leary, Senior Heritage Planner, Heritage Services at 613-546-4291, extension 3233, or at RLeary@CityofKingston.ca during regular business hours, or by visiting the Development and Services Hub at CityofKingston.ca/DASH and searching by address.  

Any notice of objection to this notice of intention to designate the property, setting out the reason for objection and all relevant facts, must be served upon the City Clerk within 30 days of the first publication of this notice. 

Dated at the City of Kingston 

This 8th day of October, 2024

Janet Jaynes, City Clerk 

City of Kingston