Two contentious changes to heritage-designated Hart House have been approved by Town Council.
At issue were the removal of the home’s signature coloured glass windows and the addition of stone veneer to its exterior. The Municipal Heritage Committee deferred a decision on whether to approve the changes to Council’s December 20 meeting.
Of the changes, Teri Souter, the Town’s Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage, said that staff didn’t know windows were being replaced until they were called by media and were told there were concerns from residents. The windows have been replaced with a heritage-style, wood window that matches the profile of what was on the home previously. The removed coloured glass panels are to be rehung in their previous position but on the interior of the new windows. As for the veneer, it was on a plan that had been previously approved but the presence of the veneer wasn’t noticed by staff.
“If we were to ask to have the house returned to a previous state, which we have a right to do, this is exactly the style of window we would be asking for,” said Souter. “The fact that the (coloured) glass is going to be put back in will help to preserve it, behind a storm (window). It’s an acceptable practice, it’s not ideal but we believe it is equitable in this situation.”
When questioned by councillors on both the colour of the new windows – which have black trim instead of the previous white – and whether all of the home’s coloured windows have been retained by the owner of the Hart House, Souter said that because paint colour is easily changeable, a heritage permit application isn’t required, and that staff have not inventoried the coloured glass windows but have been assured by the owner that all are intact. The status of the coloured glass that was over the front door’s transom – with its signature heart – is unknown.
Regarding the stone veneer, Chief Building Official for the Town, Chris Nagy, added that, “Through the bylaw on the actual building, it does note that stone is one of the (acceptable) façades…although not previously installed in that location it does relay back to the bylaw.”
In general terms, the intent of the Heritage Act is to work collaboratively with owners to protect heritage. Nothing lasts forever, every material will disintegrate over time. The idea is to replace it with similar materials where possible…so that people can appreciate and understand their heritage over time. The idea here is the window profile and trims will be same as what you see over the years in previous photos. (It’s a) question to balance what’s the benefit, what’s the look, what’s the overall sustainability and longevity of such an undertaking.
Teri Souter, Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage for the Town of Huntsville
Hart House through the years (from left) in 1894, with the hospital wing which was built in 1901, in 1976 and in 2012
Several councillors acknowledged the difficult task of ensuring heritage is maintained while allowing private property owners to use their properties.
Councillor Det Schumacher said, “I’m totally in favour of the maintenance of a project like this but I’m hoping we don’t put roadblocks in the way of an individual that owns the premises. Granted, we’d like to see it maintained as it should be, but let’s take a different scenario. (If the town owned it), the taxpayer would be on hook for major dollars to maintain something like that. Look at the train station. Let’s work with an individual that’s willing to reside in a heritage place and maintain it. Let’s be sensitive to the fact that if the town had to do it on taxpayers’ dollars it would be a whole different scenario.”
Councillor Jason Fitzgerald, who chairs the Municipal Heritage Committee, added, “It’s a fine line we walk in trying to maintain the heritage and allowing the person to enjoy their property… This property is very expensive and quite a large amount of investment is still required. If we work amicably with these people and don’t get involved in expensive litigation, which we all know where that leads, I think the goals can be met of the heritage committee.”
The Hart House as it looks today (November 2016)
There has been much discussion about the Hart House on social media channels and Mayor Scott Aitchison criticized some of the comments while defending staff actions.
“To Teri and Chris, thank you for your work on this and your efforts. There’s been a lot of nasty comments made about our staff on social media and I’m frankly disgusted by it… To the people who have criticized Teri and Chris Nagy and our staff, shame on you. I think Teri Souter has done nothing but an admirable job and she continues to do so,” he said.
People who don’t understand the Heritage Act but think that whatever is designated as a heritage building will remain a museum piece forever clearly don’t understand it. I want to say to you very directly, Teri, you’ve done a great job, I appreciate all you do. I think working with people who have the interest and frankly the means to maintain something like the Hart House, which I can only imagine what it costs to heat and replace the windows, they should be applauded and appreciated.
Mayor Scott Aitchison
He went on to ask a member of the gallery to tell the current owner of the Hart House that “I think this Council for the most part really appreciates all the work she is doing on Hart House to save it so it will last for a long time to come. And for the people in this community who think the Hart House should look the same forever and a day, just take a look at the historical photos to know that it has changed a lot over the years.”
The motion – to allow replacement of the original windows in the Hart House with traditional “Kolbe Heritage Series” wood windows with the original coloured pane windows installed in the interior behind the new windows and that the stone veneer be allowed on the façades as shown in the drawings previously submitted – was approved unanimously by Council.
Related stories:
Heritage Committee defers decision on Hart House modifications to Council
Neighbour and former owner express concern over changes to Hart House
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free, twice-weekly newsletter here.
I like the look of the building and the project. I think the owner has done much to improve the site from what it was.