Over the past few weeks, I've been stopping by the scene of the fire, to observe and photograph it. It's been almost a week since the last time I was there. But yesterday, I had a chance to visit it again.
It was a very sad sight. They've started to dismantle the southwest end of the building. So the extent of the fire damage can be seen, quite literally, as a cut-away view. As a result, one is reminded of the fact that it held the contents of people's lives.
While standing there, a pair of CP frieght trains passed in opposite directions, causing pedestrians to wait on either side of the tracks, for the two trains to pass. One of these folks stopped and shared a story with me of a young couple that she had spoken to there, on the evening of the fire. The couple – whom had stored everything there, in preparation for moving into a new home – lost everything. The thought of that is heart-wrenching.
I've been using the following set, on Flickr, to document what has happened over the past few weeks since the fire...
It's frightening to ponder the destructive power of fire and its ability to impact our lives – for good or bad. It's also sad, to think, that this historic piece of our neighbourhood will soon be completely gone.
There is just over a month to go in the public consulation process to determine what features and services area residents would like to see in a larger Perth/Dupont library. We are trying to encourage as many people as possible to complete the 100 Day Survey. Community participation is an important factor in addition to the ideas and comments people are submitting.
Please take a moment to complete the survey. It's an easy way to help our library grow. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KBN6ZGR
Many thanks.
Great news, I never would have imagined you'd want to cover century brick with cheap stucco, not only a unnecessary expense but will take away the purpose you wanted a old church to convert, it's original beauty,
I'm happy to see this proposal move forward, I'm confident you will beautify the building and intersection, by restoring the old charm in the old building & complementing it with a new modern designed homes to north, I love that combination of the old and new,
looking forward to the buildings & the additions to our neighourhood
Just a quick update on the Storage building fire. They have started to demolish the building. So far the south west upper corner has been removed. Toronto Fire services keeps an eye on any flare ups.
Alison
I really was impressed with the orginal Invitation way it was done in so many languages. Don't remember the demographics of the JT back them compared to now. But they were really trying to be inclusive as I remember. JF
Libraries are inherently hubs of innovation and creativity. They are particularly important resources for people looking for jobs or starting businesses. Therefore they play an important role in the economy, helping people transition to different industries. It is great to see the innovation of libraries themselves.
With many top universities publishing course curriculum on the internet it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see more people use libraries as study and perhaps even testing centers. Imagine getting together with some of your friends at the library to take courses from MIT, Stanford, or Oxford.
Some people might think that libraries are an obsolete idea. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is because at the core libraries are community spaces and information spaces. As technology has changed so has how information is shared. CBC's "Spark" often features segments on libraries which at first doesn't make sense because the show is about digital and emerging technologies. Harvard and MIT have library innovation centers and all over the net you can find examples of how libraries are changing but keeping the core social aspect that they arose from. Here are a few recent links from "Spark" to get you thinking. In 50 years libraries will still be around and some of what they do might be hinted at here...
1. The Fab Lab. The Fayetteville Free Library has a lot of cool stuff going on including copying the MIT model of a "fab lab" or "maker lab" which would create a facility to encourage innovation and fabrication on a local level. This is based on MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms which see the localized manufacturing of goods as the next huge information revolution; local people fabricating their own things. MIT and the Fayetteville Library see libraries as leading this. As a quick backgrounder look into "maker culture" here in Toronto (http://makerfairetoronto.ca/) and then look up 3D printing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3d_printing) to see where this is coming from.
2. The Harvard Library Innovation Laboratory. These folks have a lot going on but their three main interests, "Stack View", "Library Cloud", and "Shelf Life" are all projects designed to help make all library information available globally in ways never before possible. Imagine a reliable and usable world library. http://librarylab.law.harvard.edu/
These are just 2 examples show that information sharing is changing. It is becoming ubiquitous in terms of the Ether, but at the same time becoming more tactile in letting average citizens create actual things. These are just two examples of what the future of libraries may be but both cases are about community; in the global and local sense.
What is in store for our Perth Dupont Library? Who knows but the more you look, the more evidence you see that libraries are going to be with us because libraries are about community; the more people meet online, the more meeting and sharing with a sense of place matters.
Thanks very much for the clarification and assurance that there is no stucco treatment planned for your development. The picture included on your signs around the property show a beige, uniform treatment on the outside of both buildings. There is not a brick in sight on the drawing which is creating the impression you are planning stucco finish.
I have taken the archival photo posted by Vic and draped it over the current google streetview image of the building. Pretty neat to see: http://www.whatwasthere.com/b/33522
I think that the redevelopment is a great opportunity to help the Perth and Wallace corner become something much better. There is a great need to narrow the intersection to stop all the people who dont stop at the stop sign as they use the corner as a Symington shortcut and to make the corner safer for all pedestrians as traffic is only going in to increase. In the east end a lot of bad corners have been tamed using corner punchouts (which do not reduce parking by the way) and they really have made some corners much greener and safer. I hope that the developer sees this potential and decides to participate.
Firstly, I appreciate the positive comments. I have rehabbed several historic properties and I look forward to the re-adaptation of the church. However, I wish to clarify a misconception in one of the comments. The church will NOT be covered in stucco and was NEVER even considered as an option. The brick is generally in good condition and, after restoration, will shine!. Thank you for letting me clarify.
It is great to see the developer has taken some of the nieghbourhood concerns into account. One issue that I think needs to be addressed is the stucco treatment planned for the outside of the church. Not sure why anyone would bother buying an old brick church building just to cover it up? All of the buildings in are neighbourhood are predominantly brick exteriors. Even the newest developments in the area are brick. This project should also be done in brick rather than a cheap finish like stucco.
I have lived at 1011 Lansdowne since April 1 2010. When I viewed the unit on the 19th floor it was in excellent condition. A showpiece. Under the impression that this was the unit I was to occupy when moving in, I agreed to take the apartment. The day I moved in I was informed that I was to be given another, inferior unit. With a hole under the sink, a constant drip in the bathroom and uncountable cockroaches and bedbugs. Being on ODSP due to major health issues, I, like many before me took the apartment due to financial restrictions. What was I to do with all of my furniture on the sidewalk? I, somwhat hesitant, took the apartment and settled in. Over the course of 2009-10 I sat back and observed the attitudes of the management and the tenants, while learning as much as I could about the history of the building. To find a positive description of the Dupont/Lansdowne neighborhood in the archives of Toronto has yet to prove fruitful. The residents, mostly individuals, of 1011 Lansdowne are, for the most part, struggle honestly through the day, relying on the support of one another to maintain a sense of normalcy while under duress from the dismissive attitudes of the management and the city at large. Incidents, some of which I have personally encountered, have led me to a conclusion that the management of 1011 Lansdowne are incapable of creating a atmosphere of community, not the tenants, as the residents/politicians of Toronto have so repeatidly espoused. Yes, there is a drug problem. Yes ther is a prostitution problem. Yes the building is in need of a complete overhaul and yes the management has to be held accountable to the people of Toronto and the tenants of 1011 Lansdowne. But beyond the negative impression that has been bestowed upon the residents of the building, the simple reality of the fact is that the reputation that is imposed on the neighbourhood, because of the building, is home to many diverse and capable individuals. Upon speaking with any number of residents one quickly realizes that they are bright, articulate and willing to create change for the better. All they lack is a belief that the management city will support them. Former residents who criticize the building, and there are many, are convinced that they are justified in the belief that the building should be torn down. That the residents are not woth the time or effort to intigrate into society. The only solution being to remove them from the neighbourhood by any means necessary.
The corner of Dupont and Lansdowne consists of recently build townhouses, six apartment buildings, with another currently being built, a couple of stores, a coffee shop, a men's shelter and a dentist office. The corner in itself is a microcosim of the city of Toronto and the country of Canada as a whole. With a large portion of families, with 50% or more, having children (the largest percentage in Toronto), a large immigrant population where English is being learned as a second language, the working poor, middle class labourers, the unemployable and increasingly well off individuals. With the erecting of a new building on the northwest corner, and the addition of a shopping plaza in the next few years, will continue to create a more diverse and multicultural comunity. All that is lacking is leadership in the neighbourhood. Not politicians who provide lip service at the time of elections, and the dismissal of the neighbourhood in non election years.
The economic investments within the neighbourhood that are currently being embarked upon provides an opportunity for all residents of the Dupont/Lansdown area to come together and work towards the betterment of all living situations in the neighbourhood. And if asked, the residents of 1011 Lansdowne would be more than willing to address the issues that effect them every day. Until this happens, the outside view of the building will always be in stark contrast to the reality of the lives that the individuals at 1011 Lansdowne face. Carrying a sense of shame and worthlessness that has been bestowed upon them for choosing to live in the greatest city in the world. Although ther are few who would have you believe that the residents are not worth the time or effort and are a hopeless cause. To believe this is to believe that a resident of 1011 Lansdowne is not worthy of being treated like a human being. Instead of offering a segratory and dismissive attitude towards the building, perhaps an attitude of compassion and a willingness to correct these misaligned attitudes would create a community worthy of being calling the greatest in the world.
The developer of the former Perth Wallace Church site sent a letter updating their process and some of the changes they have made to their plan. They have submitted an application and there will shortly be another public meeting.Here is their update:
"January 12, 2012
Dear Neighbourhood Resident
On April 28, 2011, you participated in a community meeting with respect to the church redevelopment proposal at Perth and Wallace Avenues, Cornerstone Lofts. We appreciated your attendance and the support shown for your neighbourhood. We heard many thoughtful neighbours express their support for Cornerstone Lofts as well as some of their concerns. As you may remember, the presentation plans showed the renovation of the existing church structure into 23 residential condominiums, construction of an underground parking garage and a new 4-story 14 unit residential condominium building on top of the garage.
On October 20, 2011 we submitted our formal application for the redevelopment of the property. In the plans submitted, we addressed concerns expressed by the neighbourhood and the planning staff. I wish to bring you up to date on Cornerstone Lofts. The following is a summary of our changes that were submitted in our application.
Comments were generally related to the project as a whole (particularly parking), the church or the new building. The church renovation and elevations were generally well received and there was much support for this phase of our plan. We subsequently made minor changes to the church plans and submitted substantially the same plan as presented to you.
Most of the concerns expressed related to parking, the size of the units and the height of the new building:
1. The number of units – some expressed concern about the number of units in the proposed project. In our presentation, the church had 23 units and the new building contained 14 units for a total of 37 units. Under our application, the number of units was reduced by almost ten (10%) percent: 22 units in the church and 12 units in the new building for a total of 34 units.
2. The size of the units – some expressed concern that the proposed units were small and wished the new units to be similar in size to existing homes. The average size of the units in our presentation, although not small, was approximately 825 sf in the church building and 771 sf in the new building. There were 3 units over 1,000 sf. Under our application, we increased the average size of the units in the church building from 825 sf to 965 sf and in the new building from approximately 771 sf to 909 sf. There are now 10 units over 1,000 sf.
3. The height and west elevation of the new building – some expressed concerns relating to these issues. Our presentation plan showed the building as 3 stories with the 4th floor setback approximately 3 ft from the 3rd fl. The 4th fl covered approximately 67% of the 3rd floor with setbacks from the 3rd floor on the west, north, east and south sides of 5’, 5’, 5’ and 5’ respectively. There were no setbacks for the stairwells Under our application, the 3rd floor is now setback from the 2nd fl. by approximately 5 ft. and the 4th floor is further set back from the 3rd floor by over 16 ft. The revised 4th floor has been incorporated into the 3rd floor units making them two levels. We also reduced the footprint of the floor from 67% to 40% of the 3rd floor; eliminated the need for the 2 staircases and elevator shaft to go the the 4th floor thereby reducing the mass of the building; increased the west, north, east and south building setbacks to 16’-5”’, 13’, 13’ and 6’ respectively. This significantly reduced the massing and impact of the 4th floor
4. Parking issues and the number of parking spaces - some expressed concerns about availability of parking. As a gesture of goodwill, we have left the parking lot open to neighbourhood use at their own risk until construction starts. However, we caution our neighbours that the lot is NOT open to the storage of vehicles and boats, etc. The parking plan as submitted did not change from our initial presentation Our traffic engineer prepared a report with respect to traffic and parking and submitted same with our application. The engineer’s analysis indicates that with the ready availability of public transportation, the use of car share spaces and availability of on street permit parking, the plan as submitted meets the requirements of the city. A copy of his report is available.
I thank you for the opportunity to bring you up to date and we look forward to meeting with you again at the next public meeting. You should receive notice of same shortly.
Just wanted to let people know that I have 2 daycare spots available. One spot is open now and the other will be available in March. Currently I take care of my son and 2 other toddlers (although one is leaving in March to spend quality time with her new sister). We have quite the social life and make good use of the Junction by visiting the Perth and Davenport Ontario Early Years Centers, Indian Road's literacy center, the Perth Dupont library, and all of our local parks. I'm open to full-time or part-time and will happily accommodate cloth diapers. I cook my meals from scratch and have flexible hours.
If you are interested in a warm, home setting with an emphasis on healthy eating, free play, and lots of activity we should meet in person to discuss details. I have a long history of working with children, despite no formal training and really enjoy the opportunity to stay-at-home and watch these babies grow.
Over the past few weeks, I've been stopping by the scene of the fire, to observe and photograph it. It's been almost a week since the last time I was there. But yesterday, I had a chance to visit it again.
It was a very sad sight. They've started to dismantle the southwest end of the building. So the extent of the fire damage can be seen, quite literally, as a cut-away view. As a result, one is reminded of the fact that it held the contents of people's lives.
While standing there, a pair of CP frieght trains passed in opposite directions, causing pedestrians to wait on either side of the tracks, for the two trains to pass. One of these folks stopped and shared a story with me of a young couple that she had spoken to there, on the evening of the fire. The couple – whom had stored everything there, in preparation for moving into a new home – lost everything. The thought of that is heart-wrenching.
I've been using the following set, on Flickr, to document what has happened over the past few weeks since the fire...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krunkwerke/sets/72157628796702349
It's frightening to ponder the destructive power of fire and its ability to impact our lives – for good or bad. It's also sad, to think, that this historic piece of our neighbourhood will soon be completely gone.
... John
There is just over a month to go in the public consulation process to determine what features and services area residents would like to see in a larger Perth/Dupont library. We are trying to encourage as many people as possible to complete the 100 Day Survey. Community participation is an important factor in addition to the ideas and comments people are submitting.
Please take a moment to complete the survey. It's an easy way to help our library grow. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KBN6ZGR
Many thanks.
Great news, I never would have imagined you'd want to cover century brick with cheap stucco, not only a unnecessary expense but will take away the purpose you wanted a old church to convert, it's original beauty,
I'm happy to see this proposal move forward, I'm confident you will beautify the building and intersection, by restoring the old charm in the old building & complementing it with a new modern designed homes to north, I love that combination of the old and new,
looking forward to the buildings & the additions to our neighourhood
Thx for keeping us informed
I just received an ad in the mail yesterday for this place.
Just a quick update on the Storage building fire. They have started to demolish the building. So far the south west upper corner has been removed. Toronto Fire services keeps an eye on any flare ups.
Alison
http://toronto.openfile.ca/blog/curator-blog/curated-news/2012/toronto-p...
Need to get those kinds of donations happening here :)
I really was impressed with the orginal Invitation way it was done in so many languages. Don't remember the demographics of the JT back them compared to now. But they were really trying to be inclusive as I remember. JF
So who was that first patron? Somebody who grew up in the hood must know. It would be so cool for him to come to the new expansion.
I agree that the developer should go with brick to stay with the look and feel of the neighbourhood.
Cafe Neon & now Bar Neon in Bloordale, article in Toronto Life
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2012/01/1...
A friend of mine posted this video recently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_a7OTE2nLg
Libraries are inherently hubs of innovation and creativity. They are particularly important resources for people looking for jobs or starting businesses. Therefore they play an important role in the economy, helping people transition to different industries. It is great to see the innovation of libraries themselves.
With many top universities publishing course curriculum on the internet it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see more people use libraries as study and perhaps even testing centers. Imagine getting together with some of your friends at the library to take courses from MIT, Stanford, or Oxford.
Some people might think that libraries are an obsolete idea. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is because at the core libraries are community spaces and information spaces. As technology has changed so has how information is shared. CBC's "Spark" often features segments on libraries which at first doesn't make sense because the show is about digital and emerging technologies. Harvard and MIT have library innovation centers and all over the net you can find examples of how libraries are changing but keeping the core social aspect that they arose from. Here are a few recent links from "Spark" to get you thinking. In 50 years libraries will still be around and some of what they do might be hinted at here...
1. The Fab Lab. The Fayetteville Free Library has a lot of cool stuff going on including copying the MIT model of a "fab lab" or "maker lab" which would create a facility to encourage innovation and fabrication on a local level. This is based on MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms which see the localized manufacturing of goods as the next huge information revolution; local people fabricating their own things. MIT and the Fayetteville Library see libraries as leading this. As a quick backgrounder look into "maker culture" here in Toronto (http://makerfairetoronto.ca/) and then look up 3D printing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3d_printing) to see where this is coming from.
http://www.fayettevillefreelibrary.org/about-us/services/fablab
Tekventure is already on site in Library parking lots in the US bringing the "maker/fab" ethos to the people.
http://tekventure.org/about/
2. The Harvard Library Innovation Laboratory. These folks have a lot going on but their three main interests, "Stack View", "Library Cloud", and "Shelf Life" are all projects designed to help make all library information available globally in ways never before possible. Imagine a reliable and usable world library.
http://librarylab.law.harvard.edu/
These are just 2 examples show that information sharing is changing. It is becoming ubiquitous in terms of the Ether, but at the same time becoming more tactile in letting average citizens create actual things. These are just two examples of what the future of libraries may be but both cases are about community; in the global and local sense.
What is in store for our Perth Dupont Library? Who knows but the more you look, the more evidence you see that libraries are going to be with us because libraries are about community; the more people meet online, the more meeting and sharing with a sense of place matters.
Thanks for the digital time travel! A. and I enjoyed fiddling with the fade + and - buttons to see what stayed and what changed in each photograph.
Thanks very much for the clarification and assurance that there is no stucco treatment planned for your development. The picture included on your signs around the property show a beige, uniform treatment on the outside of both buildings. There is not a brick in sight on the drawing which is creating the impression you are planning stucco finish.
I have taken the archival photo posted by Vic and draped it over the current google streetview image of the building. Pretty neat to see: http://www.whatwasthere.com/b/33522
I think that the redevelopment is a great opportunity to help the Perth and Wallace corner become something much better. There is a great need to narrow the intersection to stop all the people who dont stop at the stop sign as they use the corner as a Symington shortcut and to make the corner safer for all pedestrians as traffic is only going in to increase. In the east end a lot of bad corners have been tamed using corner punchouts (which do not reduce parking by the way) and they really have made some corners much greener and safer. I hope that the developer sees this potential and decides to participate.
Firstly, I appreciate the positive comments. I have rehabbed several historic properties and I look forward to the re-adaptation of the church. However, I wish to clarify a misconception in one of the comments. The church will NOT be covered in stucco and was NEVER even considered as an option. The brick is generally in good condition and, after restoration, will shine!. Thank you for letting me clarify.
It is great to see the developer has taken some of the nieghbourhood concerns into account. One issue that I think needs to be addressed is the stucco treatment planned for the outside of the church. Not sure why anyone would bother buying an old brick church building just to cover it up? All of the buildings in are neighbourhood are predominantly brick exteriors. Even the newest developments in the area are brick. This project should also be done in brick rather than a cheap finish like stucco.
This will be a great development for the community! Hope it gets swift approval :)
Do you mean at the Galleria Mall? There have been some long term plans brewing for quite some time:
http://www.bousfields.ca/index.php/projects/galleria_mall_redevelopment
But I have no idea what the status is. That mall and corner could use a severe makeover.
UPDATE: I talked to the Bousfields Inc. people and they ceased to be involved a few years ago in this project.
What is the development going on at Dupont and Dufferin?
I have lived at 1011 Lansdowne since April 1 2010. When I viewed the unit on the 19th floor it was in excellent condition. A showpiece. Under the impression that this was the unit I was to occupy when moving in, I agreed to take the apartment. The day I moved in I was informed that I was to be given another, inferior unit. With a hole under the sink, a constant drip in the bathroom and uncountable cockroaches and bedbugs. Being on ODSP due to major health issues, I, like many before me took the apartment due to financial restrictions. What was I to do with all of my furniture on the sidewalk? I, somwhat hesitant, took the apartment and settled in. Over the course of 2009-10 I sat back and observed the attitudes of the management and the tenants, while learning as much as I could about the history of the building. To find a positive description of the Dupont/Lansdowne neighborhood in the archives of Toronto has yet to prove fruitful. The residents, mostly individuals, of 1011 Lansdowne are, for the most part, struggle honestly through the day, relying on the support of one another to maintain a sense of normalcy while under duress from the dismissive attitudes of the management and the city at large. Incidents, some of which I have personally encountered, have led me to a conclusion that the management of 1011 Lansdowne are incapable of creating a atmosphere of community, not the tenants, as the residents/politicians of Toronto have so repeatidly espoused. Yes, there is a drug problem. Yes ther is a prostitution problem. Yes the building is in need of a complete overhaul and yes the management has to be held accountable to the people of Toronto and the tenants of 1011 Lansdowne. But beyond the negative impression that has been bestowed upon the residents of the building, the simple reality of the fact is that the reputation that is imposed on the neighbourhood, because of the building, is home to many diverse and capable individuals. Upon speaking with any number of residents one quickly realizes that they are bright, articulate and willing to create change for the better. All they lack is a belief that the management city will support them. Former residents who criticize the building, and there are many, are convinced that they are justified in the belief that the building should be torn down. That the residents are not woth the time or effort to intigrate into society. The only solution being to remove them from the neighbourhood by any means necessary.
The corner of Dupont and Lansdowne consists of recently build townhouses, six apartment buildings, with another currently being built, a couple of stores, a coffee shop, a men's shelter and a dentist office. The corner in itself is a microcosim of the city of Toronto and the country of Canada as a whole. With a large portion of families, with 50% or more, having children (the largest percentage in Toronto), a large immigrant population where English is being learned as a second language, the working poor, middle class labourers, the unemployable and increasingly well off individuals. With the erecting of a new building on the northwest corner, and the addition of a shopping plaza in the next few years, will continue to create a more diverse and multicultural comunity. All that is lacking is leadership in the neighbourhood. Not politicians who provide lip service at the time of elections, and the dismissal of the neighbourhood in non election years.
The economic investments within the neighbourhood that are currently being embarked upon provides an opportunity for all residents of the Dupont/Lansdown area to come together and work towards the betterment of all living situations in the neighbourhood. And if asked, the residents of 1011 Lansdowne would be more than willing to address the issues that effect them every day. Until this happens, the outside view of the building will always be in stark contrast to the reality of the lives that the individuals at 1011 Lansdowne face. Carrying a sense of shame and worthlessness that has been bestowed upon them for choosing to live in the greatest city in the world. Although ther are few who would have you believe that the residents are not worth the time or effort and are a hopeless cause. To believe this is to believe that a resident of 1011 Lansdowne is not worthy of being treated like a human being. Instead of offering a segratory and dismissive attitude towards the building, perhaps an attitude of compassion and a willingness to correct these misaligned attitudes would create a community worthy of being calling the greatest in the world.
The developer of the former Perth Wallace Church site sent a letter updating their process and some of the changes they have made to their plan. They have submitted an application and there will shortly be another public meeting.Here is their update:
"January 12, 2012
Dear Neighbourhood Resident
On April 28, 2011, you participated in a community meeting with respect to the church redevelopment proposal at Perth and Wallace Avenues, Cornerstone Lofts. We appreciated your attendance and the support shown for your neighbourhood. We heard many thoughtful neighbours express their support for Cornerstone Lofts as well as some of their concerns. As you may remember, the presentation plans showed the renovation of the existing church structure into 23 residential condominiums, construction of an underground parking garage and a new 4-story 14 unit residential condominium building on top of the garage.
On October 20, 2011 we submitted our formal application for the redevelopment of the property. In the plans submitted, we addressed concerns expressed by the neighbourhood and the planning staff. I wish to bring you up to date on Cornerstone Lofts. The following is a summary of our changes that were submitted in our application.
Comments were generally related to the project as a whole (particularly parking), the church or the new building. The church renovation and elevations were generally well received and there was much support for this phase of our plan. We subsequently made minor changes to the church plans and submitted substantially the same plan as presented to you.
Most of the concerns expressed related to parking, the size of the units and the height of the new building:
1. The number of units – some expressed concern about the number of units in the proposed project. In our presentation, the church had 23 units and the new building contained 14 units for a total of 37 units. Under our application, the number of units was reduced by almost ten (10%) percent: 22 units in the church and 12 units in the new building for a total of 34 units.
2. The size of the units – some expressed concern that the proposed units were small and wished the new units to be similar in size to existing homes. The average size of the units in our presentation, although not small, was approximately 825 sf in the church building and 771 sf in the new building. There were 3 units over 1,000 sf. Under our application, we increased the average size of the units in the church building from 825 sf to 965 sf and in the new building from approximately 771 sf to 909 sf. There are now 10 units over 1,000 sf.
3. The height and west elevation of the new building – some expressed concerns relating to these issues. Our presentation plan showed the building as 3 stories with the 4th floor setback approximately 3 ft from the 3rd fl. The 4th fl covered approximately 67% of the 3rd floor with setbacks from the 3rd floor on the west, north, east and south sides of 5’, 5’, 5’ and 5’ respectively. There were no setbacks for the stairwells Under our application, the 3rd floor is now setback from the 2nd fl. by approximately 5 ft. and the 4th floor is further set back from the 3rd floor by over 16 ft. The revised 4th floor has been incorporated into the 3rd floor units making them two levels. We also reduced the footprint of the floor from 67% to 40% of the 3rd floor; eliminated the need for the 2 staircases and elevator shaft to go the the 4th floor thereby reducing the mass of the building; increased the west, north, east and south building setbacks to 16’-5”’, 13’, 13’ and 6’ respectively. This significantly reduced the massing and impact of the 4th floor
4. Parking issues and the number of parking spaces - some expressed concerns about availability of parking. As a gesture of goodwill, we have left the parking lot open to neighbourhood use at their own risk until construction starts. However, we caution our neighbours that the lot is NOT open to the storage of vehicles and boats, etc. The parking plan as submitted did not change from our initial presentation Our traffic engineer prepared a report with respect to traffic and parking and submitted same with our application. The engineer’s analysis indicates that with the ready availability of public transportation, the use of car share spaces and availability of on street permit parking, the plan as submitted meets the requirements of the city. A copy of his report is available.
I thank you for the opportunity to bring you up to date and we look forward to meeting with you again at the next public meeting. You should receive notice of same shortly.
Thanking you in advance, I remain
Cornerstone Lofts Limited
Signed
___________________________
Mark McGroarty
Cc: Ana Bailão"
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let people know that I have 2 daycare spots available. One spot is open now and the other will be available in March. Currently I take care of my son and 2 other toddlers (although one is leaving in March to spend quality time with her new sister). We have quite the social life and make good use of the Junction by visiting the Perth and Davenport Ontario Early Years Centers, Indian Road's literacy center, the Perth Dupont library, and all of our local parks. I'm open to full-time or part-time and will happily accommodate cloth diapers. I cook my meals from scratch and have flexible hours.
If you are interested in a warm, home setting with an emphasis on healthy eating, free play, and lots of activity we should meet in person to discuss details. I have a long history of working with children, despite no formal training and really enjoy the opportunity to stay-at-home and watch these babies grow.
Please feel free to contact me at: holly.k.mcd@gmail.com or (647) 970 - 8756.
Thanks,
Holly McDaniel