Property owners recognized for contribution to Goderich’s heritage

Goderich’s heritage committee secretary Barb Mackenzie was recognized for her work post-tornado, helping property owners in the rebuild. She is flanked by, at left, Mayor Deb Shewfelt, and, at right, Coun. Kevin Morrison, who is chair of the committee.

HEATHER BOA Bullet News GODERICH – The tornado that ripped through Goderich and area in August 2011 was turned into an opportunity for the town to rebuild some of its heritage architecture, Bob Davis, who is on the town’s heritage committee, said before handing out certificates to recognize efforts to conserve or enhance Goderich heritage in 2012.

“One business owner improving, and then encouraging another business owner to improve and here we are with 31 certificates to hand out tonight to recognize your contribution,” he said, at a ceremony held at the Reuben R. Sallows Gallery on Thursday evening.

Kevin Morrison, who chairs the Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee, said its mandate has been to work with property owners and the community.

“The sense of pride that we have experienced from property owners in this town has been absolutely amazing and on behalf of the committee I want to thank you for what you have done,” he said.

Mayor Deb Shewfelt, who helped with the presentations, said the event was ‘very inspiring’ for him.

At the end of the ceremony, Morrison also acknowledged the work of its secretary, Barb Mackenzie.

“She’s just a miracle to have at the building department. We get nothing but compliments when it comes to the work she does,” he said. His comments were met by applause from the audience.

The awards are based on three criteria: a) individuals who have made a significant contribution to Goderich heritage; b) designated property owners who have followed the heritage permit application process and have substantially completed their changes; and c) non-designated property owners (some of whom chose to follow the permit application process although they weren’t required to) whose renovations or rebuilding were noticed as conserving or enhancing the town’s heritage.

The information on each building listed below was provided by Bob Davis.

Krissy Nickle: member of the former Marine Heritage Committee for many years and the now merged Municipal and Marine Heritage Committee 2011-2013. Nickle has had to withdraw due to career demands. She accepted the award from Kevin Morrison, a Goderich town councillor who is also chair of the committee.

12-14 Courthouse Sq. John Little, ABC Investments. Exterior renovations including a re-bricked upper facade that replicates the original brick cornice, pilasters with stone decorations, and arched window surrounds. Interior renovations. Absent

16 Courthouse Sq. Tom and Dawn Fincher, Fincher’s Games and Books. Exterior renovations including a re-bricked upper facade that replicates the original brick cornice, pilasters with stone decorations, and arched window surrounds. Tom Fincher, at right, accepted the award. Also in the photo, from left, are Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt, committee member Bob Davis and committee chair Kevin Morrison.

40 Courthouse Sq. Takalo and Burt, Chartered Accountants. Replacement of brick parapet and replication of detailed cornice moulding. Absent

104-108 Courthouse Sq. Shanahan’s Quality Meats and Deli. Re-bricking of full two-storey façade on both Kingston St and The Square including replication of details. Absent.

122 Courthouse Sq. Carolyn Merritt. Redesigning façade to match adjoining building including historically appropriate details. Interior renovations. Absent.

138 Courthouse Sq. Coldwell Banker Goderich. New construction on the base of previous structure, designed in an updated Italianate style with appropriate heritage detailing in the windows, brickwork and corner treatment. Absent.

140 Courthouse Sq. Denomme Flower Shoppe. Replacement and repair of the façade including replication of the brickwork and upper window. Absent.

142 Courthouse Sq. Wuerth’s Shoes. Replacement and repair of the façade including brickwork and upper window. Employee Judith Cumming accepted the award.

170 Courthouse Sq. Market Square Dental, Dr. Michelle Szasz. New construction in an updated Second Empire style which reflects the historic building it replaces and gives appropriate presence to the corner location.

31 West St., Jim and Connie Doig. Renovation of the façade which returns the building to a more appropriate heritage appearance with a brick look on the upper floor and a wide, bracketed cornice and entablature.

32-34 West St., Henry Elderhorst. Historically appropriate window replacement and repair in upper facade. Also made repairs at 45 West St.

33 West St., West Street Dental Clinic. Roof replacement and upper façade restoration in a historically appropriate manner. Dr. Scott Russell accepted the award.

36-38 West St., Ann McCauley. Historically appropriate window replacement in upper floors. Façade repairs.

37-41 West St. Masonic Lodge. Replacement of upper façade replicating the original brickwork, window treatment, date stone and stone work.

40-42 West St., Dave and Bob Cornish. Replacement of roof and cornice. Interior renovations. Bob Cornish accepted the award.

46 West St. Lyons and Mulhern. Exterior and interior repairs and restoration in a historically appropriate manner. Replicated east parapet and chimneys. Heather Lyons and Jim Mulhern accepted the award.

49 West St., Culbert’s Bakery. Historically appropriate renovations and repair to exterior. Darin Culbert accepted the award.

50 West St., West Coast Kitchens, Claude and Linda Reaume. Historically appropriate restoration of façade and sidewall. Roof and interior repairs.

56-60 West St., Allan Avis Architects. New construction in a two-storey, updated Georgian style complementary to the heritage district.

68 West St., Huron Optometric Clinic. New construction in a two-storey, updated Italianate style complementary to the heritage district. Absent.

33 East St., New Again. Renovation of façade and roof in a historically appropriate manner. Absent.

40 East St., Healthward Bound. Renovation of exterior, including historically appropriate porch. Absent.

55-59 Kingston, St. Hoffmeyer Plumbing and Heating. Renovation and repair of facade and retention of historic building. Absent.

33 Montreal St., Prest and Egener. Repair and restoration of façade features in a historically appropriate manner. Absent.

39 Montreal St., First Baptist Church. Historically appropriate repair and replacement of steeple and other architectural elements. Pastor Rod Gauthier accepted the award.

37 Napier St., Curtis and Amber Moore. Renovation and restoration of home in a historically appropriate manner. Amber Moore accepted the award.

122 St Patrick St., Beth Ross and John Thompson. New construction in a Gothic/Ontario Cottage style appropriate to revitalizing the historic streetscape. John Thompson accepted the award.