Council Report: S 178/2019

Subject: Walker Power Building, 325 Devonshire Road - Request for Heritage Designation (Ward 4)

Reference:

Date to Council: May 11, 2020 Author: Kristina Tang Heritage Planner Phone: 519-255-6543, ext. 6179 ktang@citywindsor.ca

George Robinson Planner II- Revitalization & Policy Initiatives Phone: 519-255-6543, ext. 6531 Email: GRobinson@citywindsor.ca

Vincent Wen, Planning Co-Op Student Planning & Building Services Report Date: December 16, 2019 Clerk’s File #: MBA/13632

To: Mayor and Members of City Council

Recommendation:

I. THAT the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate Walker Power Building, at 325 Devonshire Road, in accordance with Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for the reasons attached in Appendix ‘A’

Executive Summary: N/A

Background:

The Walker Power Building, constructed circa 1911-1913, located at 325 Devonshire Road (the subject property), was listed on the Windsor Municipal Heritage Register on August 27, 2007, as part of the initial set of properties included on for its cultural heritage value. Although the building has long been recognized for its heritage as an early industrial Walkerville building, it had been vacant for a number of years.

The current owners of the property purchased the property in recent years to redevelop it for commercial use. During the redevelopment process, a railway turntable feature located at the northwest corner of the building footprint was uncovered during excavation. Archaeological assessments conducted confirmed that the subject property has cultural heritage value and interest.