Executive Summary:

N/A

Background:

The property is located within the Sandwich Heritage Conservation District Plan, in the north end of the commercial / institutional core of Sandwich Town. The Dominion Hotel (also known as the “DH”) is on the abutting parcel to the north

The structure is comprised of what was originally two brick buildings built adjacent to each other. When looking at front facade the portion of the building on the left (south) side appears on the 1924 Fire Insurance Map, while the portion on the right (north) side appears on the 1937 Fire Insurance Map. The structure on the north half appears to have been constructed circa 1928, as it appears in the city directory of that year. Both halves of the building appear on the same parcel on the Fire Insurance Maps. According to severance records, the two buildings were on the same parcel as the abutting house to the south at 3158 Sandwich from the early 1970’s until 2018.

According to historic photographs (see Appendix C) there have been a variety of commercial uses in the building, including a local convenience store, a video store, and most recently a bicycle store and repair shop.

The application was made by Settimo Vilardi of Archon Architects on behalf of the property owner 2594756 Ontario Limited, which is owned by Kyle Mac Donald.

Discussion:

Property Description:

Most of the 16.15m (53’) frontage of this parcel is taken up by this traditional main street commercial building, designed with retail at grade and flexible office/apartment space on the second floor. There is a rear covered porch which serves as access and amenity space for the second floor. While originally constructed as two buildings, during its most recent tenure as a bicycle store there was access on both the main and second floors between each half. The rear area of the lot features several mature trees and serves as a parking area for the building. (See Appendix C for current view of the property).

Proposal:

The current plans propose separating the structure into two retail units on the main floor, and two three bedroom apartments on the second floor. The front facade of the building will be restored to a more heritage appropriate appearance including removal of existing exterior cladding material, restoration of the brick facade, and a new storefront glazing system inclusive of metal panelling system, and replacement of window on the right side facades. The applicant also proposes extensive repair/replacement of portions of the failing left facade and replacement with an Architectural Insulated Metal Panel system, and potentially Fibre Cement Architectural Wall Panel at the front left wall if needed.