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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 46-04 REPORT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Report Number: CS 46/04 Date: November 22, 2004 From: Bruce Taylor, AMCT, CMM City Clerk Subject: Ever Green Villa Designation 3970 Brock Road, Concession 6, Lot 19 Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 46-04 regarding the designation of Ever Green Villa, 3970 Brock Road, be received; and 2. That the Ever Green Villa be designated as a Heritage Property. Executive Summary: Not Applicable Financial Implications: $300 plaque - Account 2743-5400 Background: The house is associated with both the Barclay and the Burton families. The builder, Eli Barclay, was active in the community, including one of the founders of the prominent Disciples' Church (along with his wife and other members of the family). The Burtons were tradesmen in the community. Two members of that family became prominent figures in their chosen fields, one as a business leader (CEO of Simpson's Company), the other as a celebrated physicist at the University of Toronto who played a leading role in the development of the electron microscope. Ever Green Villa was built in early 1850s by Eli Barclay, a son of the Rev. George Barclay. The property remained in Barclay hands until expropriation. Ever Green Villa is an interestingly unique elaboration of Victorian vernacular. It is one of the few vertical board and batten houses in Pickering. It is a two storey frame residence clad in board and batten and V-groove siding, unusual floor plan. Built at a time of economic Report CS 46-04 Designation of Ever Green Villa November 22, 2004 Page 2 prosperity in Pickering, the farm's own clear white pine was the chief material of the home. In plan, it is picturesque with many component parts, all of which would seem to have been built at one time. The south wing has a very unique upper window or door over a door-like opening with signs of a verandah which would appear to have continued around the east and north facades, as do the barge boards in the gables. The east-facing, central, projecting portion shows signs of a center entrance with entabliture. The north wing appears to be a "groszdaddy' wing with its own entrance off the common verandah. The very interesting north-facing drive shed with belvedere may have been joined to the house. Original elements are still visible at the rear of the house and all of the above-noted building elements are notable or unique enough to support designation on architectural merit. The 1974 federal-provincial inventory stated that this was a structure "of substantial architectural merit and cultural importance that should be preserved." At least two images of the house have been preserved from the early years: · a photograph taken c1865 shows a mature landscaping and the house was graced by one of the earliest gardens in the community, carefully developed and tended by Mrs. Barclay and her descendants well into the 20th century (within living memory) · a drawing in the 1877 Beers Atlas, which gives a good representation of the settled, well-established residence The house and grounds should be restored to their former conditions with a proper period window to replace the inappropriate bay window at the front, a restoration of the porch, and a recreation of the gardens. There is significant evidence of original elements that would make restoration and re-use of the building possible. This house and grounds deserve designation as a heritage site for the architectural merit, the former prominence of its show-case gardens, and for the association with the Barclay and Burton families. Council should be aware that the Ever Green Villa is located on the airport lands that is owned and controlled by Transport Canada. It is the intent of Heritage Pickering to ensure that the historical and architectural importance of this building is recognized by Transport Canada so that in the event that this building is part of the construction envelope for the future airport, consideration will be given to preserving this building in some way. Attachments: The Barclay Houses Historical Report prepared by John Sabean, Historical Consultant. Report CS 46-04 Designation of Ever Green Villa November 22, 2004 Page 3 Prepared By: ~,.-/Pamela Fuselli Chair, Heritage Pickering Approved / Endorsed By: [~ruce Taylor City Clerk Approved By: Gillis A. Paterson, Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer BT:dw Attachments dmini/~I~~/ho. mas J. strative Officer