Zoning Notice: 54 Summit Avenue
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
IN THE MATTER OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT, R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER O.18
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie intends to designate the property at the following municipal address as property of architectural and/or historical value or interest under Part IV of The Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter O.18.
REASON FOR PROPOSED DESIGNATION – 54 SUMMIT AVENUE
It is recommended that the property located at 54 Summit Avenue be designated as having cultural heritage value under the Ontario Heritage Act Part IV.
Statement of Cultural Value or Interest
The house was commissioned by E.W. Shell who was treasurer at Algoma Steel from 1916-1949. They named the house “the Gables” and the original name plaque still resides on the front of the house.
The architect was Thomas Raybould Wilks (1878-1951) who also designed many historically designated heritage buildings in Sault Ste. Marie, along the North Shore and Ontario.
Key Exterior Features of ‘The Gables’
1. It is a unique example of Tudor half-timber design typical of the Arts & Crafts movement. With exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, this meticulously maintained home is in its original state and contains construction techniques and attention to detail not seen in modern style homes such as oak trim, storm windows, steep roof pitch, round-about in yard, etc.;
2. The bricks used are “Canadian Bark” which were typical of the era;
3. The foundation is pink/red Jacobsville sandstone that was dredged from the Sault canal. This sandstone was used in many buildings constructed in the early 1900s in this area;
4. The original storm windows have been maintained and any repairs have been replaced with identical parts that were specially milled;
5. The casement windows are original throughout the house.
Key Interior Features of ‘The Gables’
1. English red oak beams in the living room; old red oak architectural woodwork throughout the first storey with prominent wood grain finished in natural stain with orange shellac;
2. French doors;
3. Piano window & built-in shelves in the library;
4. A sunroom (also called a Tuberculosis room) was a classic feature of the Arts & Crafts movement;
5. Built-in breakfast nook;
6. Glass fronted cabinets;
7. Casement and double-hung windows throughout;
8. Baseboards and trim;
9. Design and construction of the brick fireplace and fireplace mantel.
Pursuant to clause 29(4)(c) of the Act, a statement of objection to this notice of the intention to designate the property described within this notice may be served on the Clerk within 30 days after the date of the newspaper’s publication.
Further information respecting the proposed designation is available from the City of Sault Ste. Marie Clerk’s Department.
DATED at Sault Ste. Marie this 20th day of September, 2023.