The Albion Hotel building should be protected for future generations, city council believes.
During its meeting on Tuesday evening, council unanimously approved a motion calling for the historic downtown structure to be designated for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA).
“Staff recommends that the property meets six of the criteria used to determine cultural heritage value or interest … and, therefore, merits individual heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act,” states a staff report to council. “The heritage attributes of 49 Norfolk Street display design or physical, historical or associative and contextual value.”
The Albion Hotel was built circa. 1863 in the neo-classic vernacular style, as described by city heritage staff. It was originally known as “Murphy House.”
“The subject property was part of the booming hotel industry in Guelph during the 19th century. Hotels were integral to a growing Guelph economy as there was high demand for short term stays to support the railway and agricultural industries,” the report explains.
“The hotel has been changed from its original form and these modifications include replacement of the windows, removal of three chimneys and several balconies, canopies, a former entrance now stoned-in, extensive interior renovations and a rear addition.
“However, the majority of the original openings remain intact, along with the balconies present above both street entrances.”
Officially, council approved a motion declaring its intent to designate the building at 49 Norfolk St. under Part IV of the OHA. If no one objects, formal designation will follow, which has a 30-day appeal period of its own.
Designated properties require city approval before alterations, renovations or additions can be done that may impact the property’s heritage attributes, including landscape and natural features.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council also agreed to remove a barn at 20 Cityview Dr. N. from the municipal heritage registry.
“The barn on the subject property has no design value or physical value as it is not a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method,” states a separate report to council. “The (barn) does not display a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit, nor does it demonstrate a high degree of technical or scientific achievement.”
The only protection afforded properties on municipal registries is that when a demolition application is applied for, the municipal council has an opportunity to review the site and launch the designation process.
