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Ld ww elaborate qvertrim, From B. Napier Simpson, Architect datos bslidur bon id di YOUR LIVING LA NDMARK - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 Town Hall very important landmark B. NAPIER SIMPSON, JR. October _8, 1974. Town Hall - 1873, Port Perry, Ontario. Att: Dr. Ralph Price, President OLD TOWN HALL --PORT PERRY In 1873, two years after Port Perry's incorporation, the first town hall was constructed jat Lilla and Queen Streets. This impressive structure sug- gests that is was one of the many ambitious projects which Joseph, Bigelow promoted--he being the first Reeve of the Village. Its exuberant Victorian style and size seems very much in spirit with the enthusiasm Joseph Bigelow applied to all his projects. Architecturally, the building has many of the components associated with the Italianate Style--the revival style which flourished in the last half of the 19th Century in Ontario, particularly in public buildings. The 'bold scale of this architectural style gave the desired impressive look. The Town Hall features a tower-- an important characteristic in ltalia- nate buildings, and it is so located on plans to emphasize the corner lot location. The crowning glory of the 'tower was a belfry, and an ambitious suggestion for a future clock. Arched windows, surmounted by worked brick pattern detailing comp- lete the Italianate character. The exterior result, however, is somewhat stilted and set in a town other than Port Perry might not rate very high in architectural value. But for Port Perry it makes a substantial contribution to the Town's character, and is a very important landmark. Port Perry, as a result of the fires in the 1880's, is a late Victorian Town, possessing a fine collection of build- ings of this period. A stroll down Queen Street is all that is needed to realize how much in harmony the old town hall is with those buildings in the old commercial area. The architect- ural uniformity of Port Perry is also carried out in the many houses of the same period--Joseph Bigelow's own house being the finest example. "Recent decades of neglect have caused the'old Town Hall to present a shabby appearance to the passer-by, but structurally, the building, for its age, is in good condition. A series of engineering reports have all confir- med that other than the brick parapet walls, the roofing and some minor roof framing, the building condition is good. The first stage of rejuvenation will have to be in these mentioned and skilfully | areas. The parapet walls present the, most costly aspect in that they will have to be rebuilt for approximately $10,000.00 to $15,000.00. Happily, the building inyand out, has suffered few alterations, making restoration work minimal in most areas. The restoration of the bell and . clock tower will be costly, and may have to be postponed. All exterior door openings need replacing as none of the original doors survived, and the two later utility doors to the workshop will need alterations when the use of the work- shop area has been finalized. Landscaping will be minimal, but in its execution some regrading will be required to the west to divert surface water from running into the foundation. It is recommended that the fence along Queen Street be - restored. If the Town Hall is somewhat lacking in architectural assessment as the best and finest example of Italianate style in Ontario, it takes no second place when it comes to the interior. The original Council Chamber is a magnificent room, beautifully proportioned, and finished in the best of detailing of the period. As a public assembly hall, it is as impressive as halls in St. Lawrence Hall, Toronto, and Victoria Hall, Cobourg--two public buildings which have been recently restored by their respective communities. Dirty and shabby, with remnants of the corset factory days lingering on, the room is all there, and waiting to be used. The Council Chamber "takes up most of the first floor area, the balance being made up of halls and access stairs." While attractive, the stairs require work to meet fire and safety standards. The Hall will also require improved fire exits in other locations. The ground floor area indicates that the southerly half was well finished for offices, while the north end has always been of a workshop nature. A lot of interior and minor partition work of a later date will be removed, and presumably these areas will become meeting rooms with the necessary washrooms, coat rooms and kitchenette. - While this report recommends this project work towards restoration of the building, it does not recommend it be of a museum nature--the building should be adapted for modern uses, and made functional. Possibly the old jail cell, which is small in size is the only area where a museum approach could be considered as a small display area to tell the story of the building. Regardless of use, the mechani- cal equipment of the building willy need replacing shortly. The wiring is inadequate, and ungrounded. The - WN Na " \ \ NN NNN QA ANN eae N NN -- ~~ TY Pa "heating is by two warm air units which are capable of heating the building, but are lacking any degree of sophistication. The washrooms are poor, and in the wrong location; for the intended plans and will need replacing. . In spite of the mechanical weak- nesses, the building can be of use with little work. As this report suggests, the renovation work can be of an ongoing nature. The roof and parapet repairs, and the creation of adequate exits are all that must be done before the structure is used for public assembly. \ Canoed Slaw cose ascendimg Lestibule ar Budi iowm -- Leow -- | | trust this preliminary report will be of use to you and your Committee, Dr. Price. We are assuming you wish us to proceed immediately with the necessary repair work in the roof and brick parapets. | would suggest that when this report has been digested, we should have a meeting to discuss the intended. uses of the building in more detail, particularly with regard to the ground floor area. Yours truly, B. Napier Simpson Jr., Architect. Borelians excited about restoration By Jane Litt A generation has gone by since amateur theatre held sway in the old Town Hall, but many readers will remember lively evenings there over thirty years ago. There were minstrel shows, talent nights, school plays, fund-raising reviews, all starring local talent - and real talent too, according to my informants. How do the members of our contem- porary amateur theatre group feel about restoring the old Town Hall? "The Borelians are one hundred per cent behind the efforts of the commit- tee to save the old Town Hall," states Borelian president, Mrs. Judy Mac- Coll. "The Borelians need a place to rehearse and to store scenery and costumes, as well as a place to perform," Mrs. MacColl explains. Is the old Town Hall auditorium suitable for amateur theatre? ""Certainly!'* says Mrs. Diane Lackie drama teacher at Port Perry High School. ""That's what it was built for in the first place. Mrs. Lackie, who helped found the Borelians, agrees with Mr. Mina that the building has potenffal for profes- sional theatre part of the year. She also sees it as a house for semi-professionial theatre, groups of actors in training who require a home base. Jn fact, Lackie takes a wide view and suggests that the building could be a multi media centre, embracing all the arts. According to Mrs. Lackie, amateur theatre and professional theatre can, and should - live together. Moreover, both will thrive alongside the other arts. "Let's have an Arts Festival Centre," she suggests. The old Town Hall is the setting in which it can all come together. A similar setting is the old Academy Theatre in Lindsay, home to both amateur and professional theatre. This undertaking is successfully nurtured by the well known Canadian producer, Dennis Sweeting. And by the way, it's patronized by a public that travels from as far away as Port Perry. Excellent for music recitals The Town Hall, restored, would provide excellent facilities for music recitals. The accoustics are excellent and the charming old world setting would enhance the listener's enjoy- ment. Joan Godley T5000 TITY EA AT FORTIN gr the sty wrens y Ps ENT TE De RE Srna a