01-28-10

“Toronto’s Maclean House designated a heritage building”

On January 26, Kenyon Wallace from the National Post writes:

Maclean House, a much-beloved Toronto landmark in the Casa Loma neighbourhood, will retain most of its historical architectural features after city council voted today to assign the property a heritage designation.

“I am so pleased that City Council made the right decision and stated its intention to designate Maclean House, following a unanimous recommendation by the Toronto Preservation Board,” said Councillor Joe Mihevc (Ward 21 – St. Paul’s West). “This would not have been possible without the great efforts of the local community group, the Casa Loma Residents Association, to preserve their neighbourhood’s and this city’s history.”

The house, at 7 Austin Terrace, was designed in 1910 by renowned architect John Lyle, who also designed the Royal Alexandra Theatre and Union Station. The home’s original owner, John Maclean, is the founder of Maclean’s magazine.

In mid December 2009, aware that Heritage Preservation Services (HPS) had undertaken a review of the property, the owner, an Ontario numbered company, began destroying architectural features on the building that many believed held heritage value. The owner had already made two applications to demolish the $2.3-million property, both of which were denied.

While HPS and city council examined the issue, the city asked for and was granted a stop order from the Provincial Ministry of Culture to prevent further alterations or demolitions on this property for a period of 60 days.

Today city council voted to state its intention to designate Maclean House, which can be objected to within 30 days. During this time, the property is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act and cannot be altered or demolished.
Read more: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2010/01/26/toronto-s-maclean-house-designated-a-heritage-building.aspx#ixzz0dtIztHZw