Description of Historic Place

The Reitzel House is located at 147 Avondale Avenue South in the City of Waterloo. This two-and-a-half storey home was designed in the Craftsman style by architect C.P. Mueller and was constructed in 1925.

The property was designated, for its historic and architectural significance by the City of Waterloo, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 92-39.

Heritage Value

The Reitzel House is significant for its association with Ed Reitzel, the builder and first owner. Mr. Reitzel was a home builder, and the founder of the Reitzel Furniture Factory.

The Reitzel House is an excellent example of the Craftsman style, representing one of few such examples of the style in the area. The Craftsman style was derived from the Arts and Crafts movement which originated in England. The style is based on structural clarity and composition tied to natural forms of decoration. The designer, C. P. Mueller, used visible architectural details in the home, such as exposed rafter ends, to express the organic harmony of the Craftsman style. The shingle-faced open gables, fieldstone walls in the veranda, and heavy wooden posts all contribute to the unique and pleasant look of the Craftsman style exhibited in the Reitzel House.

Sources: The City of Waterloo By-law 92-38.; City of Waterloo, Designated Heritage Landmarks, 1995.

Character-Defining Elements

Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Reitzel House include its:
- shingle-faced open gables
- fieldstone walls in the veranda
- heavy wooden posts
- free-standing corbels
- multi-pane windows arranged in groups
- cut field stone laid tightly together and fastened with mortar from the rear
- angular geometric designs used in doors and leaded window panes