Autre nom(s)
Public Utilities Commission Building
191-197 King Street West
Liens et documents
Date(s) de construction
1931/01/01 à 1932/01/01
Inscrit au répertoire canadien:
2010/02/04
Énoncé d'importance
Description du lieu patrimonial
The Public Utilities Commission Building is located at 191-197 King Street West, on the northwest corner of King and Gaukel Streets, directly across from City Hall, in the City of Kitchener. Built in 1931, the three-storey Art Deco building was constructed with cut granite and sandstone, in the same style as the former City Hall.
The property was designated, for its architectural and historic value, by the City of Kitchener, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, By-law 84-16.
Valeur patrimoniale
The Public Utilities Commission Building is significant for its association with the founding of the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, now known as Hydro One. On October 11th, 1910 a switching on ceremony led by Adam Beck, Chairman of the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario, made the City of Kitchener the first municipality to receive power from the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Locals E. W. B. Snider and D. B. Detwiler were instrumental in these events. These three men are commemorated with a plaque, on the Gaukel Street side of the building. The building represents Kitchener's important role in the establishment of Ontario's public utilities.
The Public Utilities Commission Building is one of the few remaining public buildings from the City of Kitchener's early days. It was constructed with cut granite and sandstone in the style of Old City Hall. The exterior features two large arched entranceways, brass front doors, unique light fixtures over the front doorways, detailing and ornamental stone work, and intricately carved stone medallions with a floral motif.
Sources: Architectural Advisory Committee, Proposal to Designate PUC Building, 1984; City of Kitchener By-law 84-16.
Éléments caractéristiques
Character defining elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Public Utilities Commission Building include its:
- richly carved brackets
- two arched entranceways
- brass front doors
- light fixtures and crafted metal work above the front doors
- detailing and ornamental stonework
Reconnaissance
Juridiction
Ontario
Autorité de reconnaissance
Administrations locales (Ont.)
Loi habilitante
Loi sur le patrimoine de l'Ontario
Type de reconnaissance
Désignation du patrimoine municipal (partie IV)
Date de reconnaissance
1984/02/13
Données sur l'histoire
Date(s) importantes
1984/01/01 à 1984/01/01
Thème - catégorie et type
- Gouverner le Canada
- Les institutions gouvernementales
Catégorie de fonction / Type de fonction
Actuelle
- Commerce / Services commerciaux
- Magasin ou commerce de vente au détail
Historique
- Gouvernement
- Bureau ou édifice à bureau
Architecte / Concepteur
s/o
Constructeur
s/o
Informations supplémentaires
Emplacement de la documentation
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West
P.O. Box 1118
Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Réfère à une collection
Identificateur féd./prov./terr.
HPON07-0314
Statut
Édité
Inscriptions associées
s/o