While the town’s heritage committee was largely fine with the proposed new development at the General Amherst High School site, there were concerns with three of the murals along the back of the current gymnasiums.
The murals were created in the 1960’s and face Laird Ave. and the heritage committee was told six of them would be saved.
The status of the other three, the trio of murals on the northern portion of that wall, caused concern for committee members. Committee members hoped those could be preserved or at least commemorated or re-created in some fashion as part of the development.
Heritage planner Adam Coates went over the project that is proposed for the site by Valente Developments, which could house a heritage town hall as part of it if town council elects to proceed with moving municipal facilities there.
Coates noted the original building was constructed in 1922 with multiple additions taking place since then.
Committee member Frank DiPasquale wondered if any of the residential units would be affordable or subsidized,committee chair Simon Chamely stated the purpose of the committee is to discuss architectural features.
Chamely wondered if the historical façade that faces Bill Wigle Park would have to be reconstructed brick-by-brick, indicating he has seen such projects occur in other areas. Committee members showed some enthusiasm for having a glass enclosure over the façade, with Coates indicating that could protect it from freeze/thaw cycles.
Chamely believed that has potential for “a lovely gathering space” and welcomes people inside though they would still be technically outside the building.
“It actually invites people in,” he said. “I think it’s quite special.”
DiPasquale said it is important to protect as much heritage of the property, and questioned the Sandwich St. S. frontage proposal. Chamely countered by thinking the proposed project is more inviting to the community.
Discussions on Bill Wigle Park were saved to another day, believing that it was a separate discussion.
“We need to have it come back to us for that discussion,” said vice chair Shirley Curson-Prue.
Chamely believed the development could be an “anchor” to the town and be paired with the development of the Duffy’s property as projects that could be walked to and enjoyed.
Chamely called the proposed high school development “an excellent design” and a good entrance to Amherstburg. “I think it’s a fabulous re-use of this building,” said Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, though noted “we don’t know for sure it’s going to house town hall.”
“It’s prudent to protect what is there, no matter what happens to that building,” he added.
Three of the murals would be difficult to move and keep intact due to the materials in which they were constructed, Coates indicated. The committee noted the significance of them, but if they had to come down, Chamely hoped they could be recreated in some form. Councillor Linden Crain noted if the three murals had to be repurposed, it would be worthy of further discussion.
A notice of intent to designate portions of the former high school will be brought back to the heritage committee for consideration.
Heritage committee OK with high school redevelopment, future of murals discussed
By Ron Giofu
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