Wrecking a Restaurant: The Fate of Crossings

Crossings Pub, one of the few buildings in Hyde Park with any character. Photo by Paul Grabowski.

If you enjoy Crossings, you'd better get there while it's still open. 

The pub at 1269 Hyde Park Road may be demolished by North Development Corp. to make way for a new restaurant and two apartment buildings. See here for an artist's rendering of the proposed development.

The Italianate farmhouse was built in about 1872 by George Nixon. Local folklore says John A. MacDonald used to stay here when visiting the area. While that story sounds like something dreamt up one night after too many pints at the bar, Nixon was a politician, which makes the rumour a bit more plausible. Unfortunately, there's no proof. 

According to Crossings' website, the building became a stationhouse for local train and stagecoach lines. More recently, in 1977, John and Winnifred Kamen converted the home into a restaurant called The Horse & Hound. Later, it became Volker's, and lately it's been Crossings. The building probably holds many fond memories for locals. 

But you know how it is. The property is on a transit corridor, the area is underdeveloped, and we need density. And, gosh, according to this, developer Paul Weigel says he'll "salvage materials to add plaques and storyboard murals framed by the bricks and building trim attached to the parking garage along a public trail next to the rail track." (This tendency to preserve a few bricks to satisfy silly history buffs like myself is also planned by York Developments for Kent Brewery downtown.)  If we're really lucky, maybe Mr. Weigel will hang a lovely painting of the old house in the lobby of one of his apartment buildings. 

A little changed from its original appearance, Crossings still has Victorian charm. (The proposed development, you will note, has no charm whatsoever.) The pub is also one of the few older buildings remaining in Hyde Park, a neighbourhood that bears little resemblance to the quaint country intersection of yesteryear. And Crossings isn't even falling down, so the phrase developers always like to use - "It's too dilapidated to be saved" - doesn't apply here. 

City Hall staff weren't interested in the development and recommended heritage designation for the old house. The city report states the property has three of the nine criteria needed for designation. Unfortunately, City Councillors don't always listen to staff, and on Wednesday afternoon, PEC (Councillors Steve Lehman, Shawn Lewis, Peter Cuddy, Elizabeth Peloza, and Steve Hillier) voted to refuse the heritage designation. Later in the meeting, they voted for rezoning to permit two high-rises. 

My first thought: If this new development is to include a restaurant, how about using the restaurant that's already there - Crossings - and incorporating it into the plan? Of course, the stately mansion would look ridiculous surrounded by high-rises, but as we say in the heritage world, "It's better than tearing it down."

Then I found the Heritage Impact Statement prepared by Stantec for the developer. If you wade through it to the end, you'll learn that they, too, believe Crossings has CHVI (Cultural Heritage Value or Interest). The building is a representative example of an Italianate residence and possesses value as a landmark. Unfortunately, the report also states the home is in the way of the development's proposed fire route and parking area.

One solution might be to move the old house closer to the road, so it's not surrounded by the high-rises and still serves as a landmark. But according to the Stantec report, this would mean moving the building twice: once to a place where it's not impacted by the underground parking, and a second time closer to Hyde Park Road. There's also the question of whether the underground parking garage could support the weight of the former residence. 

Altogether, I wish North Development Corp. would just get lost. Or develop one of our downtown surface parking lots instead. While no demolition permit has yet been issued, the future of this old house looks iffy.  

Only one solution left: could a saviour please buy this old pub and move it to a lot nearby?

The George Nixon house, as it appears in a photo on p. 307 of London Township Families Past and Present, published by The London Township History Book Committee, 2001.

Development in the right place for a change!

A developer plans to build a 38-storey tower on the parking lot on the southeast corner of  York and Colborne streets. To see what that might look like, look here. Of course, the details may change. 

According to the Free Press story, the development proposal comes from "BSN London in collaboration with Siv-ik Planning and Design." I haven't heard of these folks before, and an online search hasn't revealed much about them. I don't know if they actually build anything or just talk about it, like another local developer who comes to mind. 

Many will say this is just another ugly tower on a podium. And that the proposal isn't in a great neighbourhood. "Location! Location! Location!" They might be right, but I still support this development.

Why? Because, for years, heritage preservationists such as myself have suggested developing the city's surface parking lots rather than knocking down heritage buildings. Just think! Here's a tower that could be built without folks like me complaining! Wouldn't that be refreshing? And, gosh, density, infill, and downtown revitalization! 

And it's about time. According to this CBC report, London has 29-30 acres of surface parking lots on 67 different sites. This is a huge waste of valuable real estate. And if we don't want to spread into our surrounding farmland, these sites should be developed. 

How are other cities doing? The Parking Reform Network has a series of maps showing how much land in major cities is taken up by parking lots. In Las Vegas, for example, 33% of the central city is off-street parking. New York City is 0.4%. OK, the maps are of American cities, but there's also a blog about parking reform lobbying in many communities internationally, including our very own Ottawa. The progressive trend is away from parking lots. And London needs to be progressive. 

If you agree with me that this is the right way to go, I suggest you write to the City Hall Planning and Environment Committee. Deadline for comments is December 3. 

A Walk Through Askin Village

Another neighbourhood walk, this time in autumn when cooler days make strolling more comfortable. This time, I ventured into Old South, aka Wortley Village, that heritage-filled neighbourhood surrounding London's old Normal School, now the regional headquarters of the YMCA. 

In about 1832 or 1833, Col. J. B. Askin came here from Vittoria, Norfolk County to become the new Clerk of the District Court. A prominent resident,  he lived on a large estate in what was then Westminster Township. He and his family were among the first white settlers in the area, so it's not surprising to learn it was historically known as Askin Village.  

Nowadays, stop on any tree-shaded street in this neighbourhood and you'll find yourself admiring an old church or heritage home, and probably drawn into an interesting store, gallery or pub. I parked on Elmwood Avenue, one of my favourite Old South thoroughfares, and found ecclesiastical and domestic architecture right before my eyes. 

I stopped near one of Old South's fine old mansions, "Woodlawn," built for Col. Francis B. Leys in 1877. Once surrounded by extensive grounds, Leys' former home is now connected to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, built in 1926. The church takes good care of  the old home, using it as office and meeting space.* 

 

Across the street from the church complex are some interesting homes, including this Queen Anne cottage with a charming verandah, gable trim, and stained glass in a front window.

And this charmer in white and black, next door, is another Queen Anne cottage built in the 1890s.

Farther west, I see some unusual windows in this attic. If you know the name of the ones on the right,  please let me know, as I don't think I've seen that formation elsewhere.

Here's a welcoming verandah with an unusual oval window:

Interesting brackets and trim:

The corner of Elmwood and Edward has some of the most remarkable homes in "the village," if not the city. Below, hiding behind one of the stately trees on the property, is the boyhood home of Canadian novelist, screenwriter, and poet Arthur Stringer (1874-1950). Built in the 1880s, the home has stone window headings, a two-storey bay window, arched windows, and a decorative brick string course. I seem to have arrived too late for a garden party.

Across the street, behind a picket fence, is an 1879 Victorian Gothic gem. Designed by the architectural firm of Craddock & Weekes, the house has a high-pitched cross gable roof, possibly the best bargeboards in the city, paired semi-circular-headed upper windows with a shutter each, and a gingerbread-covered verandah around three sides. Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, this home's blue plaque is visible just to the left of the front door.

The third magnificent home at this intersection was built ca. 1894-5 for Robert D. Millar, Secretary Treasurer of the London Advertiser newspaper. Not even in Old South do most houses have an open porch at the top of a square tower from which one can survey the whole neighbourhood. This house is oriented towards the corner to appear welcoming from more than one direction. Best of all is the band shell verandah, likely added a few years after the house was built. 

Continuing north on Edward Street, I passed by the Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club. Yes, tucked in behind the houses at 17 1/2 Edward is this club dedicated to the quaint sport of lawn bowling. How appropriate for such an old-fashioned neighbourhood.

To the north, on the same side of the street, is a group of houses apparently built at the same time, judging by their similar size and style:

Here's a close-up of the one painted in my favourite colour scheme of blue and white. Note the fish-scale gable infill.

Peeking from behind the trees is No. 16 Edward, a cottage with a mansard roof, polychrome brickwork, and a magnificent double front door.  

I turned onto Bruce Street, named after the family name of the Earl of Elgin, Governor General of the Province of Canada 1847-1854. He's also, of course, the guy Elgin and Bruce counties are named after, as well as the intersection north of London called Elginfield, and numerous streets around the province. 

So many lovely homes on Bruce. Where does one begin? I'll just mention one. No. 91 has recently been restored with a 3,000 square foot extension built at the rear. The project, which won owners Charlie and Jodi Younger a London Heritage Award in 2024,** shows that a home can be modernized to 21st-century standards while keeping its original facade. 

Next, I turned onto Teresa Street. This and nearby Cynthia Street are believed to have been named after Col. Askin's daughters. I passed by Wesley Knox United Church at 91 Askin Street, built in 1880 as Askin Street Methodist. This church had a spire until it was struck by lightning in 1918. The current church name resulted from the union of Wesley and Knox United Churches in 1972.***

Across the street to the west is a magnificent home with beautiful blue and cream trim:

Even the flower baskets match the verandah.

Across the street to the north of the church is this attractive example of terrace housing. Each unit has a bay window, the end ones having an extra bay window in the end walls. Beautiful dichromatic brick. Gotta love those blue doors. 

A neat and traditional-looking white brick on Teresa Street. Note the trim in the gable and the iron work above the front porch.

An adorable pale yellow cottage with a quaint porch. Note ACO London's historical house sign.

Nearby on Byron Avenue is another simple Ontario cottage with a side-hall plan and ornate front door:

Also on Byron is the Thomas Westcott House, built in 1881. Note the brackets, bay window, and round arched window on the west wall.

Nos. 99-101 Byron Avenue is a well-proportioned double house, likely from a fairly early period.

Lurking behind this vegetation is Wortley Cottage, built by Samuel Sexton Pomroy in 1851. Originally a one-storey frame building, it was converted to a two-storey structure in the 1870s. Before trees and other buildings were built in front, the owners must have had a magnificent view of the Thames River. 

A nearby sidewalk on Wortley Road:

In Old South, even a child's playhouse needs to have a heritage look:

Walking south on Wortley, I notice the houses on the west side:

On the east side are cottages like this well-preserved example with a round window in the gable:

I also see some infill. Is this the narrowest (new) house in London? It certainly shows what can be done with a narrow lot.

The building below recently featured a condo for sale at the breathtaking price of $2,597,000. The pictures look charming, but I'm afraid I couldn't snap it up. 

Below is the new Black Walnut, looking much like the earlier building destroyed by arson in 2023. The finished building will fit nicely into the old-time ambiance of Wortley Village. 

Stopped for a pint and snack at Sweet Onion Bistro, southwest corner of Wortley Road and Askin Street. This building started out as a home and later became a Supertest service station. Love the barge boards, finials, and pendants painted a bold red. 

Behind, on Askin Street, is St. James Westminster, an Anglican Church designed by the London architectural firm Robinson and Tracey in the Gothic style. 

Of interest is the church's memorial garden:

Back on Bruce Street, east of Wortley, is the former Fire Station No. 3, built of polychrome brick with round-arched paired windows. The tower, now sporting a satellite dish, was used to hang the fire hose for drying. 

Nearby Marley Place is traditionally one of my favourite streets in London, having much historic and architectural interest. Unfortunately, it's not looking as good as it used to. No. 10, for example, is a large, stately structure about 125 years old, but it's now looking run-down. There are plans to build about eight stacked townhomes on this property, and the house itself will be renovated into rental units. See here.

15 1/2 Marley is said to be the narrowest house in London, unless 104 Wortley above is even narrower. While this dollhouse cottage is certainly narrow, it extends a long way back, so that it's not all that small. I'm disappointed to see a newer metal roof, looking out of place next to the adorable trim on the porch, bay window, and gable.

A nearby mansion is under repair. Hopefully, the renovations will be appropriate.

Some pseudo-Victorian infill, appropriate for the neighbourhood. I'm fine with this, unless a genuine oldie was torn down to build it. 

Across the street is the William Moore House at 16 Marley Place. Love the gables, barge boards, bay windows with cresting, and verandah fretwork. Not to mention the attractive colour scheme. So well done!

Nearby is the magnificent Normal School, built in 1899 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. 

Postcard view of the Normal School ca. 1905. (Warwick Bros. & Rutter, Toronto) Author's collection.

Addition at the rear may be disliked by some purists, but I have no problem with glass additions, so long as the main building isn't spoiled. It isn't.  

Houses around "the Green" were often owned by teachers at the Normal School. Dr. John Dearness, for example,  lived at No. 30 below:

One of my favourite homes anywhere is No. 44 Marley Place, possibly built as early as 1865 in frame but later stuccoed. The doorway is a masterpiece. 

Now I'm back on Elmwood. But before I leave, I'm going to stroll east towards Ridout and peek at another one of my favourite houses, no. 194. I can't resist admiring any home with a tower. But there's also a massive round-arched entrance porch and an oriel with shingle facing. Another sturdy-looking Romanesque Revival.

Across the street is an Italianate built by local architect George F. Durand. Most will note the ornate trim in the gable, but the keystones and decorative brick below the eaves are also worth notice. Note the blue heritage plaque.

I'll end with 198 Elmwood, built in the 1850s and originally facing Ridout Street. In 1905, when it was still frame, it was turned to face Elmwood. What a stately entrance. Note another heritage designation.

On my way back to my vehicle, I passed this ... and I have to say that I like the style, but don't like it in Old South. 

And, of course, there's this, which is inevitable, everywhere. What a pity.

* If you find church history dry-as-dust, skip this footnote. Otherwise, you may be interested in the fact that Col. Leys (ca. 1838-1905) was instrumental in convincing London Presbyterians to establish a mission church in south London. In the 1880s, Presbyterians chose a site at the corner of Wortley Road and Bruce Street where Knox Church was built. When Knox chose to join the United Church of Canada in 1925, some members of the congregation wished to remain Presbyterian and broke away. Hence, the existence of Elmwood Presbyterian. As for Woodlawn, it was still a private home in 1925, having being purchased by Frank Sloan at some point. The Elmwood congregation bought the estate from Sloan. Details here.

** The 17th Annual London Heritage Awards were held at Museum London, April 11, 2024, presented by ACO London and Heritage London Foundation. The Youngers won a Restoration Project award. 

*** More church history here. Originally, this site had a frame church facing Teresa Street. Dedicated in 1875, its name was New Brighton Methodist, "New Brighton" being yet another name for the expanding suburb south of London. As the congregation grew, it became necessary to build a larger structure, so, in 1881, the present church was completed facing Askin Street and renamed Askin Street Methodist. The frame church was used as a Sunday School. 

Meanwhile, in 1882, Presbyterian families in South London expressed a need for religious services in the area. In 1883, funds were raised and a site was chosen on the corner of Wortley Road and Bruce Street. In September 1884, a dedication service was held for Knox Presbyterian Church. 

With church union in 1925, Askin Street Methodist was renamed Wesley United, and Knox Presbyterian was renamed Knox United. In 1972, Knox United and Wesley United amalgamated to form one church named Wesley-Knox United. More here.