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Photo: Windsor Armouries, now the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor
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Windsor
Former Sandwich Fire Hall and Stable, 363 Mill Street
Year built: 1915-21
Builder: Gilbert J.P. Jacques
Original purpose: This former firehall and stable is the oldest surviving example of an early fire station in Windsor. The pre-1915 stable once housed the horses that pulled the fire wagons next door. Ironically, much of the original station was destroyed by fire in 1941 while the firefighters were out on a call. While rebuilt in 1945, the fire station only served until 1964.
Adaptive reuse: Today, the firehall has been converted into the John Muir Branch of the Windsor Public Library. Named for a long-time volunteer and heritage advocate, the library retains many of the firehall’s original features, including a glass-capped observation tower, which was the firehall’s hose-drying tower. Considerable teaching of local trades also occurred during this adaptive reuse project, emphasizing the importance of intangible heritage. A welcome addition to the roster of participating sites for Doors Open Windsor.
Adapted by: Jason Grossi of Studio g+G and completed by Intrepid General Limited
Awards: 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation
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The Walker Power Building, 325 Devonshire Road
Year built: 1910-13
Builder: Albert Kahn
Original purpose: The Walker Power Building was developed by a company called Walker Sons, founded by the sons of Hiram Walker, who also owned the Walkerville Land & Building Company and the Walkerville Light & Power Company, among others. It was constructed to meet the demand for more industrial space in the Town of Walkerville during an industrial boom time.
Adaptive reuse: Empty for nearly 20 years, The Walker Power Building was acquired by The Walker Power Building Inc. to redevelop the building and site to rejuvenate a well-known historical building into a modern-day showpiece within the beloved neighbourhood of Olde Walkerville. Modern uses and new tenants will give the site a fresh life with new commercial spaces and building amenities that will once again make the site a destination. A popular site during Doors Open Windsor 2022.
Adapted by: Aleo Associates
Awards: 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation
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Windsor Armouries (Major F.A. Tilston VC Armoury), 353 Freedom Way
Year built: 1900-02
Builder: Sullivan and Langdon (David Ewart, architect)
Original purpose: Built to replace an earlier wooden barracks near City Hall Square, the Windsor Armouries was, at one time, the only armoury in Essex County. Home to the 21st Regiment (Fusiliers), the beaux-arts structure reflects the popular style of Canadian military buildings in the early 20th century. But its core functions were relocated in 2004 and the iconic building sat empty for many years.
Adaptive reuse: In 2011, a commitment was made between the University of Windsor, the City of Windsor and the Ontario government to preserve the historical structure and turn it into a learning centre — the School of Creative Arts (SoCA). After a lengthy and substantial restoration, the new school opened in January 2018 and 500 students, faculty and staff moved into the complex. The restored building continues to play a key role in the revitalization and diversification of Windsor’s downtown, has added to its economic development, and provided significant additional learning space for the creative arts.
Adapted by: University of Windsor, City of Windsor, Government of Ontario
Awards: 2018 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation
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