Repurposed industrial site lands heritage designation

City council on Monday unanimously approved heritage designation for the Walker Power Building — the prominent former industrial structure on the doorstep of Walkerville that is nearing completion of a $10-million facelift.

The building ’s owners — a joint venture under the engineering firm of Piero Aleo and legal firm of Patrick Ducharme — had initially strongly opposed the designation. In a letter to the city, their lawyer Kathleen Montello called the move “a true indignation” to her clients that would hamper any future plans for the historic former industrial building.

But on Monday, Ward 4 Coun. Chris Holt told council he has since had several discussions with the building ’s owners, who appear comfortable with the designation and now look at it as a positive.

“They are supportive of what the city is trying to do and understand how the city has gone above and beyond in helping them develop the project,” Holt said.

“They are thrilled with the finished

product and realize the designation is approval of the wonderful job they have done.”

Mayor Drew Dilkens also indicated he had spoken with the building’s owners, who told him they were comfortable with the heritage designation.

“I don’t think there was a complete understanding what designation would mean” during their initial opposition, Dilkens said.

There are two parts of the designation — one in place to protect a historic train turntable that was discovered on site during construction and must be preserved in years ahead. A historic designation for the building at 325 Devonshire Rd. has also been put in place.

City planner Thom Hunt said the designation won’t significantly affect any future alterations to the structure as the owners would still have to approach the planning department with any proposals.

He said the city always planned to designate the property, but held off so they wouldn’t slow down the construction process in restoring the building. The owners began the ambitious project in 2016.

Built between 1911 and 1913, the structure had several industrial uses in its first few decades. In more recent times it was used for artist lofts, furniture rehabilitation and other small business uses before starting to deteriorate.

The city declared the building off-limits more than a decade ago for safety reasons and it sat as an eyesore for years before the current owners launched construction to bring it back to life.