Gentry Manor via Google Images. Gentry Manor via Google Images.
Chatham

Council denies request to remove Gentry Manor's heritage designation

One of Chatham-Kent’s most historic buildings will continue to hold its heritage designation.

On Monday, municipal council voted 15-1 in favour of a staff recommendation to deny the owners from de-listing the property from the heritage designation.

The Gentry Manor, which is located on Park Street in Chatham, was first constructed as a school in 1871 and later became a repair shop, a social club, and a Masonic Lodge.

It now houses a salon, restaurant, and shops.

"The property continues to contain a well-preserved building that is an integral part of the cultural heritage value of Chatham-Kent and it should continue to be protected under the Ontario Heritage Act," read a report presented to council.

The owner, Thomas Smith, asked council to repeal the designation because he saw it as a hurdle for the possible future sale of the building.

In 2011, council passed a bylaw to designate 9 Park Street under the Ontario Heritage Act. It was deemed to be a place of cultural significance for the Chatham-Kent community.

The property currently receives approximately $3,900 annually in tax relief, according to 2020 tax information.

"Despite the long and diverse history of this property, the exterior of the building is largely original," read the report. "The building's unique design features a temple-inspired, somewhat monumental scale with a two-storey porticoed colonnade and four prominent Doric columns."

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