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Heritage Impact Assessment Greenwich & Mohawk Brownfield Site

Brantford, Ontario

FOR COLE ENGINEERING AND THE CITY OF BRANTFORD November 2011

Taylor Hazell Architects Ltd.

333 Adelaide Street West, 5th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R5 tel 416 862 2694 fax 416 862 8401 contact Jill Taylor jtaylor@taylorhazell.com

Heritage Impact Assessment


FOR COLE ENGINEERING AND THE CITY OF BRANTFORD NOVEMBER, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS p. 1 p. 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


2.1 Heritage Significance and evolution of site 2.2 Building Assessments 2.3 Recommendations 3.1 Brantford the Sheffield of Canada 3.2 347-475 Greenwich Street Site 3.3 66 Mohawk Street Site

p. 10

3.0 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE AND EVOLUTION OF THE SITE

p. 20

4.0 BUILDING ASSESSMENTS

347 Greenwich Street 4.1 Building 1A & 1B - Machine Shop 4.2 Building 2 - Verity Ironworks Office & Warehouse 4.3 Building 3a - Paint Shop 66 Mohawk Street 4.4 Building 1 - Time Keepers Office 4.5 Building 2 - Cockshutt Office & Warehouse

p. 55 p. 58

5.0 CURRENT CONDITIONS STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS


6.1 Buildings to be Retained 6.2 Mitigation Strategy 6.3 Stabilization Rationale 6.4 Adaptive Reuse Strategies

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

1.0 Introduction
Taylor Hazell Architects Ltd. has been retained by Cole Engineering Ltd. as their heritage conservation architects for the preparation of a designated substance survey and structural conditions analysis report for the Greenwich Mohawk Brownfield site commissioned by the City of Brantford. As part of a review of both properties, our services were required to provide a heritage impact assessment on five subject buildings that the City has considered worthy of retaining for the purposes of future adaptive reuse development on the sites. Our report forms part of the structural assessment report prepared by Pico Engineering Ltd. and the findings and recommendations contained have been coordinated with Pico Engineering Ltd. At the Greenwich site, the majority of the facilities of the former Massey Harris Co. factory are to be demolished in preparation for environmental remediation of the property. Of the approximate 20 industrial buildings on the site, three are the subject of this review. Most of the buildings of the former Cockshutt Plow Works have already been demolished and the two remaining buildings on the Mohawk St. site have been designated by the City of Brantford under the Ontario Heritage Act. Our work included: Review of previous reports including conditions and structural assessments, municipal records, historical surveys and studies pertaining to the site and buildings; Review of the site on two separate occasions with Picco Engineering Ltd and once with Cole Engineering Ltd. Visual review of the subject buildings that was governed by access restrictions to various parts identified by Picco Engineering Ltd due to the partial collapse of some of the buildings structures and the evidence of instability of other parts due to exposure to the elements; Assessment of the heritage and architectural significance of each of the subject buildings in relation to the development and arrangement of each of these important industrial sites as examples of late 19th and early 20th century industrial factory and mill construction and their potential for adaptive reuse; Assistance of the engineers in determining the most viable strategies for conserving these buildings in part or in whole for adaptive reuse, informed by the structural review, the requirements for temporary stabilization to achieve the recommended option and consideration of the needs of the designated substance and site remediation work; Identification of some of the possible adaptive reuse building uses and programs that would be most suitable to these buildings and for the sites; Recommendations for testing and limited destructive work to assess more accurately the conditions of the buildings that are to be retained. Limitations Our visual review was limited and access restricted to those areas deemed safe by the structural engineers. Our opinions concerning condition of assemblies are not informed by detailed analysis of the existing building assemblies and structures, which was not part of the scope of this assessment.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

2.0 Executive Summary


2.1 Heritage Significance and Evolution of the Sites
The Greenwich-Mohawk sites were identified by Parks Canada in 1990 (reconfirmed in 1996) as nationally significant industrial sites: they combine buildings, industrial landscape, views and vistas and a proximity to extant railways, roads and canal that enrich their context. They are integrated with the community of buildings that have grown up around them. As early as 1848, Brantford was identified as a manufacturing and distribution centre and as a result of over one hundred years of extremely successful manufacturing, Brantford prospered. The development of the city and its socio-cultural history is intertwined with the success of the agricultural machinemaking, as is the rise of important trends in the history of vehicle manufacture in Canada and significant Canadian dynasties. Although other sites in the core and along the canal and railways were also instrumental in the history of production, the combined site at Greenwich Mohawk was one of the most important in the country: it is now the only such site left in Brantford. Its significance is acknowledged not only by Parks Canada, but by the municipality and the province. The manufacturers from Brantford were also known internationally for their industrial production as evidenced by the awards bestowed on the Massey Harris Co. at the Paris (France) exhibitions of 1899 and 1900.1 The subject of much concern and study, but little to no stabilization since its decommissioning in 1980s, the sites have fallen into serious disrepair; vandalism and personal safety have become additional threats to the most significant remaining structures. 347 Greenwich Street: The history of ownership of the site is as rich as the buildings upon it. This site was purchased by Massey Harris Co. in 1895 to facilitate the expansion of their downtown facilities through the absorption of the W.H. Verity & Sons Co., and the eventual purchase of Veritys downtown site while preparing for their new subsidiary to relocate to the Greenwich site. Although not designated by the municipality, the former H. H. Verity & Sons Plow Co and Massey Harris Buildings 1A/B, 2 and 3A are significant buildings within the industrial landscape, relating both to the canal, and the former railway. They are buildings that were well sited to terminate views to the site, and well-built and meant to convey architectural significance and dignity to the workplace and to production process. They are the last buildings in the municipality that embody the contributions of the Verity Plow Co and Massey Harris to the industrial legacy of Brantford. Buildings 2 and 3A in particular present bold scale and alignments that so characterized the site, and maintain the original northern boundary of the precinct, addressing the Old Canal and later the edges of the expanding town. 66 Mohawk Street: The fine red brick and sandstone Office Building and Time Keeping Office have been designated under the Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of the significance of the Cockshutt manufacturing business and the familys legacy of industry, civic involvement and contribution throughout the formative years of Brantford.. 1 The Industrial Recorder of Canada (1901); 13

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

It has been decided by the municipality that the subject buildings identified above will be the maximum number considered to be retained as these properties are decommissioned and remediated in preparation for rezoning and future redevelopment. As the only remnants of these massive facilities, their significance is amplified through scarcity of other similar examples. In order to substantiate the merit of any of these buildings, an assessment of their significance has been made under the following categories. Relative Significance of Structures The buff brick mill construction Buildings 2 and 3A (former W.H. Verity & Sons Co./ Massey Harris Co.) on the Greenwich Street site are unquestionable historic and architectural merit: They represent some of the earliest manufacturing structures on the site dating to 1897. The buildings are rare and unique in Brantford and carry particular significance architecturally to the historic evolution of the site. The concrete frame Building 1A and 1B dating from the 1920s represented a new era of production on the site; but its is typical of many of the similar buildings of the era. The red brick and sandstone Buildings 1 & 2 at the Mohawk Street property were part of the original building program of the Cockshutt Plow Works from 1903. They are historically and architecturally significant, are unique in their architectural and the last surviving examples of Cockshutt buildings in Brantford. These buildings have been designated by the City under the Ontario Heritage Act Spatial Relationships within the industrial landscape and streetscape

Buildings 1 & 2 at the former Cockshutt plant are unique examples of administrative uses found in early 20th century factory sites. The construction methods are not the primary means of assigning heritage significance. The warehouse attached to Building 2 is another example of factory mill construction.

2.2 Building Assessments


The building assessments are listed in Section 4.0 of the report and summarize benchmark data, the key heritage and architectural attributes, history within site development, and building conditions for each building. The intent is to identify and discuss the impact of the heritage significance relative to the current condition of each building so that a well-considered, logical recommendation for preservation can be made. These findings are summarized as follows:
Building Greenwich 1A/B Greenwich 2 Significant to Site Evolution Less so Yes Architecturally Significant No Yes Exterior Condition Poor to Fair Fair to Good Interior Condition Poor to Fair Poorstructure Fair to Good - masonry Poorstructure Fair to Good - masonry Fair Fair Poor Worthy of Preservation No Yes

Greenwich 3A

Yes

Yes

Fair to Good

Yes

Buildings 1A/1B, 2 and 3A at the Greenwich site evoke the the scale of the original factory organization, inter relationship of processes and the open spaces that characterized the Verity Plow works. These buildings also represent the original alignment and its persistence through time of building and process orientations that have characterized the site. Former Cockshutt Buildings 1 and 2 at the Mohawk property are directly related to their street frontage, with attention to detail paid to the sides of the office block; the additions to that building were plain and of little architectural interest. The raised ground floor of the Office Building, formal address to the street and the character its materiality make it a distinguished and defining set of buildings in the neighbourhood. Construction Type Buildings 2 and 3A at the Greenwich site are fine examples of 19th early 20th century mill construction that characterized the original construction on the site. The fact that these structures have been able to resist the forces produced by partial collapse of the floor systems is a testament to the robustness of these buildings.

Mohawk 1 Mohawk 2 Office Mohawk 2 Warehouse

Yes Yes Less so

Yes Yes No

Fair to Good Fair to Good Poor to fair

Yes Yes No

Current Conditions - Stabilization and Structural Assessments

There will be a cost premium to preserving and conserving the buildings that are identified as of heritage and cultural significance. This is premium is a product of the current state of deterioration that has been manifested itself after years of neglect, and will continue if action is not taken immediately to salvage these assets in whole or in part. The recommendations for structural works will be discussed in Picco Engineering Ltd.s report, but the principles that govern this premium are as follows:
The time to stabilize the subject buildings through temporary protection has passed.

Building 1A & B, is a typical example of reinforced concrete frame factory or warehouse building from built between the 1920s to the 1950s and represents a level of standardization in industrial architecture prevalent during those times.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

The partial and ongoing collapse of the structural systems at Buildings 1B, 2 and 3A of Greenwich site and the warehouse extension at Mohawk Building 2 makes this scenario impractical and unsafe The needs of designated substance and environmental remediation are driving a scenario where the interior structures are removed entirely in order to allow for logical remediation operations. This will re quire selective, temporary shoring The recognition that the heavy timber structures and the reinforced concrete structures are compromised and selective preservation in place is impractical That gutting of the structural systems of Greenwich Buildings 2 and 3A is a value added proposal salvages the robust and durable masonry construction, and that advances these buildings into the next stage of conservation for adaptive reuse The need to have a minimal cost effective stabilizing system for the valuable masonry construction to replace the existing structure of these buildings for a three year window while consensus on the development of the sites coalesces.

Harvesting and salvaging original material, namely sound timer structure and windows, for reuse in rebuilding a portion of the original structures, Preservation of Massing and Plan Arrangement : building new construction in the same location, size and general massing to re-establish the urban scale of the original spaces. Provide design guidelines for new development that preserve the strong east-west and that preserves the rhythm of open to built space orientation that governed the site This applies the buildings on the Greenwich site where selective demolition of parts of the subject buildings will represent a significant loss of the spatial identity of the original grouping. As Buildings 1 & 2 at Mohawk St. are to be conserved, mitigation for the warehouse building should be considered. Given the quality of the masonry, the preservation of the original location and massing should be considered as long as it supports the reuse strategy for the Office Buildings. Stabilization Measures These measures apply to Buildings 2 & 3A at the Greenwich St site. The Mohawk Rd Buildings are in better condition and stabilization measures will be more conventional and improve conditions that have not been overly compromised. The stabilization of Buildings 2 & 3A, stabilization must be redefined and accommodate the instability and indeterminate nature of the remaining structures, identify the minimal and most cost effective temporary stabilization measures to stabilize the buildings to permit demolition of the collapsed structures and remediation of designated substances, and preserve the integrity of the masonry construction for reuse. Stabilization will require temporary shoring to permit access for demolition and remediation, demolition of the structures of the 2 buildings including the roof, and temporary protection of the interior face and horizontal surfaces of the existing masonry walls. A temporary interior and exterior frame will be constructed utilizing the compartmentalization of the structures to support the remaining walls for up to 3 years. These measures should be monitored during this period and if they are to remain in that state for longer, they shall be renewed. In order to determine the extent of the temporary stabilization measures testing as identified by the structural engineers will be undertaken. In addition we recommend that some testing related to masonry conservation goals also be undertaken including: Disassembly of part of the masonry at building foundations, roof parapets and interior walls Testing of existing mortar in several locations Testing of brick and stone Adaptive Reuse Strategies

2.3 Recommendations
Based on structural and heritage assessments the following buildings are recommended to be preserved in whole or in part: 1. 66 Mohawk Rd, Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co Time Keeping Office (Designated) Retain building in its entirety 2. 66 Mohawk Rd, Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co Office (Designated) Office portion to be retained only 3. 347 Greenwich St., Building 2 Verity Plow Co. Ltd, Office and remnants of warehouse Demolition of the collapsed east most bays of the structure Preserve, stabilize remaining solid masonry walls including new structural bracing at interior and exterior 4. 347 Greenwich St., Building 3A Verity Plow Co., Paint Shop Building Demolition of the 1 storey eastern wing Demolition of the 2 east most bays of the 3 storey wing Preserve, stabilize solid masonry walls including new structural bracing at interior and exterior 5. 347 Greenwich St., Building 1A & 1B, Massey Harris Machine Shop Demolition of the 1 storey and 4 storey wings in their entirety Mitigation Strategies In order to mitigate the loss of these buildings on the sites, in whole or in part, they will be commemorated by:

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

It is recommended that the City of Brantford consider engaging a qualified consulting firm to conduct a real estate analysis for these sites. This information will be indispensable to the City as it evaluates growth well into the 21st century and establishes a vibrant collection of new and mixed uses on the Greenwich Mohawk site that will be in the best interests of Brantford. The retention of these valued existing buildings is also important to establish an identity for these sites and inform the pattern of building distribution for the adaptive reuse of them. There are a growing number of sites that have implemented such a strategy in Ontario, and these sites have re-inhabited, reconstructed and preserved remnants of the original facilities while incorporating new construction within them for a range of uses. We recommend the following: 66 Mohawk St. This site is the smaller of the two and suggests that a collection of smaller scaled uses that takes advantage of its exposure to the residential area to the west. It could be considered as a hub for facilities that may not be currently present but would support the immediate neighbourhood and beyond. 347 Greenwich St. This large site is more internally focused due to nature of its address along Greenwich St, and the Canal. This will support more autonomous and demanding uses that require dedicated service access space. There are points of entry currently only at the north east end, however, a new entry point at the corner of Mohawk and Greenwich is achievable. The scale of the original buildings and the spaces between tem are highly evocative. In particular the size and height of the space between Buildings 2 & 3A should be used as a guideline for the rhythm of open to built space on the site. The site is large enough to incorporate a limited set of discrete and compatible uses and strategically located parking without significantly impacting the available space for building.

3.0 Heritage Significance and Evolution of the Site

Fig 3.1 Verity Plow Co. promotional rendering circa 1919(Brantford Library Archives)

3.1 Brantford the Sheffield of Canada


In comparison to other cities in the Dominion, Brantford stands in the first rank as a manufacturing city. The two largest plow companies in the Dominion are located here, employing over 2,000 hands. 1

A 1990 Parks Canada conducted a study of industrial sites based on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canadas recommendation that manufacturing is a major theme in Canadian history, which should be commemorated on a scale appropriate to its significance.1 The report, based on a comprehensive study of manufacturing locations in Canada, identified Brantford as an important manufacturing site. Brantford was considered one of the 15 largest manufacturing complexes in Canada. The report states:

Brantford developed as a manufacturing and distribution centre for a rich agricultural area after the completion of the Grand River canal in 1848 placed it at the head of navigation. Railways followed in 1855, 1871 and 1878. Named the Sheffield of Canada in the 1870s and the Combine Capital in the 1920s, Brantford was noted for diversified industry. In 1914 the city ranked third in Canada in value of exports probably owing to production of agricultural implements.2
1 Parks 1990; 3 2 Parks 1990; 92

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

The 1990 study concluded that due to the significant concentration of agricultural implement factories on the Greenwich Mohawk site it was most representative of the Agricultural Revolution in Canada. Two of the top three Canadian full line implement makers in Canada had four plants located there: the Massey-Harris and Cockshutt factories. Together these companies produced and took part in the evolution of sulkeyplows, mowers, reapers and self-binders, as well as tractors and combines that later constituted a mini-revolution in agriculture. Members of the Cockshutt, Harris and Massey firms pioneered innovations suited not only to Canadian grain production but also to harvest around the world.3 Greenwich Mohawk Brownfield A Nationally Significant Industrial Complex The Greenwich Mohawk Brownfield site is comprised of two properties, located at 347 Greenwich St and 66 Mohawk St. These sites contain three major agriculturalmachinery complexes that together comprise a precinct of national importance; the Verity Plow Company, Massey-Harris/Massey Ferguson Works at the Greenwich site and the Cockshutt Plow Company on the Mohawk site.4 The precinct is an example of a second-stage industrial landscape which is defined as land-extensive complexes that comprised whole neighbourhoods unto themselves.5 A 1996 report prepared by Parks Canada identified the Greenwich Mohawk site as an outstanding example of a specialized implement and vehicle-production zone and at that time it was considered the best surviving example of an industrial complex 3 Parks (1990); 94 4 Parks (1996); 150 5 Parks (1996); 4

associated with that manufacturing theme. Agrigultural implement and vehicle production has national importance as a vital component of Canadian economic history since this was the first major sector to export more than just processed or reprocessed staple goods. The report concluded that the Mohawk-Greenwich site was particularly significant and unique due to the specialized concentration related to a specific manufacturing theme, high degree of physical integrity and architectural interest.6 This current assignment is focused on five buildings found on the two properties that comprise this large brownfield site: Buildings 1A and 1B, 2 and 3A at 347 Greenwich St., and Buildings 1 and 2 at 66 Mohawk St. As part of the decommissioning of the majority of the industrial buildings on the Greenwich site and preparation for environmental remediation of both properties, the City of Brantford has commissioned a review of the architectural significance and structural conditions of the five subject buildings to support recommendations for conservation of them for adaptive reuse development in the near future. Status of Buildings in the Significant Industrial Complex Currently, Buildings 1 & 2 at 66 Mohawk St., the Time Keeping Office and the Cockshutt Office Building, respectively, are designated buildings. City of Brantford Bylaw No. 135-2002 describes the architectural significance of these buildings. At least half of the statement discusses the legacy of the Cockshutt family in Brantford which on its own is an important rationale for designating these buildings. The second part of the statement is quoted in its entirety here:

Fig 3.3 Verity Plow Company Co. Fire Insurance Map, 1919. Greenwich. Building 1A and Building 1B (not yet built) Building 2 (Verity Plow Office and Warehouse) Building 3A (Verity Paint Shop) (City of Brantford Library Archives) Fig 3.2) City of Brantford plan showing locations of manufacturing sites within city limits. Rail lines are in red, waterways in blue, and the Mohawk and Greenwich sights highlighted in orange. (Michael Hand, 2010.)

6 Parks (1996); 48

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Mohawk Site: Cockshutt Plow Co. Office and Ware House Time Keeping Office

and protruding brickwork forms a linear pattern that resemble pillars on all facades. On the front faade and below the roofline, the bricks have been laid to form three semi circular patterns with the centre opening containing a stone inscription of the company name, Cockshutt Plow Co. Limited. The brickwork has been further enhanced with the placement of white stone to form two stripes across the front and side facades of the building. The use of ornamental brickwork softens the industrial characteristics of the building. The brick corbelling at the roofline and the protruding brickwork marking the boundary of each bay extend the entire length of the buildings rear section. The windows on the first and second storeys are paired symmetrically, while on the third floor there is only one window opening centrally located in the bay. The windows on this section have a four/four pane arrangement. To the right of the main office building is small timekeeping office. According to Building Permit records, a permit was issued in 1912 to construct a brick exterior to the time office and it is only the front faade that has a brick exterior. It would appear that the brick exterior wall, with a stepped parapet design, was added to the front faade of this building in 1912. Some of the ornamental brickwork is repeated on the front faade of this building similar to the design on the main office building. The bricks have been laid to form three semi circular patterns with the centre having a stone inscription, Time Office. The use of white stone to form a stripe across the front faade and around the semi circular pattern contrasts the red brickwork. The property at 66 Mohawk Street is situated in an industrial area that is in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods that provided housing to the industrial workers and their families. To the southwest of the former Cockshutt Plow Company plant is the Eagle Place residential neighbourhood and to the north is the East Ward neighbourhood.
The rest of the Cockshutt Plow Works has been demolished and the site awaits additional demolition of at grade related footings and slabs as well as environmental remediation. None of the buildings on the Greenwich St. site appear on the City of Brantfords heritage building inventory, are listed (Brantford does not list buildings), or are designated. The five buildings in this study have been identified by the City of Brantford as buildings of interest. The decommissioning of the buildings is being considered at the same time as the adaptive reuse potential of them is being re-evaluated by a review of their architectural significance and structural conditions.
Fig 3.6 Promotional Image for Massey Harris Co.

Fig 3.5 Promotional Image, Cockshutt Plow Co. (Brantford City Library Archives)

Fig 3.4 )Cockshutt Plow Co. City of Brantford Fire Insurance Maps, 1919. (Brantford City Library Archives.

Architectural Significance of the Former Cockshutt Plow Company Limited, Office and Timekeeping Building The buildings of architectural significance at 66 Mohawk Street, formerly the Cockshutt Plow Company, are the former Office and Time Office buildings. The other industrial buildings on the property are either demolished or slated for demolition at the time of designation. The Office and Time Office buildings were constructed in 1903 when the company expanded and moved to this location from Market Street. The large three-storey red brick building was the office for the Cockshutt Plow Works Company. This building is an example of late nineteenth century industrial architecture and the buildings exterior retains many original features. To the rear of the Office Building is a large threestorey section that was formerly used as a warehouse and which has partially been demolished. The main front entrance consists of a brick enclosure with a single door opening with sidelights. Two brick columns flank the main doorway with the inscriptions of the years 1877 and 1903 below the columns. The brickwork above the entrance forms a gable shape and contains a stone label, Office. The windows surrounding the entrance vary from the windows found elsewhere on the building. These windows have flat openings with lug sills and the arrangement of having large rectangular windows with small windows above adds to the enhancement of the main entrance. The windows on the front faade are symmetrically located and have predominantly segmental openings with plain lug sills and three/three pane arrangements. On the first storey, the window openings have brick voussoirs. The building has a cut stone foundation and on the front faade, the basement windows are aligned with those on the buildings three floors. Extensive ornamental brickwork has been used on the building. The entire building, including the rear section formerly used for warehousing, has corbelling at the roof line

Within the context of a nationally recognized industrial place

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

of significance, these remnants of the two massive industrial complexes have even greater value as the last examples of the oldest portion of this former industrial precinct, and of the industrial heritage of Brantford. Brantfords Industrial History Brantford is a historic city. Located on major waterways and railways, it became one of Canadas major industrial centres. The earliest concentration of industrial buildings in Brantford was in the downtown area. Very few of these mid-to-late 19th century industrial buildings survive today. This is in part due to the fact that the most successful industries, in need of larger sites to expand their operations, re-located to suburban areas from the 1870s on and also due to changing values and uses of lands closer to the town centre. Urban renewal in Brantfords downtown resulted in the demolition of almost all of these former industrial sites and little trace of the industrial heritage survives. Large suburban industrial sites such as the Greenwich-Mohawk Brownfield, continued to operate in manufacturing until relatively recently while being surrounded by residential development. Brantford maintained its manufacturing base well into the 1960s, as evident in the expansions of plants such as Verity and Cockshutt.7 A period of decline followed and the once massive manufacturing base that had sustained Brantford for more than a century, had almost vanished by the 1990s. Brantfords industrial buildings were spread out along the Grand River, the Old Canal and railways. The Greenwich-Mohawk site was located on the Old Canal and a spur of the Toronto Hamilton and Buffalo Railway line. In 1990 the Greenwich Mohawk site was identified as an important concentration of industrial buildings within a precinct comprised of eight establishments, half of which were agricultural implement factories built between 1882 and 1903. The Verity Plow Works (Buildings 2 and 3A), constructed in 1897 and later to be merged with Massey-Harris, stands on the Greenwich site by the canal. It shared property with the original buildings of the Massey Harris works located further to the south of the property. To the south west, at the corner of Greewich and Mohawk, was the Adams Wagon Works (1900). Further to the south east, was the Cockshutt Plow Works built in 1903 (Buildings 1 and 2 at 66 Mohawk St.). Moving further to the west along the canal towards Market Street, was the original mower, reaper and self-binder factory, built in 1882 by Alanson Harris. Finally, across Market Street was a large plant that housed the Waterous Engine Works Co. Ltd (1895).8

3.2

Verity Plow Co. (1892-1904) Building 2 and 3A Massey-Harris Co. Ltd. (1920s) Buildings 1A & 1B Massey Ferguson (1958-1988) Remaining Buildings The history of the development of this site is rich. The relationship between the Verity Plow Co. and the Massey Harris Co. reflects the fluid nature of industrial production in the late 19th century. In 1891, A. Harris, Son & Co. Ltd merged with their major competitor, the Massey Manufacturing Company to become Massey-Harris Co. With this merger it became the largest agricultural equipment maker in the British Empire. The original factories were located in downtown Brantford. In the same year, Massey Harris Co agreed to distribute plows manufactured by the Verity Plow Co from Exeter, Huron County. In 1892, this company renamed itself W.H .Verity & Sons and relocated operations to downtown Brantford. In 1895, Verity & Sons agreed to build product exclusively for Massey Harris. The downtown site proved to be too congested so Massey Harris purchased the 27 acres of property on Greenwich Street between the Canal and the TH & B Railroad tracks. The consolidation of shared facilities was planned between the two companies. The short term expansion of the Massey Harris production space was to be accomplished by purchasing Verity & Sons downtown property. This finally occurred in 1903, but to facilitate the transition, W.H. Verity agreed to relocate to the new site at Greenwich St. allowing Massey Harris to move in to their former facilities while construction for new buildings started. In 1898 the Office Building and Warehouse facing the Canal (Building 2) are completed and are some of earliest industrial presence on the site (with the exception of the mold and cupula buildings). In 1910, the Massey-Harris-Ferguson company acquired the Johnson Harvester Company located in Batavia, New York, making it one of Canadas first multinational firms.9 In 1953 the name changed to Massey-Harris-Ferguson after they merged with the tractor firm of Harry Ferguson. Later the name was shortened to Massey-Ferguson. By 1981 the company was in serious financial difficulties and a major restructuring took place in 1986. The plant closed in 1988 after the company was placed in receivership.10 As the buildings located downtown have been demolished, Buildings 1A & 1B, 2 and 3A on the Greenwich Mohawk site represent the only surviving buildings of the Massey empire in Brantford.

347-475 Greenwich Street Site

Fig 3.7 Promotional Image for Cockshutt Plow Company

9 P. Cook, Massey at the Brink; The Story of Canadas Greatest Multinational and Its Struggle to Survive. Don Mills; 1981. 10 Brantford Public Library website

7 Parks 1996; 128 8 Parks 1990; 92

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Architectural Significance

Building 1A and 1B are typical examples of reinforced concrete frame factory or warehouse buildings from built in the 1920s.

In order to substantiate the merit of any of these buildings, an assessment of their significance has been made under the following categories.
Relative Significance of Structures

3.3

66 Mohawk Street Site

Cockshutt Plow Co. Ltd. Time Keeping Office (1903) Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co. Ltd Offices (1903) Building 2 In 1877, James Cockshutt, son of Ignatius Cockshutt11 and brother of Harry Cockshutt12 opened the original Cockshutt plant on Market Street with five employees.13 The companys products included plows, cultivators, harrows, seeders and rollers. In 1885 the Company displayed products at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London England. This international exposure provided access to overseas markets and soon the products were selling around the world.14 In 1896 they tore down the existing buildings on their downtown site and rebuilt a new four story factory, increasing floor space by 50% but this soon proved to be inadequate. Soon after the 1896 expansion, a 23-acres of land was purchased along Mohawk Street and, in 1902, construction commenced on a huge new factory complex and head office building with 900 employees. Production was moved there in 1903 and further buildings were added to the site in order to supply the huge worldwide demand for their products.15 The company continued to expand. In 1909 they purchased controlling interest in Frost, Wood and Company, an agricultural implement business, in Smiths Falls, and in 1911 they bought the Adams Wagons Company and the Brantford Carriage Company. The Cockshutt Plow Company attained worldwide status in agriculture implement manufacturing and was the most complete plow manufacturing facility of its kind in North America.16 During both World Wars Cockshutt manufactured aircraft parts and assemblies, shells and other weapons. In the early 1960s it became a subsidiary of the White Motor Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio and the name was officially changed to White Farm Equipment in 1969. White Farm Equipment foreclosed in 1985.17 Relative Significance of Structures The red brick and sandstone Buildings 1 & 2 at the Mohawk Street property were part of the original building program of the Cockshutt Plow Works in 1903. The raised ground floor of the Office Building, its Romanesque revival form and materiality make it a distinguished and defining set of buildings in the neighbourhood. They are historically and architecturally significant and are the last surviving examples of Cockshutt buildings in Brantford. These qualities were recognized by the City off Brantford when the buildings were designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2002. All other buildings on this site, with the exception of the warehouse attached to Building 2, have been demolished. 11 David G. Burley, Ignatius Cockshutt, Canadian Encyclopedia 12 Harry Cockshutt was mayor of Brantford in 1899 and served as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. 13 This building was demolished in . ? 14 Cockshutt Building, Reasons for Designation 15 Mike Hand, A Citys Industrial Heritage (2010); 78 16 Cockshutt Building, Reasons for Designation 17 Brantford Public Library. For more information see About Cockshutt by William Henry and Cockshutt; the complete story by the International Cockshutt Club Inc.

The buff brick mill construction of Buildings 2 and 3A (former W.H. Verity & Sons Co./Massey Harris Co.) on the Greenwich Street site are of unquestionable historic and architectural merit. They represent some of the earliest manufacturing structures on the W. H. Verity/Massey Harris Co site dating to 1897 and contain the original office structure and warehouse. The fine masonry detailing at the cornice and repetitive rhythm of the structural piers and paired windows of the typical bays are robust and elegant. At Building 2, the subtle refinement of detail of the Office wing at the west end of the buildings, including the handsome arched entry off of Greenwich St. and the pressed metal cornice, are noteworthy. The buildings are rare and unique in Brantford and carry particular significance architecturally to the historic evolution of the site. The concrete frame Building 1A and 1B dating from the 1920s when the Massey Harris Co. was well established on the site, represented a transformation of building construction, type and process on the site; but its construction is typical of many of the similar buildings of the era built for the purposes of manufacturing and storage of heavy goods and machinery.
Spatial Relationships within the Industrial Landscape and Streetscape

Buildings 1A and 1B, 2 and 3A at the Greenwich site evoke the scale of the original factory organization; inter relationship of processes and the open spaces that characterized the Verity Plow works. These buildings also represent the original alignment and the persistence through time of the building and process orientations that have characterized the site The relationship of the facades to the picturesque landscape of Greenwich Street and the canal, and the configuration of open space created between the two buildings is an extremely important aspect of their architectural and cultural landscape significance. The proportions of the buildings and the spaces are characteristics of their significance. The orientation and the uniformity of the design of the facades of buildings 1A and 1B were not meant to be demonstrative of the specific characteristics of the site.
Construction Type Buildings 2 and 3A at the Greenwich site are fine examples of the 19 and early 20 century mill construction that characterized the original construction on the site. The nobility of their proportion and masonry detailing coupled with the shear length render them highly attractive for preservation and adaptive reuse. The fact that these structures have been able to resist the forces produced by partial collapse of the floor systems is a testament to the robustness of these buildings.
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Spatial Relationships within the Industrial Landscape and Streetscape

Bibliography Archives &Museums


Brantford County Museum & Archives Massey-Harris-Ferguson Collection, University of Guelph

Former Cockshutt Buildings 1 and 2 at the Mohawk property are directly related to their street frontage, with attention to detail paid to the sides of the office block; the additions to that building were plain and of little architectural interest. The buildings do not evoke the size and scale of the original factory, but their nobility and refined detailing project an institutional presence that is very suggestive of future uses that would support the community that surrounds them.
Construction Type

Primary Sources
Brantford Expositor Anniversary Number; 1877-1927 Semi-Centennial. Brantford; 1927. The Industrial Recorder of Canada. Brantford; 1901.

Secondary Sources

Buildings 1 & 2 at the former Cockshutt plant are unique examples of administrative uses found in early 20th century factory sites. The construction methods are not the primary means of assigning heritage significance. The warehouse attached to Building 2 is another example of factory mill construction

Bliss, Michael, various entries in Canadian Encyclopedia Denison, Merrill. Harvest triumphant: the story of Massey-Harris. Toronto; 1948. Hand, Mike. A Citys Industrial Heritage; the growth and demise of fifteen major manufacturers in Brantford, Ontario. Brantford; 2010.

Reports City of Brantford, Master Plan, 2008. City of Brantford, Reasons for Designation; Former Cockshutt Plow Co. Office and Timekeeping Building, 66 Mohak Road, Brantford, 2002.
GBCA + CCRC Inc, A Ribbon Through Time Jan. 2006.

Parks Canada, Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario, Manuscript Report. Ottawa; November 1996. Parks Canada, Manufacturing Locations in Canada; The Identification and Evaluation of Significant Multiple-sIndustry Manufacturing Complexes, Manuscript Report. Ottawa: November 1990. Websites Adams Wagon Company, Brantford Public Library website. http:// brantford.library.on.ca/localhistory/carriage.php Brantford Cordage Company, Brantford Public Library website. http://brantford.library.on.ca/localhistory/cordage.php Cockshutt Plow Company, Brantford Public Library website. http:// brantford.library.on.ca/localhistory/cockshuttplow.php Cockshutt Plow Co., Historic Places.ca website http://www. historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=15694&pid=0# Massey-Harris, Brantford Public Library website. http://brantford. library.on.ca/localhistory/masseyharris.php Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre. http://www. canadianindustrialheritage.org/about.html Historical Plaques of Brant County - *no plaques commemorating industrial sites http://www.waynecook.com/abrant.html

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

4.0 Building Assessments


4.1 4.2 4.3 Building 1A and 1B former Massey Harris Machine Shop. 347 Greenwich St. Building 2 former Verity Plow Office and Warehouse. 347 Greenwich St. Building 3A former Verity Plow Co. Paint Shop Manufacturing Shops. 347 Greenwich St. Mohawk Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co. Time Keeping Office 66 Mohawk St. Mohawk Building 2 Cockshutt Plow Co. Office and Warehouse. 66 Mohawk St.

4.1 Greenwich Building 1A & 1B: Massey Harris Machine Shop

4.4 4.5

2 1A 1B

3A

Fig 4.1.1 Building Exterior - Looking east with Building 1B in the background and single storey in the foreground.

Benchmark data Municipality Occupied Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Listed by the municipality
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Brantford, ON No No No Report/ Consultant/ Date 1. Manufacturing Locations In Canada. Parks Canada, 1990. 2. Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario. Parks Canada, 1996. 3. Structural Condition Report Bldgs. 1B, 2, 3A Greenwich & Bldgs 1 & 2 Mohawk. Group 8, 2008. 4. Peer Review of Building Condition and Stabilization Reports. Halsall, 2009.

Previous Report(s)

Cultural Resource

Materials

Date of Construction 1920s with minor alternations subsequently.

Fig 4.1 Map depicting the location of Mohawk Street, Greenwich Street and Mohawk Canal. The area bordered in blue contains buildings with the Greenwich Street address and the area bordered in red contains buildings with a Mohawk Address.

Industrial Shop (Heavy and Four storey concrete frame light machining facility) with infil glazing and brick panels. One storey extension with light steel roof and clerestory glazing.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

north

Proportions are noble and the regularity and openness of the plan is enhanced by daylight on all four sides of the building. There is a staircase from the ground to the second floor at the west end of the building.

Fig 4.1.2 Satellite image of Greenwich Building 1A and 1B, Brantford Source: Google

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GREENWICH BUILDING 1A & 1B - Machine Shop


This concrete framed brick and industrial sash infil building was erected in the 1920s. It contained heavy machinery for milling castings from the foundry. Exterior Building 1A is a single storey extension of the ground floor machine shop with a light steel frame roof and industrial steel sash on a clerestory on a concrete block wall. This extension defines the west most corner of the site. Building 1B is a concrete framed four storey industrial building of post-WWI vintage. The concrete frame is expressed at floors, beams, and columns with short brick infil walls topped with single pane industrial sash glazing. Its proportions are noble and sturdy. Interior
Fig 4.1.3 Building 1A, East Elevation

The principle entrance space is in the middle bays on the east elevation. Stairs to the north-east give access to all floors as does the freight elevator in the south east corner of the building. The dominance of the concrete floor and ceiling planes is punctuated by the regular rhythm of large concrete columns with flared mushroom capitals supporting concrete drop panels.

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BUILDING AND CONTEXT


These buildings represent the ongoing expansion of the plants capacities and functions. Heavy machinery located in the facility corresponded to the increased uses of molding, tapping and drilling of site cast parts required by new developments in the fabrication process which were driven by technical advances after the First World War. The building defined the north west corner of the site and established a new modern face for the plant turned towards the city. It reinforced alignments of buildings on the site by extending the Greenwich facade established by Building 2 at the turn of the century.

Fig 4.1.4 Building 1B interior at the ground floor

CONDITION
This building generally in fair to poor condition. Exterior Foundation: Unknown No review possible Walls: Poor
Fig 4.1.5 Building 1B Interior at the fourth floor, ponding water and plant growth

rick infil panels are spalling throughout and pointing is B failing. Concrete frame is deteriorating, exposing reinforcing. Windows: Poor Steel sash frames are bowing or broken; majority of glass is missing. Roof: Poor Pooling of water at interior bay near columns. Suggests roof failure in Building 1B oof in Building 1A has many openings in it. R Eaves, Soffits, and Cornice: N/A Water Diversion: Poor Water sits on floors in pools n several floors mold and plants have taken hold and there O are small stagnant ponds.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Interior
Structural -Ground Floor: Poor oncrete frame is spalling or cracked with corroding C reinforcing. Columns are spalling and in some cases corroding. Structural - Second Floor: Poor ee Ground Floor S Structural - Third and Fourth Floors: Poor See Ground Floor Pipe Galleries / Crawl Spaces: N/A Staircase assembly: Good Steel pan & concrete stairway is stable. Floor Finishes: Poor A topping appears to have been applied to the concrete floors. In several locations the topping and primary concrete floor slabs are spalling with aggregate easily disturbed. Walls: Poor Brick panels appear stable, but spalling brick faces and failed mortar joints indicate distress. Ceilings: Fair Underside of concrete slabs are in fair condition . Reinforcing is present. DOORS and Casings: Poor Doors are period hollow metal, including sliding fire doors which are deteriorated and hardware is binding.
Fig 4.1.6 Building 1A in the foreground and Building 1B further to the east, marking the north west corner of the site.

4.2 Greenwich Building 2: W.H. Verity & Sons Co. and Massey-Harris Co.

Fig 4.2.1 Building Exterior - South Elevation looking east. Original office in foreground in the first three bays.

Benchmark data Municipality Occupied Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Listed by the municipality Previous Report(s) Brantford, ON No No No Report/ Consultant/ Date 1. Manufacturing Locations In Canada. Parks Canada, 1990. 2. Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario. Parks Canada, 1996. 3. Structural Condition Report Bldgs. 1B, 2, 3A Greenwich & Bldgs 1 &2 Mohawk. Group 8, 2008. 4. Peer Review of Building Condition and Stabilization Reports. Halsall, 2009. Cultural Resource Industrial Warehouse, Offices and Production Building (Paint Line) Materials 3 storey brick, rubble stone foundation and solid brick masonry walls; heavy timber mill framing and single hung wood windows. Date of Construction Late 1890s, alterations late 19th through early 20th centuries (between 1897 and 1904).

SUMMARY
Buildings 1A and 1B represent an important marker for the Massey Harris site at its north west corner as they address the city. Their volume reinforces the strong orientation of the original industrial buildings, whose form was predicated by the industrial processes at the site. The structural conditions of the buildings are challenging and the heritage significance of its building elements are not so compelling to offset those challenges. The sheer presence of its volume at this particular position on the site is noteworthy and will be important as an urban gesture for any future adaptive reuse development proposal.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

north

hung, new wood casements and other less sympathetic replacements. The Office received modest yet significant detail enhancement, including the pressed metal cornice on the north and west elevations and the monumental arch facing Greenwich (Canal) Street. The building straddles a four to five foot grade change from street to the functioning grade of the factory precinct. One process related bridge straddles the open space between this building and Building 3A to the south, at the second floor. This light steel and wood frame structure contains remnants of the parts conveying system. The open circulation space between these two buildings forms a well proportioned court, offering a very dramatic perspectival view in the east, west directions. The eastmost end (approx. 11 bays) was destroyed by fire and both timber and masonry walls have collapsed.

Fig 4.2.2 Satellite image of Greenwich Building 2, Brantford (Google Earth)

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GREENWICH BUILDING 2: Verity Plow Co. Office & Warehouse
This building is one of the original structures built by W.H. Verity & Sons Co. It is a very fine example of19th century industrial mill architecture, purpose built with capacity and structural robustness that supported the evolving needs and processes of a vital industrial complex. Its restrained detailing exemplifies the nobility vested in these structures that contained the rigors of industrial production.
Exterior

This three storey industrial mill building is constructed of solid three wythe brick masonry modulated by five wythe thickbrick piers defining bays of paired single hung windows with flat arched openings. Brick is typically common bond except at the piers. Masonry joints are fine and there is evidence of a convex beaded joint on the office portion at the west end. The foundation is random stone; probably limestone, to about 30 above grade. The parapets are handsomely terminated by a corbelled dentil course, three corbells deep spanning between piers and topped with a clay tile cap. The windows are a mixture of original wood single
Fig 4.2.3 Building 2 exterior west elevation. Note the metal cornice at the parapet.

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Interior
Fig 4.2.4 Building 2. Fire Damage at the eastern bays.

Due to the partial collapse of portions of the structure at various locations throughout the building, review of the interiors was limited. The principal public entrance was from the north elevation at the west end of the building. There are several functional entry points along the south elevation, including a raised loading dock at the end. The interior is divided at intervals into several compartments by the heavy 4 wythe thick masonry walls dictated by best practices and codes for fire safety. The space is modulated by a four bay spatial grid established by heavy Douglas fir timber columns with directional capitals supporting north-south beams which in turn support large purlins running perpendicular to the beams. These support the slatted wood flooring. Typical bay dimensions are 140 x 1310. Framing has been painted in several sections. The interior of the masonry walls are typically painted. Sections of the building have had the timber structure sandblasted to great effect. There are very few stairs within the floor space and single freight elevator is located in the notional middle of the building in the east-west elevation of the building.

Fig 4.2.5 North Elevation - Original Entry of Greenwich (Canal) Street to the Verity Plow Co. Office

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

There are many recent partitions that divide the spaces into configurations whose functions are unknown. In the 1990s the Office building was converted into several small apartment units in the second and third floors. These have been abandoned. The building has suffered two fires within the last decade. The first destroyed the eastern third of the building and charred the next eight bays to the west. In 2002 a fire in the newly completed apartment units affected all three floors of the building.

spaces by potential cross circulation along its entire length. Views

POSITION IN SITE EVOLUTION


This building and the Office building in particular, were part of the initial construction of the W.H. Verity & Sons plant, preceded only by the mold and copula buildings to the south west. The building defined the northern edge of the site and was its principal address towards the city and expanding residential area perched on the hill across the Old Canal to the north. It also established the principal alignment that would govern orientation of all subsequent construction and flow of production on the site. While the office function remained until plant closure in 1988, the warehouse to the east was adapted to house part of the paint storage and painting assembly lines that ran through the site in the north-south direction via an elaborate system of conveyor lines using covered bridges between buildings.

Views to the north will be very desirable and will include the residential area across the old canal to the north. To the south the view will be to the space defined by the north wall of Building 3A. The dramatic perspective vistas to the east and west present tremendous opportunities for future deployment of building on a redeveloped site.

CONDITION
This building generally in fair condition, although there are specific areas of concern. Exterior
Fig 4.2.7 West elevation of office - evidence of beaded joint eroded over time

Foundation: Fair to Good n general the stonework appears to be stable; there are I many gaps in pointing with isolated areas of missing stones aces of stone are weathered. F Walls: Good Masonry appears to be generally stable and largely intact. Deterioration at parapet levels and tops of piers is noticeable throughout. Evidence of some erosion at the top 30 of wall Window sills have been replaced with precast units. Windows: Poor
Fig 4.2.6 West elevation of office building, condition of pointing appears stable.

BUILDING AND CONTEXT


Spatial Relationships and Building Address
The building serves to establish the order for all subsequent buildings on the site. It forcefully established a dramatic space and view corridor between it, Greenwich Street, the Canal and hill to the north. Similarly, it establishes a beautifully proportioned open space with Building 3A to the south. The height of the space relative to its width is comfortable and well scaled. During the September afternoon of the site visit the sun fell generously along the south wall of the building throughout the day. There are opportunities for multiple addresses from this building to the street and the space to the south which can animate both

riginal wood windows remain along the north elevation and O parts of the west. Along the south elevation, windows have been replaced with contemporary wood styles in some locations, notably at the west end. Glazing is missing in almost all cases. Hoarding of windows inconsistent. Roof: Poor (viewed from grade)
Fig 4.2.8 Building foundation, south wall- random cornered limestone masonry indicating typical conditioning joints and stone.

Integrity of roof plane has been compromised at west and east ends. Cornice: Good The metal cornice at the north and east elevations and the office appears to be complete and in good condition but for slight corrosion.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Water Diversion: Poor Continuity of interior drainage system has been disturbed and cannot be deemed to function. Interior Structural: Ground Floor: Fair oncrete floor is uneven and covered in too much debris to C render an opinion. Structure at the eastern end ranges from stable to questionable due to water leakage from roofs. At the west end the structure is questionable due to the fire. Structural: Second Floor: Fair ine examples of timber structure in several bays. F n general, the same conditions as the ground floor. I Structural: Third Floor: Fair Access to the third floor was not possible. Pipe Galleries / Crawl Spaces: N/A Staircase assembly: Poor Inconsistent enclosing partitions and tread lengths of stairs. Floor Finishes: Poor Inconsistent material. Suspect VAT throughout. Walls: Good Interior faces of masonry walls appear to be stable with some signs of distress such as cracking around openings. Bearing points of structure are generally sound. Ceilings: Poor Underside of wood ceilings vary with the structure. In selected areas there are relatively contemporary suspended ceilings that are in poor condition. DOORS and Casings: Poor Many doors are missing Sliding fire doors still functioning.
Fig 4.2.10 Interior, fire damage at ground floor of Office Building Fig 4.2.9 South elevation - Condition of weathered brick at the tops of piers

SUMMARY
The importance of this building is derived from its position as the first major building on the site, its role as a defining address for the site to the city, and its alignment, which governed all construction that followed. It is a fine example of industrial mill construction, well proportioned with tactically deployed architectural decorative elements and robust, workmanlike masonry. Building condition Parts of the masonry and heavy timber construction have been destroyed by fire and compromised significantly by poorly stabilized roofs and windows. These areas will be problematic to save. There are significant amounts of original heavy timber that are not suitable for harvesting for re-use in this site or building. Some structures must be demolished due to poor conditions, partial collapse, failure, and saturation. For the most part the exterior masonry walls have performed as is expected of mill construction. They remain very stable in spite of partial or complete collapse of the structure in isolated sections.

Fig 4.2.11 Building Interior - Typical heavy timber structural frame.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

4.3 Greenwich Building 3A: W.H. Verity & Sons Co. Paint Shop

Fig 4.3.1 Building Exterior looking east

Benchmark data Municipality Occupied Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Listed by the municipality Previous Report(s) Brantford, ON No No No Report/ Consultant/ Date 1. Manufacturing Locations In Canada. Parks Canada, 1990. 2. Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario. Parks Canada, 1996. 3. Structural Condition Report Bldgs. 1B, 2, 3A Greenwich & Bldgs 1 &2 Mohawk. Group 8, 2008. 4. Peer Review of Building Condition and Stabilization Reports. Halsall, 2009. Cultural Resource Industrial Warehouse Materials 3 storey brick, brick foundation and single hung wood windows, heavy timber mill framing and solid brick walls. I storey brick building with light steel framed roof with steel framed sash windows Date of Construction Late 1890s (after 1897 before 1910), alterations late 19th through early 20th centuries

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

North

Fig 4.3.2 Satellite image of Greenwich Building 3A, Brantford Source: Google

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GREENWICH BUILDING 3A: Verity Plow Paint Shop


One of the earliest expansions on the site, this building extended the original alignments and processes initiated by Building 2. It is another fine example of industrial mill construction with details similar to Building 2. It accommodated the evolving painting process for an expanding and changing range of products fabricated by the Verity and Massey Harris companies. In the single storey wing to the east there are isolated remnants of industrial process machinery, enclosures and conveying systems for painting operations.
Exterior

Fig 4.3.3 Building exterior north elevation looking east.

Similar to Building 2, it is a three storey mill building constructed with three wythe solid brick walls, modulated by five wythe thick brick piers defining bays of paired flat arched window openings. Brick appears to be stained or with a soluble flash on its burned face. Brick is laid in a common bond typically except at the piers and around window openings. Foundations appear to be brick. Parapets are detailed with the three deep corbelled dentils similar to the treatment of Building 2, as are the parapet caps. Windows are mixed, however a significant amount

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of original ones remain. The south side of the building wall is altered to enclose many of the existing windows on the ground floor when the single story covered way was built between it and Building 3B. As noted with Building 2, the single process related bridge is the only remaining one in place and it enhances the quality of the dramatic and well proportioned space between these two buildings. The two east-most bays of the building have been rebuilt and there are signs of buckling masonry at the third floor. The single story section to the east was altered from the blacksmiths shop to the paint shop, requiring a new roof system and internal structural frame for supporting heavy process machinery and conveying equipment.
Fig 4.3.4 Building Exterior west elevation

Interior Although areas of collapse were more spectacular in this building, access could be gained to each floor from the only stairway serving the building at its mid point. Entrances to the building occur throughout along its length. Access to the covered way to the south occurs along most of its length. The interior is divided into several compartments by heavy four wythe masonry walls at intervals determined by best practice and fire safety codes. Space is divided into three bays established by a heavy timber framing system similar to that found in Building 2. On the ground floor the heavy timber columns are resting on cast tapered steel pedestals keeping wood above the concrete floor by at least one foot. There is a crawl space/pipe gallery under the ground floor slab approximately 30 deep.

Fig 4.3.5 The space to the south of Building 3A is enclosed with an independently supported roof. Building 3B forms the south edge of this space.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

POSITION IN SITE EVOLUTION


Originally built as the machine and blacksmithing shop this building was the first major expansion of production capacity on the site, supporting the original cupula and moulding shops to the south west. The blacksmithing shop was originally located in the single storey wing at the east end of the building. This was substantially remodelled to support significant parts of painting operations in the 20th century. The three storey mill building originally housed grinding, machinery and polishing shops. At the very west end in the first 3 bay section, was a small paint shop,. The entire three floors were later converted to painting operations which were linked by the elaborate conveying line that reached across the site in covered bridges between buildings including the relocated foundries and machinery shops that appeared to the south in the mid-20th century. Building 3A further established the distinct east-west orientation of production buildings that would cascade through the site for the next 60 years.

From the north elevation there are consistent window opening offering view into the rectangular court formed with Building 2 and beyond to the treed residential area perched on the overlooking hill across the canal. These windows were originally intended to flood the floors with the north light so valued by production factories.

CONDITION
This building generally in fair condition due to extensive collapse of roof and floor structures. However, the masonry walls appear to be generally stable and intact. Exterior Foundation: ot visible N
Fig 4.3.6 Building exterior, north elevation - Junction at single storey wing and rebuilt at the east end of the 3 storey building.

Fig 4.3.8 South elevation at west end.

In several locations brick is above grade and around 20 to 30 up the wall and is eroded with open joints and moss and lichen growth. Walls: Good to Fair in isolated occasions alls appear to be generally stable with pointing largely W intact. Cracking can be seen around some openings in predictable locations. At the junction of the one storey wing to the east, significant rebuilding of the walls at the east-most bays from the ground floor to the third has been performed. There is evidence of bowing masonry (towards the interior) in the second bay to the west at the 3rd floor. There are many new openings for vents, louvres and other process driven penetrations that show local deterioration of masonry. At the single storey wing the exterior wall has been rebuilt, introducing a concrete beam and masonry pier arrangement that supports an interior steel structure for suspension of equipment and conveyor lines. The brick appears to be in good shape but deteriorates significantly to the east where the last two bays on the 1 storey wing display tremendous spalling, shifting and disintegration of brick masonry.

BUILDING AND CONTEXT


Spatial Relationships and Building Address Building 3A established the rhythm of built to open space which has characterized the construction of subsequent facilities on the site. Undoubtedly a response to the needs of production, the resulting proportions of the space between itself and Building 2 are excellent, as noted elsewhere. The buildings address responds to the needs of production so there are openings and doors along its north and south elevations. To the south of the building the original open space between it and Building 3B was covered by a self supported roof that further expanded the paint and finishing production line. This covering structure is structurally independent of the building. Views The upper floors of the building will offer excellent views to the south overlooking the majority of the site. On the ground floor of the south elevation, the installation of the covered way coincided with the enclosing of many original windows. These could be reinstated quite easily.
Fig 4.3.9 Building exterior - North Elevation, Typical condition at ground floor. Fig 4.3.7 Building exterior - Single storey wing looking east.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Windows: Poor Many original wood single hung windows remain in both the three and single storey parts of the building. Often they have been modified to accommodate vents and other process related penetrations. Some glazing remains, mostly located at the third floor. For the most part windows have no glass. Roof: Poor The roofs were not reviewed due to safety concerns. he roof has partly collapsed in various bays of the western T portion of the three storey wing. he entire roof system is non functioning. Water entry into T the buildings is a chronic problem throughout both parts of the building. Eaves, Soffits, and Cornice: N/A Water Diversion: Poor
Fig 4.3.10 Interior ground floor - typical heavy timber framing Fig 4.3.12 Interior, Third floor. Partial collapsing of floor structures.

Structural: Second Floor: Fair to Poor n general the same conditions as the ground floor. I imber floor structures and columns are unstable and soft T due to saturation from water entry. They remain intact and structural elements are in good shape, but as a system are unstable. Structural: Third Floor: Fair to Poor This floor structure has taken the brunt of saturation due to the failure of the roof. Floor structures are collapsing throughout, especially in the centre of the building. Individual members of the structure are in good shape but as a whole, the system appears to be unstable. Pipe Galleries / Crawl Spaces n the east most bays of the three storey wing there are I access points to an underfloor pipe gallery and crawl space. The extent of this system could not be determined. Staircase assembly: Good Only one stair could be found at the mid point of the three storey structure projecting from the south elevation. Wood stringers and open treads appear stable but certainly not compliant with current codes. Floor Finishes Wood strip flooring is saturated and buckling throughout. Walls: Good Interior faces of masonry walls appear to be generally stable with some signs of distress such as cracking at openings. Bearing points for timber structure appear to be stable. Ceilings: Poor Underside of exposed wood ceilings varies with conditions of structure. Generally painted and the coating is peeling.
Fig 4.3.11 Interior Ground Floor - Collapse of floors above, including roof level at west end of the 3 storey building. Fig 4.3.13 Interior, Third floor west. Partial collapse of floor structures.

Interior Structural: Ground Floor: Fair to Poor oncrete floors appear to be stable but have accumulations C of debris from industrial processes and from the exterior. Floor levels are not continuous with local changes to accommodate mounting of equipment and other miscellaneous level changes. This is most noticeable in the one storey wing. Portions of the heavy timber structure have collapsed and are in the process of collapsing in the western portion of the three story building. Over 50% of remaining structure is wet to saturated. Light steel roof framing in the one storey wing is stable but there are concerns about bearing points and extent of corrosion of the light open web joists. The heavy process oriented steel structures appear to be stable. The bearing conditions at the junction of masonry walls and timber beams in the three storey wing appear to be generally stable and intact where reviewed.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

SUMMARY

4.4 Mohawk Building 1: Cockshutt Plow Co. Time Keeping Office

Building 3A represents the first large scale industrial expansion on the site originally containing the majority of processes required to fabricate farm implements. Its robust structure and practical design accomodated the requirements of the changing manufacturing methods throughout the 20th century. Although the one storey wing underwent significant remodelling to respond to process changes (heavy steel structure for overhead conveyors), the three storey wing absorbed these changes with very few alterations. The well proportioned circulation court created between it and Building 2 reflects the rhythm of open to built space that recalls the pattern of all future construction on the site. Building condition Parts of the masonry and heavy timber construction have been destroyed by fire and compromised significantly by poorly stabilized roofs and windows. These areas will be problematic to save. There are significant amounts of original heavy timber that are not suitable for harvesting for re-use in this site or building. Some structures must be demolished due to poor conditions, partial collapse and failure, and saturation. For the most part, the exterior masonry walls have performed as would be expected of mill construction. They remain very stable in spite of partial or complete collapse of the structure within the masonry walls.
Fig 4.4.1 Building Exterior - West Elevation from Mohawk Street

Benchmark data Municipality Occupied Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Listed by the municipality Previous Report(s) Brantford, ON No Yes No Report/ Consultant/ Date 1. Manufacturing Locations In Canada. Parks Canada, 1990. 2. Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario. Parks Canada, 1996. 3. Structural Stabilization Report 66 Mohawk St. Group 8, 2005. 4. Structural Condition Report Bldgs. 1B, 2, 3A Greenwich & Bldgs 1 &2 Mohawk. Group 8, 2008. 5. Peer Review of Building Condition and Stabilization Reports. Halsall, 2009. Cultural Resource Industrial Office Materials Single storey brick and stone building with gabled roof and small wood framed extension to the south. Date of Construction 1903 with brick facade added in 1912.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

beltcourse, with Time Office inscribed in it in the centre bay. The windows are paired single hung type and are found in each bay The northern most has a door that has been incorporated into it, and the central windows have transoms extending to the underside of the belt course. Window openings have stone sills and lintels. Interior The interior is largely derelict with little evidence of the original function as the Timekeeping Office, such as counters or wickets. Broken windows with missing glass are simply boarded up with plywood and there is no ventilation to the spaces. The office is divided into three compartments by masonry walls running east-west, north and south of the ridge of the roof. The wall to the south has a large arched opening at its east end against the exterior wall. It has plaster and vertical tongue and groove wood wainscotting finishes. Ceilings appear to be plaster. The central bay has a flat ceiling whereas in the north and south most bays the plaster is secured to the bottom of the rafters. POSITION IN SITE EVOLUTION

north

Fig 4.4.2 Satellite image of Mohawk Building, Brantford Source: Google

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MOHAWK BUILDING 1: Time Keeping Office


This building was designated by the City of Brantford in 2002 owing chiefly to its association with the office building of the Cockshutt Plow Co, owned by a very prominent and influential family in the community who started there early in the 19th century. Exterior The building is small in stature and is a counter point in scale to the three storey office building to the north, which it abuts. It has a single storey, three bay brick and stone elevation complete with a raised stepped parapet that conceals the gable roof beyond. To the south is a small wood clapboard framed addition. The red brick wall of the west elevation is modulated by three arches resting on brick, piers, all in relief from the main building wall. The stone work is fine, including a continuous belt course running across the elevation just below the spring of the arches. It also features a delicate stone wash course that follows the tops of the arches. There is a stone semi circular panel above the
Fig 4.4.5 West Elevation - Rebuilt parapet and caps.

Fig 4.4.3 Building Exterior - West Elevation from Mohawk Street.

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Fig 4.4.4 East Elevation.

The Time Keeping buildings was part of the original construction on the new site for the Cockshutt Plow Co. in 1903. It formally addresses Mohawk Street and the residential area across the street. To the immediate south was the principal entry gates to the factory.
BUILDING AND CONTEXT

The Time Keeping building relates well in scale to the residential area to the west. However its placement abutting the three storey office and warehouse to the north is incongruous in its current state. If it is seen as part of the main entry arrangement, its scale assumes that of a gate or guard house and its relationship to the office is mitigated somewhat. The rest of the plant was located to the south of the building and nothing but the outlines of the former slabs on grade and foundations are visible today.
Views

Views are primarily directed to Mohawk Street and the empty expanse of the site to the east.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

CONDITION
This building generally in fair condition, although there are specific areas of concern. Exterior Walls: Fair to Good he west elevation appears to be in generally good condition T with the exception of the stepped parapet, which has clearly been rebuilt above the arches and is missing brick and stone at the top courses. he semi circular limestone lintel has been damaged to allow T wires to pass from the interior. Brick appears stable with some erosion of the face at piers below window sills and failure at mortar joints in some areas. Stone work appears to be in stable condition and stone faces seem to be largely intact. The east elevation shows signs of loose repointed brick at the corbelled parapet. Flat arches at the masonry openings appear to be stable. Windows: Poor nly wood window frames remain throughout with portions O of single hung assemblies found randomly throughout. The quality of this material is questionable given its exposure to moisture and water ingress. Roof: Unknown, Not Reviewed Eaves, Soffits, and Cornice: Unknown he condition of the soffits and eaves could not be T ascertained. Water Diversion: Poor There do not appear to be rain water leaders from the roof.
Fig 4.4.8 Interior - Centre compartment looking south, arched opening at east end Fig 4.4.6 North compartment looking west

Floor Finishes: Unknown Covered in debris, it is impossible to give an opinion of the elements. Walls: Fair to Poor The plaster and wood wall finishes are deteriorating due to ever present moisture. Ceilings: Fair to Poor Although it appears to be a rough finished (possibly cement) plaster and largely original. Window Casings: Fair to Poor Several casings are intact but their condition is suspect due to ever present moisture. DOORS and Casings: GOOD Several casings are intact but their condition is suspect due to ever present moisture.

SUMMARY
Fig 4.4.7 North compartment interior looking north.

The importance of this building stems from its association with the Cockshutt family, their successful farm implement business and factory, and the idiosyncratic architectural detailing. Its anomalous relationship to the 3 storey office building is striking in the absence of the rest of the plant.
Building Condition

Fig 4.4.6 West Elevation from north

The building is stable but its exterior wall will require restoration to address poorly matched masonry at rebuilt areas and typical deterioration. The interior finishes have been compromised and their condition yet to be determined. Their quality, although noteworthy, is not so particular as to qualify as an essential characteristic worthy of designation.

Interior
Structural: Fair he masonry walls appear to be in reasonably good T condition as do the exterior walls, showing little sign of distress.
Fig 4.4.9 Centre compartment wainscotting and plaster

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

4.5 Mohawk Building 2: Cockshutt Plow Co. Office and Warehouse

Fig 4.5.1 Building Exterior - West elevation facing Mohawk Street

Benchmark data Municipality Occupied Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Listed by the municipality Previous Report(s) Brantford, ON No Yes No Report/ Consultant/ Date 1. Manufacturing Locations In Canada. Parks Canada, 1990. 2. Three Manufacturing Complexes in Ontario. Parks Canada, 1996. 3. Structural Stabilization Report 66 Mohawk St. Group 8, 2005. 4. Structural Condition Report Bldgs. 1B, 2, 3A Greenwich & Bldgs 1 &2 Mohawk. Group 8, 2008. 5. Peer Review of Building Condition and Stabilization Reports. Halsall, 2009. Cultural Resource Industrial Office and Warehouse Materials 3 storey brick, dimensional stone foundation and wood framing Date of Construction 1903

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

north

a striking corbelled and dentilled brick parapet that extends from the outside bays of the west elevation, and around the north and south elevations for three structural bays. The roof parapet extends above the warehouse parapet by approximately 30. The west elevation is divided into three bays, the central one projected beyond the remainder within which projects further, the pedimented vestibule. The corners are defined by paired brick piers that return on either side. The vestibule is very fine with terraced stone stairs flanked by stone plinths upon which sit brick piers with stone capitals. These support a continuous architrave upon which sits the brick parapet and pedimented front. The plinths have 1877 and 1903 inscribed in them. In the pediment is a stone panel inscribed with Office.
Fig 4.5.4 Exterior west elevation inscribed stone plinths at entry door.

Fig 4.5.2 Satellite image of Mohawk Building 2, Brantford Source: Google

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MOHAWK BUILDING 2: Cockshutt Plow Office and Warehouse


This building was designated by the city of Brantford in 2002 owing to its association with the legacy of the Cockshutt family in Brantfords civic history and their successful farm implement business, the Cockshutt Plow Co. Exterior The three storey red brick and stone office building and the red brick warehouse building which runs eastward into the site are under review. The Office is differentiated from the warehouse by the quality of the pressed brick construction, the fine jointing, stone foundations, sills, entry detailing, lintels, and beltcourses. It is also distinguished by
Fig 4.5.3 West elevation at Office, entry vestibule.

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The first floor of the west elevation has a rusticated brick banding created by a recessed course for every five. The centre bay is further subdivided into three bays, two narrow flanking ones and a larger central portion which , at the 3rd floor, is capped by three brick arches. The arches are topped with a fine stone wash course that recalls the detailing of the Time Keeping Office. The parapet of the centre bay, unlike the flanking ones, appears to have been straight but is missing several courses and the terminating cap and is tilting towards the street. Windows have stone sills and lintels at transom conditions and have flat brick arched openings. The warehouse is modulated by brick piers containing pairs of wood single hung windows, except for the third floor which has only a single larger opening. Window openings have flat arches and stone or concrete sills. There is a shallow brick corbelled cornice between the piers. The walls are 3 courses thick and 4 courses at the pier locations. The warehouse is a three storeyed structure with heavy timber framing supporting the floors. The eastern most portion of the building has been demolished and several remaining bays have heavy timber and framing in various stages of collapse. The interior structures could not be reviewed for his reason. Interior The interior could not be extensively reviewed due to concerns about environmental conditions but appeared to be a generally

Fig 4.5.5 South Elevation, corbelled brick cornice at Office Building.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

stable wood frame structure. The entry vestibule presented fine detailing at entry doors and side lights and porcelain mosaic tile floor with the company initials as the motif. The fine stone and brick of the vestibule piers continued to the interior. Window frames appeared intact and in a stable condition. The ground floor lobby has been renovated but enough of the contemporary dropped ceilings had been displaced to reveal fine turned wood column capitals and beam work that originally defined the space. The rooms on the north side of the building present painted wood wainscot and window and door trim. In general, contemporary remodeling has obscured much of the original conditions. The second and third floors were not visited as was the warehouse to the east due to partial collapse of the structure.

CONDITION
The building appears to be in fair to good condition. Vegetation has been allowed to grow unchecked against the base of the wall, obscuring a view of the foundations.
Exterior Foundation: Fair to Good The warehouse foundations were not visible at the time of review.
Fig 4.5.6 Exterior west Elevation - Parapet at centre bay. Fig 4.5.9 Interior looking east into the warehouse and collapsed structure.

The stone base of the office building appears to be in good condition, stable with some erosion of stone faces and open mortar joints. Walls: Good The Office Building has very good brick masonry work with tight joints (1/4 or less) and crisp pressed brick. ointing of these joints appears to be consistent with some P erosion in typical locations, corners, under sills and at parapets. Pedimented parapet at the entry vestibule is in poor shape immediately below the cap.

POSITION IN SITE EVOLUTION


The Office Building and warehouse were part of the first period of construction on the site. The extent of the initial build out of the plant can not be precisely determined but anecdotal evidence suggests that it was extensive. Certainly, by 1919, a majority of the plant was constructed. The Office buildings orientation was established by alignment with the north-western railways spurs from the HamiltonBuffalo Railway. The south eastern spurs came into the plant perpendicularly; setting up the other predominant alignment that governed the orientation of the other process buildings.
Fig 4.5.7 South Elevation - Junction of Office and Warehouse

The roof parapet at the centre bay of the west elevation is peeling towards the west and will require rebuilding. Stone work at entry vestibule appears to be in good condition with some local spalling of lintels at corners. The warehouse brick masonry is less fine in detail and its condition is fair. Spalling of brick at some piers below window sills and at the jambs of some windows at the third floor is particularly consistent. Windows: Fair he Office Building wood windows in the entry vestibule T appeared to be intact and in good condition. Wood single hung window sash were reviewed from the west elevation at grade and appear intact with missing divided lights. Condition could not be determined. Wood single hung window sash at the warehouse appeared to be intact with missing divided lights. Glazing is missing throughout.

BUILDING AND CONTEXT


Spatial Relationships and Building Address As the one of the 2 only remnants of the industrial complex, this buildings linear form is incongruous as it currently sits alone on what was a originally very efficiently and densely built site. Its orientation has commemorative value, evoking the scale of the original complex. The building addresses Mohawk Street and residential areas to the west. Its short dimension along the street, lessens the impact of its size relative to the small dwellings. The nobility of its proportions and detail suggest that a more institutional or community based use be considered now that its relationship to the former plant has been altered.

Fig 4.5.8 Interior of entry vestibule - Brick piers and wood windows.

Roof: Fair to Poor Condition of Office Building could not be assessed, although infiltration of water seemed to be limited on the ground floor, suggesting some degree to integrity.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

oof of Warehouse has been compromised in several R locations with partial collapse of roof and floor structure.

SUMMARY
The Cockshutt Plow Co. Office Building is a well detailed masonry building that projects a robust dignity. The sturdy proportions and fine brick and stone work convey a sense of precision and of well executed workmanship. Some stone detailing such as the arched sash course is very fine. The vaguely institutional qualities of the building, its scale and address onto Mohawk St. suggest that any new use should involve a community related occupancy in support of the residential neighborhood to the west. The Warehouse Building extending eastward into the site is robust, however its construction and detailing are very utilitarian and not particularly noteworthy. It is neither evocative of the former plant nor complimentary to the structure of the Office. Building Condition The Office Building appears to be generally intact and structurally stable. This designated building will need some additional work to ensure that it is stabilized and to partially dismantle the parapet at the centre bay to ensure that it does not collapse any further. The warehouse building has been partially demolished at the east end and has several locations where roof and floor structures have been partially collapsed. Its condition is similar to that of Buildings 2 and 3A at the Greenwich Site. It appears that the exterior masonry walls have deteriorated at a quicker rate than those buildings. Although of similar proportioned to Building to 2 and 3A and therefore capable of supporting similar adaptive reuse strategies, the overall poor condition of all structural elements must be acknowledged as a significant challenge.
Fig 4.5.10 Interior looking east into the warehouse and collapsed structure.

Eaves, Soffits, and Cornice: N/A Water Diversion: POOR Roof drainage system is contained within the building interior and could not be assessed. he system in the warehouse building is undoubtedly T compromised. Interior Structural: Ground Floor: Fair ffice Building structure appears to be stable with no signs O of partial collapse or significant stress to other building elements. Warehouse was not reviewed due to indeterminate conditions of structure. Structural: Second and Third Floors: N/A ot reviewed due to structural concerns. N Floor Finishes Floors on ground floor of Office Building were obscured by debris. Walls: Fair Plaster walls in the Office Building had vertical wood wainscotting visible in several rooms. This is intact and appears to be in fair and stable condition. In the lobby, original finishes have been obscured by recent renovations, including free standing wood millwork panelling. Warehouse was not reviewed Ceilings: Fair The original plaster ceiling in the Office Building has been obscured by contemporary dropped ceilings throughout. In the lobby where part of the dropped ceilings have been removed, a turned wood column (painted) has been exposed to view along with a finely detailed plaster dropped beam and coffered ceiling details.
Fig 4.5.10 Interior - Ground floor meeting room with window casing and wainscotting.

Fig 4.5.11 Interior - Ceiling at lobby showing decorative wood column.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

5.0 Current Conditions Structural Challenges


5.1 Current State of Structural Deterioration
The partial failure of the roofs and the ensuing deterioration of the structural framing systems are the common themes for four of the five buildings on these two sites. In spite of the partial and in some cases catastrophic failure of columns, floors and roofs, the solid masonry mill construction of the exterior walls of the Greenwich 2 and 3A and Mohawk 2 buildings appear to have retained their integrity for the most part. The heavy timber framing has been compromised and become a limiting factor for the consultant team in reviewing the interiors of these buildings. At Greenwich Buildings 1A and 1B, and in particular at Building 1B, the integral reinforced concrete frame, floor and roof system is more sensitive to the deterioration of any one of its constituent elements. The fact that structural deterioration is found systematically in each of these elements throughout impacts the buildings viability. Mohawk Buildings 1 and 2 are simple framed structures that any deterioration that may be uncovered should be modest and that any remedial work should be manageable and not require demolition. The deterioration of these buildings has been well documented. Starting in 2005 and concluding as recently as 2009, the City commissioned studies to determine the scope of work required to stabilize and mothball the builidngs for several years while a consensus was developed for an adaptive reuse strategy for the sites. Unfortunately, the recommendations for temporary works to prevent further entry of water and snow, shoring of valuable heavy timber construction, and even limited partial demolition intended to arrest the inevitable decline of these assets, was not carried out. The priority has been in securing the perimeter of the site from unwanted entry for public safety and liability reasons, which is understandable. As a result, any adaptive reuse strategy for these buildings must bear a work and cost premium related to stabilization measures in the short term, and for any unconventional methods that will be required to perform work safely during demolition and salvage operations within the buildings to prepare them for reuse. This will include a logical abatement and remediation strategy for any designated substances within these buildings. These costs have been presented in several reports, most recently by Halsall Associates Ltd. in 2009. They provided a scope of work to stabilize the buildings envelopes for future re-use over a period of 3 to 4 years. This included limited roofing stabilization and repairs, hoarding of openings and shoring of portions of the buildings. The value of the five buildings as a heritage resource for the City was re-affirmed in their peer review report.

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

5.2 Viability and Heritage Conservation Requirements


The consultant team has been acutely aware of the scale of the undertaking required in demolishing, decommissioning and remediating these sites in preparation for future development in the City of Brantford. These sites represent tremendous potential for growth within the City limits that hold development capacity that could be sustained for over a decade at least. The designated substance and site remediation represent significant costs on their own. The team has worked to reconcile the challenges of preserving these last vestiges of the massive industrial presence on the properties, or portions of them, with the cost and work premium involved. We have adopted the following methodology in determining the most logical approach to the conservation of these buildings: Identify areas of complete collapse due to fires Identify the areas where current instability and partial collapse through exposure have compromised at least 2 or more elements of the structural system Identify elements that are stable Develop stabilization methods for buildings/elements to remain Develop methods that permit the buildings that are to remain to have designated substance remediation performed in a rational and safe manner Identify demolition scope of work to achieve stable building/ elements that will remain This will yield a set of recommendations that will govern the logical scope of preservation of viable structures and elements and the demolition of elements that have been irreparably lost due to prevailing conditions.

6.0 Recommendations
6.1 Buildings to be Retained
The historic importance of the Greenwich Mohawk Brownfield site is beyond dispute. The City of Brantford has recognized the significance through designation of the remaining buildings on the former Cockshutt Plow Works site and by identifying the 3 subject buildings on the former Verity/Massey Harris site as worthy of consideration for retention. These buildings have been assessed, by visual means, to determine their relative heritage and architectural significance, their current structural conditions and the cahllenges presented to stabilizing them in preparation for the required designated substance abatement and environmental remediation of the properties in preparation for redevelopment. Part of the assessment was a preliminary review of the potential of these buildings for adaptive reuse development. The following recommendations are made recognizing the current state of disrepair of these resources, the inherent challenges that they present if they are to be retained, and the fact that some remnant of the massive industrial heritage represented by these buildings and sites is of critical importance to the commemoration of the role that this heritage has played in the development of the City of Brantford, the province and the country. Based on structural and heritage assessments the following buildings are recommended to be preserved in whole or in part: 1. 66 Mohawk Rd, Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co Time Keeping Office Currently designated building under the OHA Retain building in its entirety 2. 66 Mohawk Rd, Building 1 Cockshutt Plow Co Office Currently designated building under the OHA Office portion to be preserved only Demolition of the 3 storey warehouse entirely 3. 347 Greenwich St., Building 2 Verity Plow Co. Ltd, Office and remnants of warehouse Remnant of the nationally recognized historic resource commemorating industrial heritage of the City Demolition of the collapsed east most bays of the structure Preserve, stabilize remaining solid masonry walls including new structural bracing at interior and exterior Demolition of existing heavy timber structure in its entirety Harvesting and salvaging sound elements of the heavy timber structure for reuse 4. 347 Greenwich St., Building 3A Verity Plow Co., Paint Shop Building Remnant of the nationally recognized historic resource commemorating industrial heritage of the City Demolition of the 1 storey eastern wing

See for instance, the Ottawa River Living Legacy Project: http://ottawariver.org/pdf/28-ch4-8.pdf

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

Demolition of the 2 east most bays of the 3 storey wing Preserve, stabilize solid masonry walls including new structural bracing at interior and exterior Demolition of existing heavy timber structure in its entirety Harvesting and salvaging sound elements of the heavy timber structure for reuse Building 1A and 1B are deemed to be too problematic to be preserved because of the compromised condition of the concrete structure at exterior columns, exterior floor frames and floor slabs.

6.3 Stabilization Rationale


These measures apply to Buildings 2 & 3A at the Greenwich St site. The Mohawk Rd Buildings are in better condition and stabilization measures will be more conventional and improve conditions that have not been overly compromised. The stabilization proposal for Buildings 2 & 3A accepts that the point of preserving the integrity of the structure systems of the buildings as a whole has passed. Therefore, stabilization must be redefined and accommodate the following: The instability and indeterminate nature of the remaining structures raises issues of construction safety to perform the work. Requirements for Designated Substance remediation that is logical and conforms to regulations. Determining the minimal and most cost effective temporary measures to stabilize the buildings to permit demolition of the collapsed structures and remediation of designated substances Preserve the integrity of the masonry construction for reuse Conclusion: Stabilization will require: Temporary shoring to stabilize the unsafe structural systems to permit demolition and remediation work Complete gutting of the interiors of the 2 buildings Removal of the roof structure completely Dumping of the demolished material as designated substances in their entirety Protection of the horizontal surfaces of the masonry walls at the parapets and window openings Installation of an exterior frame and interior bracing structure to stabilize the masonry walls for 3 to 5 years The stabilization will be designed to permit the installation of new structural systems within the interior of the building and systematic removal of the bracing during construction. In order to determine the extent of the temporary stabilization measures testing as identified by the structural engineers will be undertaken. In addition we recommend that some testing related to masonry conservation goals also are undertaken including: Disassembly of part of the masonry at building foundations, roof parapets and interior walls Testing of existing mortar in several locations Testing of brick and stone Confirmation of the extent of the pipe gallery in the ground floor of Building 3A at the Greenwich site

6.2 Mitigation Strategies


The demolition of the buildings and parts thereof will be commemorated using the following strategies: 1. Harvesting and salvaging of the following materials: sound timber structural members for grading and reuse in reconstructing the original structure in a portion of Buildings 2 & 3A at 347 Greenwich (most likely the west most portions with the smallest compartments defined by masonry walls sound brick masonry for restoration of remaining structures including Mohawk Rd Buildings 1 & 2 and Greenwich St Buildings 2 & 3A sound wood window elements from Greenwich St Buildings 2 & 3A for reconstruction a portion of the original building (most likely the west most portions including the original office and paint shop compartments 2. Preservation of Massing and Plan Arrangements Greenwich Site, establish guidelines to build with new contemporary construction: the original massing and plan arrangement of Buildings 1A & 1B to re-establish the corner presence and address provided by these buildings the original massing and plan arrangement of the east most portions of Building 2 with new contemporary construction the original massing and plan arrangement of the east most 2 bays of Building 3A Although not part of the buildings under consideration, it is recommended that the original plan arrangement and massing of the old molding and cupula buildings at the south west corner of the site be preserved as they are some of the oldest buildings on the site and their arrangement establishes a clear point of entry into the site at its west end Provide design guidelines for new development that: preserve the strong east-west orientation that governed all construction on the site (provides excellent exposure to the sun for daylight harvesting purposes) that preserves the rhythm of open to built space that governed the disposition of buildings on the site Mohawk Site, establish guidelines to build with new contemporary construction: the original massing and plan arrangement of the warehouse extension at Building 1

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011..

6.4 Adaptive Reuse Strategies


It is recommended that the City of Brantford consider engaging a qualified consulting firm to conduct a real estate analysis for these sites. These studies typically identify regional demand for new space of educational, community, corporate and governmental agencies, along with projected housing demand, over a 20 to 25 year period. This is becoming standard practice for provincial agencies as they determine the highest and best use for their substantial portfolio of properties prior to redevelopment. Of the last 3 conservation plans that Taylor Hazell has undertaken for the Province at large sites in southwestern and eastern Ontario, 2 have had these studies are required for the feasibility assessments of our reports. This information will be indispensable to the City as it evaluates growth within the existing core well into the 21st century. A vibrant collection of new and mixed uses on the Greenwich Mohawk site that supports the residential neighbourhoods that have grown around them will be in the best interests of Brantford. The heritage value of both of these sites and of 4 of the 5 subject buildings is also beyond dispute. The City has acknowledged this on the Mohawk site through designation and understands the value of the oldest remnants on the Greenwich site as worthy of preservation. These sites have value as cultural landscapes. The retention of these valued existing buildings is also important to establish an identity for these sites and inform the pattern of building distribution for the adaptive reuse of them. The practical orderliness of the original plan of the factory buildings produces engaging open spaces where alignments of buildings derived from manufacture processes could yield startling views and intimate gathering spaces in any new development scenario. There are a growing number of sites that have implemented such a strategy in Ontario, the most notable being the Gooderam Worts Distillery and Toronto Brick Works sites. These sites have re-inhabited, reconstructed and preserved remnants of the original facilities while incorporating new construction within them for a range of uses, including residential, retail, office, educational and performing arts facilities. The results are thriving precincts that are self-sustaining, or in the case of the Gooderam Worts site, are magnets for new development linking the site to established neighbourhoods. The reuse of derelict buildings for adaptive reuse is also not without precedent. THA has worked on several significant designated heritage sites that have involved the assessment of unstable buildings and the selective demolition and temporary stabilization of existing structural systems in order to render buildings, in part or in whole, viable for adaptive reuse. These projects recognize that preserving these problematic structures is necessary to maintain the presence and character of these buildings as a starting point of reference for new development on these sites. They establish the scale and proportions of buildings and spaces that can yield the sensitive and logical planning of building types and footprints across these large, single use sites. Our work at the Humber Colleges Lakeshore Campus is such an example. The reuse of 8 existing 3 storey psychiatric buildings required complete removal of the interior structure of 80% of the floors in order to accommodate the programmatic requirements for new classrooms, staff offices, and mechanical and electrical services. This involved temporary stabilization of the building shell for 3 floors and removal of the basement

slab on grade. A new structural system was inserted and tied to the remaining exterior walls of the buildings. Prior to these substantial renovations, the buildings underwent an initial stabilization scope of work including new roofing and roof structural work, new windows and some masonry conservation. The site was slowly converted from its stable yet mothballed state into classrooms buildings over a period of 8- 10 years. Certain buildings received additions that housed larger uses such as the cafeteria. The conditions of 2 of the 5 buildings, Buildings 2 & 3A at Greenwich are not significantly more problematic than the worst of those found at Lakeshore, however, the state of active collapse of some potions of these buildings is forcing stabilization measures that are more challenging. It is highly recommended that preservation the buildings that have been removed within the sites will be achieved by incorporating guidelines for new development that will reinstate some of the unique massing and spatial characteristics of these former industrial buildings. We recommend that the City consider the following new uses for the redevelopment of the 2 sites: 66 Mohawk St. This site is the smaller of the two and suggests that a collection of smaller scaled uses that takes advantage of its exposure to the residential area to the west. It could be considered as a hub for facilities that may not be currently present but would support the immediate neighbourhood and beyond. Examples are: Community Centre Recreational and athletic centres Limited small scale retail Community health Centre and medical offices The nobility and formality of former Cockshutt Office and Time Keeping Office suggest a range of community and institutional uses. The structural system and size of building are compatible with such uses: Library /Community centre Daycare centre Medical offices 347 Greenwich St. This large site is more internally focused due to nature of its address along Greenwich St, and the Canal. This will support more autonomous and demanding uses that require dedicated service access space. There are points of entry currently only at the north east end, however, a new entry point at the corner of Mohawk and Greenwich is achievable. The scale of the original buildings and the spaces between tem are highly evocative. In particular the size and height of the space between Buildings 2 & 3A should be used as a guideline for the rhythm of open to built space on the site. The site is large enough to incorporate a limited set of discrete and compatible uses

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Mohawk Greenwich Brownfield | Heritage Impact Assessment | November, 2011.

and strategically located parking without significantly impacting the available space for building. Examples of the types of uses are: Destination retail including restaurants and galleries Artist studios and design offices Satellite campus for local college or university Governmental office campus Performing Arts Centre Live-work studios/offices Mixed Residential development free hold and condominiums Community supported independent retirement residential units The size and scale of Buildings 2 & 3A can support a number of uses. The depth of the floor plate and access to daylight on all sides provided ideal floor space for the following uses: Residential condominiums with grade related units and selected retail Design and professional offices/galleries Grade related retail College classroom, staff and administrative offices Student facilities including libraries and media commons Research laboratories and supporting offices

Harvesting of Building Materials The demolition of the buildings at Massey Harris site represents an enormous opportunity to harvest extraordinary amounts of materials including heritage brick, stone, wood windows and heavy timber structural members. It is our experience that the supply of reclaimed, 19th to 20th century, Ontario size clay brick for restoration purposes is currently quite limited and especially in the yellow buff range. These materials along with the heavy timber members have commercial value. We encourage the City of Brantford to embed a harvesting, grading and sale protocol as part of the obligations within the demolition contracts for these industrial buildings so that the benefits from their sale can be realized by the City. .

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