ELORA – The company redeveloping the south side of the Grand River in Downtown Elora is looking to move forward with a partial demolition of a ruined building.
A report going to Centre Wellington’s heritage committee confirms Elora South Inc. intends to demolish part of the Walser Ruin located at 32 Ross St. in Elora.
Elora South Inc. is a part of Pearle Hospitality, owner of the Elora Mill, focused on the redevelopment of a part of Elora on the south bank of the Grand River known as the Little Folks Area.
The building was originally the J. Mundell Cabinet Factory at the intersection of Victoria and Ross Street built in the 1850s.
“The Walser Ruins is currently vacant and is best described as a ruin as it has no roof and the second storey floor was demolished between 2018 and 2019,” a heritage impact assessment (HIA) report stated.
Sara MacIntyre, communications advisor to the Elora Mill, said in an email the portions that are being dismantled are either unsalvageable or not of historical value.
There has not been a confirmed plan on what the final use will be but MacIntyre confirmed they are planning to restore and rehabilitate heritage aspects of the building similar to what has been done at other nearby Pearle Hospitality buildings.
“We feel that it is important to salvage and restore heritage aspects of the building,” MacIntyre said. “As part of our rehabilitation plan, the restored building will continue to add to our heritage buildings and support tourism in Wellington County.”
The report noted features of the property like the tall chimney are suggested to remain as part of the rehabilitation project.
“The current removal recommendations are limited to the brick and block walls of the west facade, a portion of the adjacent wooden fencing, unused mechanical equipment and the concrete floor of the basement level,” stated a letter by Stevens Burgess Architects Ltd.
MacIntyre said they are seeking endorsement from the heritage committee at Tuesday evening’s meeting and then council approval to proceed with demolition.
Elora South Inc. proposes moving forward with demolition in Summer 2022 to meet construction timelines.
