Notice is Hereby Given that the Council of The Corporationof the Town of Newmarket intends to designate as a propertyof cultural heritage value and interest the following propertyin accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.18:
Property Description: 337-339 Park Avenue (Charles G. Rose(Ross) House) is located on the north side of Park Avenue inthe Town of Newmarket. The property contains a two-storeybuilding constructed between 1887 and 1891.
Legal Description: LOT 3, PLAN 55, NEWMARKET
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2024
Last Date for Objection: Dec 1, 2024Any notice of objection to this Notice of Intention to Designate,setting out the reason for objection and all relevant facts, mustbe served upon the Town Clerk within 30 days of the firstpublication of this notice.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest:
Physical/ Design Value
337-339 Park Avenue is a representative example of abuilding constructed in the Italianate architectural style. Thelarge, two-storey brick building follows a rectangular planwith a complex multi-gable roofline comprised of rear andside gables and a prominent and balanced triple gablefacade with wide overhanging eaves which is representativeof the Italianate design. The prominent two-storey baywindows with hip roof and rhythmically placed wood bracketsflank the centrally placed and recessed entryway with upperstorey balcony add to the Italianate aesthetic. The mainentrance consists of an ornate rectangular wood door withleaded glass panels topped by an arched transom andflanked by sidelights that also appear to include leaded glasssurrounded by classically inspired engaged columns anddecorative architrave motif. The entrance, and upper storeyrecessed balcony access by arch opening with French doors,also showcase decorative woodwork includes faux columns,brackets, gingerbread trim and finials. The segmentally archedwindow openings with brick voussoirs and balanced andsymmetrical facade with decorative detailing is consistent withItalianate design.
Historical and Associative Value
337-339 Park Avenue is directly associated with the historicVillage of Newmarket and banker Charles G. Ross. The lotslines, layout, and built form of the historic village ofNewmarket was well established in the mid-19th century andevident in a well-established commercial core found alongMain Street and the large presence of residences locatedalong several side streets. The development of the commercialcore and surrounding residential streetscapes in the mid-19thand early 20th century played a significant role in the socialand economic development and growth of the Village ofNewmarket. While 337-339 Park Avenue was located outsideof the historic village core, its construction and location along the late 19th and early 20th century streetscape found on thissection of Park Avenue is clearly legible. The brick used for theconstruction was from Stickwood's brickyard which producedboth red and buff/yellow-coloured bricks during this timeperiod. Local historians indicate that almost all of the-brickbuildings built in Newmarket between 1860 until 1910 werelikely constructed with bricks that originated at theStickwood brickyard. The use of locally made bricks reflect theconcentrated development and prosperity of the historic core.
337-339 Park Avenue was built between 1887 and 1891 forbank clerk, and later manager of the Ontario Bank, CharlesG. Ross as a private family residence. Charles George Rosswas born on September 9, 1859, and was living inNewmarket by 1881. In addition to his role as banker,Charles Ross assisted on several committees in Newmarket,such as William Mulock's deputation to Ottawa to requestfunding for the Newmarket Canal, and a committee to honourreturning Newmarket veterans.
Contextual Value
337-339 Park Avenue is important in supporting the late19th and early 20th century character of the historic Villageof Newmarket. Several residential side streets, including ParkAvenue, were established in the village core, near thecommercial Main Street. The expansion of the historic village inthe late 19th and early 20th century resulting from thesubdivision of several large land parcels associated with earlysettlers created an increase of development, particularlyalong arterial roads, and saw the creation of several new sidestreets. The village's expansion naturally extended along theexisting and arterial roads which served as importantconnectors for surrounding villages and often provided directaccess the historic commercial core. The buildings locatedalong these key roadways and side streets are comprised ofpredominantly one to two-and-a-half storey residences,primarily brick construction most using bricks from Stickwood'sbrickyard, with modest setbacks and include a range ofarchitectural styles from that time period.
The properties at 337-339 Park Avenue were originally partof the extensive land owned by the Millard family, who wereearly settlers, before being subdivided in the mid to late 19thcentury. The establishment of Plan 55 led to the creation of thesubject property, referred to as Lot 3, in 1886, laying thefoundation for the development of the streetscape and theformation of rhythmic lots. The presence of buildings alongboth side of the streetscape were well established by1929.337-339 Park Avenue exhibits setback, massing, style,decorative details consistent with the historic village character.
Additional information, including a full description of therationale for designation is available upon request fromUmar Mahmood, Planner, Committee of Adjustment andCultural Heritage, Planning Services at (905) 895-5193,extension 2458, or at umahmood@newmarket.ca duringregular business hours.