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: 698 Gorham Street (Phoebe J. Mintern House)is located at the south side of Gorham Street in the Town of Newmarket.The subject property consists of a two-storey brick building constructed ina unique vernacular architectural style constructed in 1893.
Legal Description: PART LOT 10, PLAN 53, TOWN OFNEWMARKET
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
698 Gorham Street is a unique expression of a 19th centuryvernacular building. The building showcases design influencesassociated with several styles including Queen Anne,Italianate, and Tudor. The two-storey brick building has atwo-storey rectangular bay on the facade which showcasesornamental brick work including two rows of angle brick thatvisually separates the lower and upper storeys and adecorative brick band with circular design under the rooflinewhich speaks to the Queen Anne influence. The prominent andcomplex roofline is comprised of a large front gable withjerkinhead design with extremely wide overhanging eavesand solid soffits influenced by the Tudor style adds to theuniqueness of the building's aesthetic. The building has varioussized rectangular window openings, including facade's mainlevel window opening with a rectangular transom topped bydecorative three course recessed tall brick voussoir in soliderbond designed to mimic a keystone, as well as the upper level(paired) tall and narrow sash windows each with their ownlarge three brick voussoir laid in solider bond influenced bythe Italianate aesthetic. The asymmetrical but balancedfacade has an off-centre entryway opening with rectangularopening and one sidelight which add to the vernacular natureof the building.
Contextual Value
698 Gorham Street is important in supporting the late 19thand early 20th century expansion of the historic Village ofNewmarket. The lots lines, layout, and built form of the historicVillage of Newmarket was well established in the mid-19thcentury as shown in the commercial core found along MainStreet and the large presence of residences located alongseveral side streets. The expansion of the historic village in thelate 19th and early 20th century resulting from the subdivisionof several large land parcels associated with early settlers created an increase of development, particularly alongarterial 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 lands associated with a portion of the south side ofGorham Street were originally part of Eli Gorham's largelandholding and used for his residence and woolen factory.The development of the south side of Gorham Street throughPlan 53 in 1882 resulted in the creation of rhythmic lots alongthe streetscape and the construction of buildings which werewell established by 1929. 698 Gorham Street supports thecontinued growth of the historic village into the late 19thcentury and early 20th century. Located on an importantarterial road, 698 Gorham Street exhibits setback, massing,style, and decorative details consistent with the character ofthe expanded areas of the historic Village of Newmarket.
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.