Once again Kitchener has decided that we need more parking lots, and these 7 houses are going to fall victim to the wrecking ball. These houses were originally spared in 1998 when a demolition permit allowed several other houses in the area to be torn down. They were given new life and leased out to non profit organizations and charities. In the early 2000's the leases ran out and the homes have remained vacant ever since.

At this point in time it looks like there is no hope for these old fashioned homes, as they are not protected by the historical designation. Nor does the demolition control bylaw of Kitchener apply since they aren't registered as residential properties but as mixed use.

I assume these houses were built in the 1920's based on the style. It's going to be a real shame to lose them from the community when they could be fixed up and be suitable for living quite easily.

I apologize for the boring exteriors and sub par interiors. These were just from a scouting mission, and upon return I learned they have all recently had new locks put on them. The window shades are all drawn and it's next to impossible to see the interiors. The two interior photos I have were taken through windows *hence the reflection - sorry!!

(I normally don't condone name-dropping, but all this information and more is available through a simple google search and there's no sense in keeping them private since they will soon be demolished.)

Here is the news article: http://www.thereco...to-demolish-homes/

All the houses seen here will be demolished.




Exterior House photos













Details














Interiors (Shot through the limited windows that werent covered by blinds..

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And just think...they were somebodies pride and joy. Soon, they will be nothing but rubble and history.

Nice pics, btw.

wow, too bad, nice solid construction, i wouldnt be surprised that these houses have great woodwork and probably gorgeous built ins in the living rooms..

That's a shame, they are pretty cute.

Posted by nostra-YOUPPI! wow, too bad, nice solid construction, i wouldnt be surprised that these houses have great woodwork and probably gorgeous built ins in the living rooms..

And will be replaced with terribly built condos, I'm sure. :-\

My bad, parking lots. What a disappointment....

Posted by z0th And will be replaced with terribly built condos, I'm sure. :-\ My bad, parking lots. What a disappointment....

I think I could stomach "terribly built condos". Cause yknow... Housing. But NOPE. One small addition to an already almost 1 whole city block parking lot.

The stupid thing is theres going to be an odd section on the side missing because Sunlife doesn't own the two houses. Here's a map for people who don't live here to see how serious this parking lot is..

I like the brick arcs and those wood floors. And of course the milk box is a nice touch. My friend's house has one as well.

Nice looking places too.
I wish we could discover the hidden treasure within.

I had Emailed Sunlife, requesting permission to access the buildings to take some documentation photos before they demolish them. They were used a few years ago for non profit organizations, so I assumed it was worth a shot.

In typical fashion, I was denied. They claim the buildings are "unsafe for entry" and "pose a health risk". But, as far as I know - they haven't had them inspected?

Can't say I was surprised, but it is a total shame to lose these houses.

I remember when that whole city block was houses....

Demolition has started. Today I saw construction crews clearing out the buildings of all valuables (sinks, toilets, etc.)

It might be your only chance to look around.