#5: Steel Staircase

I like the look of old metal on a building - which is, to say, I like buildings with black metal outcroppings and not the contemporary brush look. Staircases made of this cast iron is made to get worn with age, much like how a copper roof is more appropriated after years of oxidation.

As a component I'm aware that cast iron is not as safe for the interior construction of a building: it has very little 'give' and becomes weak when exposed to hot heat. Still, many of the the lofts being created from older factories will consist of large support beams made out of cast iron and seem to be a big proponent in the style of these lofts.

Exterior fire escapes act as perfect design. They are both a life saving device and interesting to look at.

Currently this is a portion of a massive factory site - all of it in disuse - fenced off by the City. I would very much like to get access and make visual records of what is left.

#1: Canning Factory

Canning Factory

Simcoe, Ontario

   To start off the blog I had to find a place that I've been fascinated with for over a decade: the Simcoe Canning Factory. Sure it's not within the Grand River watershed, but if I'm not going to follow my own directions it's best to do immediately.

  

  It's located just outside of the downtown core of Simcoe and has a style of architecture unlike anything in the area. Currently the factory is completely vacant and surrounded by a massive fence discouraging anyone interested (perhaps to save any windows that remain intact). As a synergic history moment, for a summer I worked at the Waterford Museum some years ago (Waterford being a short distance away from Simcoe) and that building used to be a pickle factory. No doubt those pickles were sent here for canning.

  As a concept this building was my introduction to brown-field redevelopment. Initially in the early 1990's the proposal was to turn the factory into condominiums. From what I remember the suites were selling well, but the investor (or a key money-man) left the country with all the money. Now it just stands as a curiosity piece.

   

  If someone is able to actually turn this factory into a loft system - a style that is incredibly trendy and profitable right now - the water tower has to stay.

#3: Wynarden

Wynarden (also known as Yates Castle)

Brantford, Ontario

   This place was introduced to me by my Grandfather (Papa) about 10 years ago - when I was living with my grandparents for school. I remember getting a ride home and he took this detour, I think to show me that Brantford actually has (or had) a wealthy class at some point.

  The house was commissioned by Henry Yates of the Great West Railway and built in the Tudor style.

   As a house this one is an oddity. It's located right next to the Brantford railway station (which is understandable as to the nature of the owner) and is surrounded by much different houses. The lot is very large, any neighbours that tend their property (which is rare) don't have much to look after. The majority of neighbours have lower income housing. The trees surrounding the property are now old and thick enough to isolate this place from everything - short of the railway lines; the house faces those.

  On the whole, I've mostly interested in older factories and portions of cities that have once been 'the' place and now are a place to avoid. This house is a deviation from the industrial detritus, but was a direct result of industrial wealth.

#4: Market Street Warehouse

Warehouse

Brantford

  When I ask people (people that live in Brantford) what they think of Brantford it's general negative. I'm certain this is more the age of the people I ask - because my parents still enjoy many portions and sections of Brantford. This picture is a great representation of what the idea of Brantford is to those unaware of what really is.

  The building is a fantastic example of what Brantford is and what it could be. A place only remembered by kids and wandering students within reach of a random rock. Wire fence that wasn't strong enough to hold people back and had to be augmented with barbed wire (thus only making a break-in even more exciting).

  The area around this building is the remnants of a massive factory (or a industrial center full of different factories) and is entirely sealed off by the City of Brantford. I haven't seen any planning notices posted anywhere near the sight so I'm assuming nothing is in the works - or at least no plans to demoish it.

  As a building it's perfect for brownfield re-development but the location is lacking. Major re-zoning would be needed and the current housing is low-income (and unfortunatly reflects that). However, it would be a great city project to get this area running again.

#2: Cockshutt Factory

Cockshutt Factory

Brantford Ontario

   I remember this place being much bigger. 10 years ago I worked at the Brantford Landfill - nepotism of the extreme - and drove by this factory many times. This picture was taken last summer and out front was a massive sign posted by the City of Brantford.

"BROWNFIELD SITE CLEAN-UP INITATIVE" "Demolition of the former Cockshutt Plow Company Buildings. Completetion July,  2005"

  What I like most about that sign was the intent to make it seem like a service for the community. The remaining building is a minuet portion of what was built in the early 20th century. On the black/white photo it is the building to the far left - and only the portion that could be called a bookend.

  When I look at what the plant once was I can imagine what it could currently be - an entire sustainable community model full of shopping and residence. Brantford seems to let me down a lot of time when it comes to heritage buildings. I probably should just lower my expectations.

(Source: www.cockshutt.com)

It begins...delayed.

This is the beginning of a blog that will document buildings throughout the Grand River watershed that interest me - building or aspects of the building. This blog will include places that have influenced me during the past couple years; either from they're history or unique aspects.

Because the weather has been warmer in Moscow for the past month, then here in Brantford, the first pics will be from my summer collection. The build-up of snow has created an unwelcome photo opportunities.

Also, using Internet magic all the posted photo's will be linked and enlargeable.