Intention to Designate 103 Kenilworth Ave N (Kenilworth Library)

Description of Property

The 0.145-hectare property municipally addressed as 103 Kenilworth Avenue North, Hamilton, known as the Kenilworth Library, is comprised of a two-storey brick building constructed in 1931. The property is located on the west side of Kenilworth Avenue North, between Roxborough Avenue and Dunsmure Road in the historic Crown Point West Neighbourhood in the City of Hamilton.

Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

The property at 103 Kenilworth Avenue North has design and physical value as a representative example of the Georgian Revival style of architecture, as demonstrated by its steep side gable roof, brick facades laid in Flemish bond and brick corner quoins. Symmetrical five bay façade, central entrance with sidelights and elliptical fan-shaped transom, pedimented dormers on the second storey with arched windows, and flat-headed window openings with stone keystones and brick voussoirs.

The historical value of the property lies in its association with the Hamilton Public Library system and its role in constructing civic buildings that promote a sense of community, provide a source of social interaction and facilitate the exchange of ideas. In the late 1920s, the Hamilton Public Library System commissioned the building of a new branch to serve the needs of the growing east-end Kenilworth community. Since its opening in 1932, the Kenilworth Library has played a significant role in its surrounding community, directly associated with community clubs, events, children’s programs and shows. The property is also associated with prominent architect George Thomas Evans (1889-1969), a Hamilton-based architect largely known for his ecclesiastical works. After studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, Evans worked under Hamilton architect Stewart McPhee and the Montreal-based firm of Ross & McFarland before opening his own firm in 1914. Evans designed a number of prominent schools and churches in Hamilton, including Grace Anglican Church, Delta United Church. And Queensdale Public School.

Contextually, the property is important in defining the character of the area. The setting of the property helps define the historic and distinctive character of Kenilworth Avenue, standing out from the surrounding two and two-and-one-half storey mixed use early- to mid-twentieth century streetscape. The property is physically, functionally, visually, and historically linked to its surroundings. Sited on its original location in the midst of the historic Crown Point West Neighbourhood it was built to serve, the subject property is a focal point for the surrounding historic residential area. Due to its prominent location on Kenilworth Avenue North and its moderate setback, the property is considered to be a local landmark.

Key attributes that embody the design / physical value of the property as being representative of the Georgian Revival style of architecture, and its association with the Hamilton Public Library system and architect George T. Evans include:

• The front (east) and side (north and south) elevations and the roofline of the two-storey brick building, including its:
  • Rectangular footprint;
  • Steep side gable roof with its:
    • Rectangular slate shingles;
    • Pedimented second-storey dormers with arched windows; and,
    • Brick chimney.
  • Brick facades laid in Flemish bond with brick corner quoins;
  • Five bay symmetrical front façade;
  • Flat-headed window openings with cut-stone sills, brick voussoirs, and cut-stone keystones;
  • Two-storey projecting three-sided bay window on the south façade; 
  • Downspouts with leader heads;
  • Central entrance with sidelights and elliptical fan-shaped transom; and,
  • Stone inscribed with “HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY KENILWORTH BRANCH” above the central entrance.
• The interior and original first and second storey features, including the:
  • Second-storey ornate wooden hammerbeam trusses;
  • First-storey coffered ceiling and cornice;
  • Built-in wooden benches and window seats;
  • Bay windows with wood trim, paneling, and columns;
  • Built-in wooden bookshelves; 
  • Fireplaces with wooden mantels and tiled surrounds and hearths.

The contemporary side (north) and rear additions and accessible ramp on the northeast corner of the building are not considered to have heritage value or interest. 

Key attributes that embody the contextual value of the property as a defining feature of the historical character of Kenilworth Street North, being physically, functionally, visually, and historically linked to its surroundings, and its status as a local landmark include its:

• Location fronting onto Kenilworth Avenue North; and,
• Moderate setback from the public right-of-way on Kenilworth Avenue North.