Statement of Significance

I have fielded a couple of questions about Statements of Significance.  Guidelines for Writing Effective Statements of Significance is a good introduction on what goes into an SOS and how to write one.

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus

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Statement of Significance

Description

Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby Campus sits atop Burnaby Mountain with views of much of the Lower Mainland.  It is a complex of stark modern design and exposed concrete construction amid acres of parkland. 

Values

The historic value lies largely in the number of significant persons associated with SFU.  Architect Arthur Erickson is arguably Canada’s most famous architect, and this was one of his first major commissions.  The design was characteristic of the period, and became signature of Erickson’s work.  As well, a number of other significant figures in British Columbia’s history have been involved in the school, including founders WAC Bennett and Gordon Shrum, and alumni Terry Fox, Margaret Trudeau, Lui Passaglia, David Usher, and a several prominent political figures.

The establishment of the university played a pivotal role in the development of post-secondary education in British Columbia, and events that took place during its formative years have had influence on other province’s education programs and operations.  Further, it was a significant step in the evolution of Burnaby from a suburb of Vancouver to a city on its own right.

SFU’s educational/academic value is in its maintained building style which has been continued from its inception, the association of historical significant people who pass through its doors—as students, faculty, leaders and honorary persons— and its growing collection of art and artefacts from BC’s history.

The ongoing growth of the school is testament to its economic value.  The growing student population is a contributing factor.  Enrolment generates income directly from students and also ensures funding from provincial and federal governments.  Employees and secondary businesses add to the local economy.  The land value with the new UniverCity development adds value to the university and the city as well.

 Character-Defining Elements

• Example of modern brutalist architecture, having the characteristic harsh angular geometries and exposed rough concrete, structural members, and utilities. 
• Use was made of the existing contours, and enhanced by utilizing terraces that placed an emphasis on horizontal expansion rather than vertical. 
• Omission of tall, multi-story buildings.
• Covered walk-ways connecting all the buildings.
• Lecture theatres grouped together.
• Building looks complete while readily permits future expansion.

Please allow me to introduce myself…

My name is Philip Finlayson.  I am a Carpenter by trade, Historian by education.  I started in construction in the late 80s’ while still in high school.  Following high school, my next 10 years were spent picking away at post-secondary academics while continuing in construction.  On concluding my Bachelor of Arts in History at Simon Fraser University, I completed a full apprenticeship in Carpentry in less than three years (time off for experience).  I followed with an apprenticeship in the Joinery/Cabinetmaker trade.

In 2006, I was hired by Vintage Woodworks Inc.  They specialize in wood window restoration, and owner and heritage window expert, Jim Stiven is a prominent heritage figure in British Columbia.  I found myself in a career path where I could combine my academics and my work experience.  Since then I have worked with some of the leading heritage professionals in the Lower Mainland on heritage windows and storefronts, while continuing with general carpentry.  Currently, I hold memberships with Heritage Canada, the Association for Preservation Technologists and the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.

In 2008, my work led to me managing a storefront and window restoration of the “Alhambra Hotel” (the link is a little dated but provides the best historical summery I could find) in Vancouver’s historic Gastown.  With my specialized knowledge, I was counted on to take a leading role in design and conservation, and worked hand-in-hand with architects, consultants, the general contractor and ownership, while managing personnel and resources. This project went on to share in the 2010 Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. Award in Architecture.

Last year, I became self-employed, starting Housewright Building & Restoration Ltd.  I have been working along the same lines and still strictly on heritage homes.  My wife and brother have been working with me.

In the Summer of 2011 I was hired by Tekton Project Management, expressly to provide in-house heritage expertise and site supervision for the Kilby Historic Site’s exterior restoration of the Museum and General Store.  That project has been recently completed and has won rave reviews from the stakeholders, including staff, public and the Province of British Columbia Heritage Branch.

My goal is to continue to evolve my role in heritage conservation, with an eye on management and planning for heritage resources.  To that end, I completed a number of architecture courses at BCIT and have been involved in the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s “Old School” programme both as a student and instructor.  I am currently enrolled in the University of Victoria’s Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Heritage Conservation Planning.

Feel free to browse my CV.

Talk to you again soon.

Hennessey Residence, 626 10th St, New Westminster.

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This is a house that I worked on last summer which is listed on New Westminster Heritage Register.  Built in 1890, it numbers amongst the city’s oldest existing buildings.  It is a three bedroom 1 ½ story home with a steep sloped cross-gabled roof.  It is a balloon framed with combination cedar shingle and lapped siding.  The original owner, Mr. Alexander M. Hennessey, was a shoemaker on Columbia St. in New Westminster.

 The significance of this building stems from it being an example of early New Westminster vernacular architecture.  It is old, relative to other buildings in the Lower Mainland.  It is representative of a period of development in this neighbourhood and a boom period in local history.  There have been limited alterations and  much of its original fabric is still intact, including nearly all of its original windows (my specialty).  Having records available documenting the history of the building—including photos, ownership and events—personalizes it. 

Further, the house is situated on a large 60” x 120” lot, giving it current economic value.  This was able to trigger a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the city, permitting a developer to subdivide (increasing density of the lot) and build an addition on the existing house in exchange for restoring the exterior of the home to its nineteenth century condition.

  Historic information courtesy of “Hennessy Residence Conservation Plan” by Donald Luxton& Associates Inc.

Sustainability and Your Wood Windows

Sustainability and heritage go hand in hand. By preserving the historic elements of your home, such as the windows, not only are you preserving a unique piece of our cultural heritage that would be difficult and expensive to replicate in today’s world, but you are keeping precious resources out of the landfill. Wood windows are made of endlessly repairable components, wood and glass. Glass is easily replaced or reglazed and if the wood is damaged, it can be repaired and in rare cases replaced. Most windows will not require extensive repairs. When your windows have been repaired they will not only look better, they will be weather tight and ready to last for another 50 to 100 years. Try getting that kind of value from a vinyl window. You might be surprised to see how nicely your windows will look after being repaired and repainted even if their condition seems beyond hope.

To explore this topic of sustainability further please check the links on the Vancouver Heritage foundation website and their free downloadable booklet
NEW LIFE OLD BUILDINGS: Your Green Guide to Heritage Conservation
http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/sustainability.html

Other links specific to windows
The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows: John H. Myers
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief09.htm