'Sixties' house seen as inconsistent with surroundings

During a demolition permit application hearing last Thursday at City Hall, Julia Gersovitz, an architect who chairs the Planning Advisory Committee which rules on the architectural merits of buildings, noted a number of features in the design of the 1960s-style modern house at 310 Côte St. Antoine that make it inconsistent with older surrounding homes.

According to the principles of the City's architectural code, consistency of height and style is sought in the overall arrangement of the many houses and other buildings throughout Westmount.

While the regulations establish protective categories for safeguarding the heritage value of Westmount's predominantly Victorian and Edwardian architecture, City officials maintain that preservation of more recent buildings is also taken into account.

Gersovitz said the house's architects, Louis and Aspler, produced a body of work that was substantial, although they tended to design industrial buildings such as supermarkets.

"They have not made over the last 45 years or so ripples in architectural history that is significant," she said, adding that their lack of significance downgraded the house's heritage value.

But Gersovitz acknowledged that 310 Côte St. Antoine is not in poor structural condition. "We have not been apprised of such a report and, quite frankly, I don't think that enters into the situation," she said.

Jean-Philippe Aubert, who resides at 316 Côte St. Antoine, argued to the committee that the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects individuals' rights to the peaceful enjoyment and free disposition of property. "We are rooted in this neighbourhood," he said, pointing out that the new three-level house would wipe out his southward view of Westmount Park.

Michelle Weinroth, Aubert's daughter, said the protracted demolition and construction process could result in serious consequences for the health of Janet Aubert, her mother, who has heart problems. She also cited the environmental impact of cutting down six trees to make way for the new and larger house. "Her fragile condition is not exclusively hers — it is ours, too," said Weinroth. "She represents the canary in the mine."

Designer Leon Berger, an Arlington Avenue resident, disparaged the box-shaped house created by architect Pierre Beaupré as having little in common with the Victorian style of most other homes in the neighbourhood.

"I don't see any value in this design — it's ugly," he said. "I think this house could be a lot better. It's ugly, it's too high, the aesthetics are wrong … We've had a complete analysis of the current house. I would like to see you do an analysis of the new house in the same way architecturally. Because in 20 years time, they'll be saying the same thing about this new house."