Welcome to Heritage-Patrimoine Cornwall
Heritage Awards
Heritage Awards
Created in 2017 for Canada’s 150th birthday, the annual Heritage Awards program nominates property owners who demonstrate passion and creativity in restoring their heritage buildings.
2021 Winners
2021 Winners
110 Sydney St., formerly the Knox Presbyterian manse
110 Sydney St., formerly the Knox Presbyterian manse
Dr. Paul Mikhail bought this property in 2020 from Aaron Bell of Rothmar Holdings. He has renovated and updated the building and operates a thriving Dentistry Office. The general layout and staircases remained the same as well as the second and third floors. The main level was repainted and accent walls re-done. A new drop ceiling, lighting, and new glass doors were added to complete the look. A new door was installed at the main entrance, along with specialty railings and new stairs. The original heritage home built in c1880 co-exists sensitively with the more modern office space.
In 1905, the Knox Presbyterian Church (later Knox United) purchased the home for use as the church manse from James A.C. Cameron. Ministers and their families lived there during their residency at the Church.
On April 29, 1966, Knox United Church board sold it to Wilfred and Marie Anne L. Brown. In 1987, the grant was acquired from the estate of Marie Anne L. Brown, by Brown Customs Brokerage(Irene May Brown) with their offices occupying a large modern extension to the south. (construction date unknown)
The heritage architectural features of the original heritage home included a cut stone foundation and tin roof. The main entrance had a pediment hood with brackets, and blind transom, and the front window had a segmented arch and stained glass.
Heritage-Patrimoine Cornwall is pleased to present this award to Dr. Paul Mikhail, recognizing his interest in preserving our community’s architectural heritage. The footprint and façade of the original heritage home still remain in the historic Sydney Street landscape, for future generations to enjoy.
321 Amelia Street, formerly the Beth-El Synagogue
321 Amelia Street, formerly the Beth-El Synagogue
This residence at 321 Amelia St owned by Gerald and Shirley Wood, historically is the former Beth-El Synagogue. The Synagogue was founded and built by Julius Miller, the president of the Jewish Congregation, in 1924. The congregation purchased the lot for $1150.00 The new Synagogue was opened in 1925. The cornerstone was laid by Aaron Horovitz and the official opening presided by Mrs Elizabeth Miller(mother of Julius Miller). In 1946, the barracks from Wartime Army Basic Training Centre on Marlborough St were sold off and the congregation bought one and had it moved to the property. They used it as a social hall and had many social events and celebrations.
On April 2, 2006, the Jewish community in Cornwall celebrated their five-decade history in the city, but it was also the day the Synagogue was closing its’ doors.
It was a sad, emotional day for Cornwall’s Jewish community, but a moving tribute to a vibrant congregation, one of the oldest of Ontario’s small Jewish communities.
Moving ahead to 2009, the Synagogue remained vacant and in need of some attention. Gerald and Shirley came to Cornwall from Kingston, to look at a Victorian home they were interested in buying. The home was not what they wanted, but they decided to have a look at the Synagogue. Shirley, an interior designer by profession, saw potential in this property and she had a vision for its’ renovation, even in its’ dilapidated state. They completely gutted the church interior and worked to bring Shirley’s vision to fruition. This undertaking took a painstakingly 2½ years to finish. The church space is now an open concept, formal living room and dining room with high ceilings. The bedrooms and kitchen occupy the back of the home, with a total of 3000 square ft of living space.
Shirley and Gerald saw potential in this historically significant building, a heritage gem, and proceeded passionately to make their dream a reality.
Heritage-Patrimoine Cornwall is pleased to present this Heritage Award to them and as Gerald said, “Shirley deserves the honour.” She saw potential in restoring an old building, a Synagogue, and repurposing the space for a new use, a home!
2020 Winners
2020 Winners
6 Second St. E. – Pommier Jewellers
That particular corner of Pitt and Second Street has seen a lot of different structures over time. From a general store, banks and grocers, and restaurants, until 2010, when Truffles Burger Bar burnt and the vacant space became the Pommier Courtyard.
Pommier Jewellers started in 1877 in Ottawa and relocated to Cornwall in 1937. In 1986 the family-owned business moved its present location in the heart of downtown. The property went through extensive renovations in 2013, conscious of maintaining its heritage character. The expansion redefined the shopping space.
The beautiful Pommier Square, with its outdoor chiming clock, has become a hub for many community gatherings, most recently providing musical entertainment for the art walks.
121-125 Adolphus St. – Bruce Russell, owner
The crown patent for the land was issued in the early 1800s to Simon Fraser. Material from St. John’s Presbyterian Church was used in the building back in 1860. The most intriguing portion of the building is undoubtedly the tower that rises from the central entrance hall and ascends to a bell-cast roof and spire. The property is now divided into three apartments, and care has been taken to preserve and maintain the original features. The house and property are well-maintained, and the interior had kept its historical character.
2018 Winners
2018 Winners