Demolition permit application submitted for Bryn Mawr in St. John's

A registered heritage property in St. John's could be torn down, although members of St. John's City Council are vowing to protect the 109-year-old building known as Bryn Mawr. 

According to the Newfoundland and Labrador Historic Trust, an application for a demolition permit has been submitted to the City of St. John's for Bryn Mawr, which is off New Cove Road. 

The heritage designations are only as strong as the politicians who are willing to enforce them.- Cory Thorne

Cory Thorne, vice-president of the Historic Trust and head of Memorial University's Folklore Department, said despite the registered heritage property distinction, the fate of Bryn Mawr lies in the hands of city council.

"If city hall decides to ignore that registration, then they can... if our city councillors wanted to enforce those regulations around heritage, they have the power to do that," said Thorne, who has not yet seen the details of the application. 

"We need city councillors who are willing to do that. Our current city councillors don't seem to understand or acknowledge the value of our heritage …The heritage designations are only as strong as the politicians who are willing to enforce them."

On Friday, though, two councillors tweeted that they will oppose the demolition of Bryn Mawr. Both Sheilagh O'Leary and Jonathan Galgay said they support the protection of the structure.  

Structure built in 1907

The property, also known as Baird's Cottage, is an example of Queen Anne architecture and, according to Thorne, is one of the few strong examples of this style left in the city.

Bryn Mawr means "big hill" in Welsh. The property was built by James C. Baird in 1907.

It was recognized as a Registered Heritage Structure in September 1993.

Thorne is frustrated with suggestions that historic properties like Bryn Mawr deserve to be torn down due to their condition.

"It's in excellent condition in many ways, I'm sure there's things that can be done to improve it, but it's hardly dilapidated," he said.

Thorne points to the recent controversy surrounding Richmond Hill as an example of what not to do. He referenced city hall deciding they need to ensure a historic property is restored before the development process begins. But Thorne is skeptical.

"I'd like to be optimistic that they might do that, but I think the only way to actually get the bulk of our city councillors to do anything is to really get the public very heavily engaged in this one," he said.

"We really need to get the community out there. We need to get residents of the city writing city council. We need to get people very actively involved in saying to city council 'Look, enough is enough. There's more important things in this city other than letting certain developers make huge, huge profits.'"

"We need to shame city councillors who vote against our future," Thorne said.