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200694

If the walls could talk

Ian Panabaker, left, and Brad Coutts stand in front of a mural uncovered in the former council chamber at old city hall. The historic building is being converted into a provincial offences courthouse, and when renovations are complete much of its architectural past will be on public display.

200695

If the walls could talk

Old city hall is in the process of being opened up and restored to its former glory. It’s being transformed into a provincial offences courthouse that will highlight the building’s history, which had been hidden by additions and renovations over the years. Here, city manager of court services Brad Coutts stands in what most recently was Guelph’s tax department, left of the ground floor entrance to old city hall. When city hall was originally built in 1856-57, the same area served as a fire hall, says a brief city hall history penned by Gil Stelter. When renovation and restoration work is complete, the area will become one of three courtrooms in the building.

200718 If the walls could talk This photo is the ground floor, which was the market area featuring butcher stalls “each with its own access to the outside through large, arched doorways,” said Stelter. The area also features original cast iron support columns that will be integrated into the new courthouse.

200710 If the walls could talk Shown here is part of the original basement in the east wing. A portion of the basement housed a police station, small courthouse and two lockups, said Gil Stelter in his history of city hall. When the building opens as a courthouse, the same area will be used as a holding area for suspects being held in custody. The basement was also used for “general market purposes,” and the ground floor for a market with butcher stalls.

200722 If the walls could talk This photo shows what was known as “Old Town Hall,” which was used as an assembly hall for meetings, concerts and theatre. Most recently, the mayor’s office was located there. Uncovered, as in most of the second floor, were ceiling medallions, many of them in fine condition. In an 1875 addition, “New Town Hall” was built. It was at the back of the second floor and was accessible from the main staircase. Writes Stelter: “ ‘New Town Hall’ was much more elaborately decorated than the rather spartan decor of the interior of the original building. The auditorium’s ceiling had a height of 21 feet, and the tops of windows and doorways had beautifully sculpted decorations in the form of heads, fruit and leaves.” There was also a stage at the west end of the hall, which was removed during renovations in the 1960s.

200719 If the walls could talk This photo shows a mural in the former council chambers that was exposed after workers removed walnut panelling installed in the 1960s. The mayor’s chair used to be directly below the painted faux marble arch. Starting in August, a Justice of the Peace will preside over court there, although the detailed painting with be walled in again by then.

200712 If the walls could talk A detail from an uncovered mural.

200720 If the walls could talk A detail from an uncovered mural.

200703 If the walls could talk One of many pieces of ornamentation that have been damaged by time.

200692 If the walls could talk Ida Seto of Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. Architects shows one of many pieces of ornamentation that have been recreated to replace original work.

200714 If the walls could talk Ornate trim that was found when construction crews removed false ceilings from old city hall. In some areas, dropped ceilings were added to dropped ceilings in the old building.

200723 If the walls could talk A basement view looking up an empty shaft that was created by an 1875 city hall addition. It will house mechanical services, but the windows on the upper levels will be exposed.