As the new school year is underway, I am happy to see that one of Guelph’s shuttered schools has been reborn. The former College Avenue Public School at 195 College Avenue West was closed by the Upper Grand District School Board in 2005. The site was then purchased by the Guelph Community Christian School and reopened in September. The extensive retrofitting of the school was described in a recent Guelph Tribune article.
The original school was designed by noted Guelph architect Richard Pagani. In the renovation process, the distinctive butterfly entrance has been echoed over the new entryway to the side of the structure. What a difference I see in this building. It is so vibrant and welcoming now.
The Streamline Moderne House.
I was surprised to learn that there is a connection between the College Avenue school and one of my favourite houses in Guelph. Upon moving to Guelph in 1991, I was thrilled to discover what I call the Streamline Moderne house, a white stucco structure on Metcalfe Street, which reminded me of an architectural style I found prevalent in some sections of San Francisco. This house was built by Richard Pagani’s father, Dario, a building contractor originally from Milan, Italy. His family lived in this home for awhile before moving further up Metcalfe, as listed in Vernon’s City of Guelph directories from the 30s and 40s. (The street numbers have changed over the years as more houses were built in the neighbourhood).
Detail of the Streamline Moderne.
Richard Pagani designed quite a few innovative buildings in Guelph before leaving the city to live and work elsewhere. One of the homes he built, at 13 Evergreen Drive, is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, his father’s style is much more to my liking, as the 1930s have always been my favourite era.
This picture shows Lieutenant Governor, Pauline McGibbon, with former Mayor Norm Jary cutting a cake to celebrate Guelph’s 150th anniversary. However, there is more to learn from this photograph.
Historically Guelph 