Sifton Properties receives the 2009 Heritage Award

February 24, 2009

Sifton Properties Limited received the 2009 Heritage Award at the Heritage London Foundation Gala held last week.

The award, presented by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and the Heritage London Foundation, recognizes Sifton's contribution to the preservation of London's architectural heritage.

Sifton's efforts have preserved two of London's most important heritage buildings: the estate home at 1603 Hamilton Road and Woodholme Manor.

Sifton's support of the Architectural Conservancy also led to the designation of 1603 Hamilton Road as a heritage property. Both of these historic homes will be incorporated into current and future Sifton neighbourhoods.

The estate home at 1603 Hamilton Road is historically and architecturally significant for its Italianate style, its setting overlooking the Thames River, and its association with James Williams Jr., one of London's earliest settlers. His unique nineteenth-century home and its grounds were designed to resemble an English country estate. The home will be retained with an acre of land in Sifton's planned development in the Old Victoria area.

Sifton has also been instrumental in the preservation of Woodholme Manor, an excellent example of the late Victorian Gothic Revival style. Built in 1893 by Richard Shaw-Wood and home to the prominent Lawson family for many years, Woodholme was the first poured-concrete building erected in Ontario.

"Incorporating the newly restored manor into the Woodholme Park neighbourhood will grow our city while strengthening our connection with the past," says Phil Masschelein, Sifton's Vice President of Neighbourhood Development. Woodholme Park is currently under construction.

According to Heritage London, the award recognizes "individuals and organizations who have provided funding and effort to ensure that there is a significant architectural legacy in London for future generations to appreciate." Sifton is proud to be part of the growing movement for the preservation of London's built heritage.