name:"Mendel" found 6 records - The Canadian Jewish Heritage Network

History / Biographical: The fire station in 2013 is owned privately by a couple named Gontran Bolduc and Rosi Kohn who are restoring it. The following is information that Gontron provided regarding his history and the building's history: "I am from a family in the Saguenay region in Québec, where artistic expression, in its many forms, e.g. painting, singing, theatre, architecture, was encouraged and considered important in daily life. While working for the Federal Government in Quebec, I was transferred to Ottawa and stayed with Industry Canada until my retirement in 2005. I was the president of the theatre company, La Catapulte and on the board of directors of La Nouvelle Scène here in Ottawa. Now, with my partner Rosi, we continue to support "artists" by hosting exhibits, fundraising efforts for Magnetic North Theatre Festival, and acquiring works of art. My interest in heritage buildings started over 20 years ago. I was sitting on a committee of Heritage Ottawa and we were talking about heritage buildings, mainly houses, lost almost every month and we were powerless in front of that. I tried to sell the idea of buying the heritage houses, to restore them and then to rent them. I failed to bring enough people to share my enthusiasm (I can't blame them, that was risky). I decided to do it myself. First, I restored Rathier House which was a mess, after that, Foisy House, then Fire Station #5 where I continue the work started by the previous owner and finally Archambault House. I did the first two restorations while living in the houses to save money to pay for the material. Later my kids started to show interest in restoration. My son became a mason interested in stone work and restoration and my daughter discovered an interest in investing in old buildings. With the support of her husband they now also invest in Lowertown. Myself, after 20 years I am happy to retire for the second time. I bought the Fire Station in 2001. The City's infrastructure work on King Edward put a hold on my work. A few years ago I was contemplating to rebuild the tower. Now I do not know anymore. To rebuild the parapet I went to the National Archives to do some research. To help me in this process, I found the original designs which I used and old pictures similar to the one published on your site. I started the research and construction in 2010 and completed it in 2012. I found an excellent wood turner west of Montreal, Eddy Noel, who made the spindles and flower medallions. All the other work was done by my son, Masonry-Marc Bolduc and in house by me and Marcel Jean, my helper and neighbour. Just an interesting aside: What I found surprising is costs related to research are not considered as valid expenses by Canada Revenue Agency. We have to be very careful in this restoration process. And some historical information on the building. The building was designed by Frederick J. Alexander and built in 1897. His drawing was used for many fire stations (no 3. no 5, no 9, no. 10?) throughout Ottawa. The difference was the tower was either on the right of the building or on the left. The artwork on the parapet was different from one building to another. I want to close this small text by saying thank you to Stuart Lazear (now retired) and Sally Coutts, Coordinator Heritage Services, both of the City of Ottawa and a special thank you to the firemen who spent their lives here. This old fire house has good vibes!"