Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Wells St. School

First Lofts In Aurora, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 03:12:02 +0000

This is how spring looks in the Town of Aurora when looking out from the top of the Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, former Wells Street Public School, in all directions.

I can only imagine how beautiful it looks now when it is filled with green trees, looking over the Town Park and looking on the other side towards the Yonge Street.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Images published here were taken on almost the last day of April, 2012. Perfect sky and not showcased here, but I did find small moon hanging over the Town Park during the photo shoot day. I didn’t realize that the moon was actually there until I thought I had spot from the dirty lens.

Also, I didn’t realize until Andrew Fogliato wrote more about the school, ‘Back to School, This Time to Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts‘, that these will be the only lofts in Aurora so far and one of a kind because I don’t think we will have another heritage school like that to convert to lofts.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

If you like that kind of lofty style and small community living this is a perfect home sweet home. It isn’t just about this great lookout from your window or balcony, but it is also about a walking distance to the park, go station, dining and to the historic downtown.

Not to mention all the entertainment and outing you can attend at the Town Park – festivals, concerts and nice cup of coffee at the Aurora Farmer’s Market.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Over Town Park

Yes, back to school. Just couple of weeks and Matthew will be going to school for the first time. Four years passed just like that. I am so glad that I took so many photos of him, because so much has happened that all my photos serve me as a good reminder of many things we did together.

All those photos also serve me as a good reminder how fast Aurora is changing. On Yonge Street, North of Wellington condominiums will be build. Same behind the Cinaplex Odeon on John West Way.

Zellers targeted by Target in few months will be Target store. Across the Nokiidaa Trail Link on St. John’s sideroad, overlooking the Atkinson Park new houses are being build. No going back to school at the George Browning house – demolished. No renovations at the Isaac Petch farm house – will be demolished.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout Churches & Aurora Cultural Centre

Of all these projects going on in the Town of Aurora I am mostly in favor of Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts project. The former school will continue to be our historic landmark and will be shining in the Town Park for many many years to come. It always be a school but with different purpose.

Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts, Spring Lookout

Wells Street Public School, It Is Hard To Believe, A Private Property

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:43:46 +0000

On the way home from the Town Park on Monday we passed by the Wells Street School. Even though it is not a functional school anymore, it will always be known as school in our community.

Last time I snapped some photos I was able to access the property. Only damaged section of the school was fenced. Now the complete property is fenced with No Trespassing signs. After all the property is private – and own by Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc.

Wells Street Public School, Fenced

It has been quite for some time. No news, however, there will be something written up about the school.

Yes I am patiently awaiting for my free issue of the Hēritage magazine, a quarterly publication of the Heritage Canada Foundation, a non-profit organization. Last year in December I was contacted and asked if they can use one of my images in return for free Hēritage magazine. I agreed.

Wells Street Public School, Photo To Be Published in Hēritage Magazine

‘Heritage Canada Foundation has a long track record for raising awareness for heritage conservation, saving heritage properties across Canada, and engaging Canadians in keeping their own historic places alive. The Foundation has successfully encouraged governments at all levels to adopt programs, policies and legislation for the protection and stewardship of historic places, heritage buildings and cultural landscapes.‘ Source: Heritage Canada Foundation, About Us.

‘Our beautiful quarterly magazine Hēritage celebrates places that matter to Canadians, provides in-depth coverage of current heritage issues and success stories, and shares practical tips for homeowners.’ Source: Heritage Canada Foundation, About Us.

Wells Street Public School, Town of Aurora

Unfortunately the Hēritage magazine is available to members only, and if you are a member you will be able to read something about the Wells Street Public School in the upcoming issue.

Wells Street Public School, Town of Aurora

Wells Street School, Future Post-Secondary Institution, Maybe?

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:32:22 +0000

My eye caught an article in THE AURORAN from Week of May 17, 2011, ‘Brown lists priorities’ on page 8 about the Wells Street School being suggested for a post-secondary institution.

Here what was reported. ‘Bringing a post-secondary institution, whether a digital campus or a satellite campus of an existing college or university, was an issue that cropped up Aurora’s 2010 municipal elections with some suggestions floating around that the former Wells Street School property, which is now up for sale, could make an ideal location for such an institution.

Ms. Brown says she is aware of that possibility. “I have actually spoken to a number of people for possibilities for [the Wells Street School],” she said. “I don’t know whether that is the possibility for the campus. It is a school, it would be great to see that it would have that reputation in the future and it certainly would maintain a facility in Downtown Aurora that has a long and wonderful history.”‘

Wells Street School, Town of Aurora

The idea of post-secondary institution in Aurora is in fact a wonderful idea. Once kids are done with high school, this is were the commuting starts. Commuting takes away a good chunk of time from studying, especially if you have to do written work. On top of that, myself being in this situation in the past, commuting is the only answer, as residence may not be affordable for some of the kids.

Front Entrance, Wells Street School, Town of Aurora

Secondly in my opinion, a school that always been a school, and to continue the tradition of being an educational institution is the best choice for this property. The building was built to be a school, and not anything else. Hopefully the right decisions will be made.

Above the Front Entrance, Wells Street School, Town of Aurora

Window Mosaic, Wells Street School, Town of Aurora

Pictures were taken the day of Mayor’s Anti-Littering Day on April 30th, 2011. The spring was just emerging, not much of green around. I find that early spring is the best time to take pictures, as the structures are more exposed. Once the trees fill with green leaves, good luck finding anything.

Spring, Wells Street School, Town of Aurora

Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day, Event Photo Coverage

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:36:31 +0000

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day event past Saturday April 30th, but I came just in time for lunch at the Town Park, as spectator only. The truth is that I had some time during the afternoon, day was really beautiful for pictures and I wanted to take some photos of the Wells St. School, which I did. However, why not, I snapped some famous faces from Aurora. I know only few, but some stood out for a reason.

To start it was refreshing to see this add in green this time.

May 1st, 2011 Mandatory Use of Compostable Bags For Green Bin

A young lady singing beautifully with her band.

Singing Voices

Former Town of Aurora Mayor Tim Jones proudly supporting Libral candidate for Newmarket-Aurora Kyle Peterson and talking to the people in the crowd.

Former Mayor Tim Jones

I thought this photo below is a must for the event. I always enjoy when people wear something traditional and stand out in the crowd.

The Spirit of Traditions

Venessa Long, the Green Party candidate for Newmarket-Aurora. I am assuming she is with her family here. I didn’t vote for the Green Party this time, but I gave my signature so she can run as a candidate in Newmarket-Aurora. Little contribution, but better than nothing.

Venessa Long

Our Mayor of course.

Current Mayor of Town of Aurora, Geoff Dawe

A man proudly supporting the event. He did look like someone I have seen before. However, I loved the spirit and involvement with the crowd.

Event Supporter

Lastly, this must be the event photographer. It may sound funny, but those behind cameras rarely are photographed. So how can you ever proof that the picture you took is yours.

Event Photographer

I am sure this turned out to be a successful Mayor’s Anti-Litter Day.