Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Wells Street School

Trees Mural By All The Wells Street Children

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:46:38 +0000

Drawings, sketches, paintings, coloring-s – and they are all trees. The following captures are captures of the big giant tree assembly on the wall inside the former Wells Street Public School. I don’t have all the details but at some point children were asked to draw trees that were going to be displayed on the wall. Most likely they are trees from Aurora – or are they?

Not sure if the display is still in place or was removed. I fill you on more details soon as I find out. However, I would love to here more about this tree project if anyone cares to share more details from the past. Or even better – may be one day a blog passer will recognize something familiar.

I enjoy art. I am not stack on one style. I like many and there are some I am not fond of as a whole but elements of it. So one of my favorite art styles is children’s art. Its honest, innocent, intriguing, imaginative, and sometimes full of emotions.

If you like analysis then let me tell you what you will see below – trees with green leaves, yellow leaves, no leaves, evergreen trees, trees with fruit, trees with flowers, trees with a hole, coconut trees (nice imagination), trees with tire swings, trees with bird houses, trees with tree houses, blue trees, grey trees.

Then there are single trees, bunch of trees, and sometimes a forest. Trees surrounded by houses, playing children and flying birds. Trees at night and trees during the day, and trees during a summer, fall, winter or spring, and trees on the sunny day. Trees on the hills and trees with mountain on the back. Trees, beautiful trees, from around the world and not just Aurora – yes I found picture of a coconut tree.

Hayley S.,Stacey, Melissa Ellard, Janice S, Kyle McRoberts, Former Wells Street Public School

‘In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.‘ ~ A quote by Alice Walker.

Lisa Cross, Bryan Peckhover, John Davies, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Storms make trees take deeper roots.‘ ~ A quote by Dolly Parton.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Trees will improve property values, take pollutants out of the air, help with water runoff.‘ ~ A quote by Michael Bloomberg.

Zachary Gore, Nikita Haxter, Lauron Cleverdon, Ryan Steele, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘I was in my yard and thought that the tree was a living being. We take trees for granted. We don’t believe they are as much alive as we are.‘ ~ A quote by Ziggy Marley.

John Gallagher, Paul K., Andrew Healy, Elyse Copland, Meredit, Quincy D., Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Just touching that old tree was truly moving to me because when you touch these trees, you have such a sense of the passage of time, of history. It’s like you’re touching the essence, the very substance of life.‘ ~ A quote by Kim Novak.

Davis McMaster, Erio R., Meredit, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘Schoolchildren and older people like the idea of planting trees. For children, it’s interesting that an acorn will grow into an oak, and for older people it’s a legacy. And the act of planting a tree is not that difficult.‘ ~ A quote by Clive Anderson.

Michael Hamamy, Melissa Ellard, Ryan W., Robert Jackson, Michael Cowing, Nick, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘If you cut down a forest, it doesn’t matter how many sawmills you have if there are no more trees.‘ ~ A quote by Susan George.

Stephanie Gallagher, Kendra McDonald, Kevin Burns, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘A great thing about these trees is that they are excellent for cleaning, both groundwater, and of course, air.‘ ~ A quote by Mike Lowry.

Michael Cowing, Joey Maisonneuve, Emily Twiddy, Danielle Charron, Charlene Singleton, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

‘You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.‘ ~ A quote by Saint Bernard.

Robyn, Colin Ogilvie, Morgan Peterson, Former Wells Street Public School, Aurora

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

Winter-ly Weather Rumblings, Where Am I? Wells Street Public School Again

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:07:25 +0000

No doubt that our weather lately is a very volatile one. When comes to wearing outdoor clothing I am confused. I have decided to stick with my winter clothing. When outside it is always easier to find some clothing to take off, rather than finding something to put on.

Aurora Cultural Centre, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

Last month when we all experienced the summer like days, I wanted to put shorts on Matthew. He resisted, he said that ‘these pants are too short and kids will laugh at him at the playground‘. Funny the way young children think. I begin to think myself that he has forgotten all about shorts because last time he wore them he just turned three years old. I don’t have any recollections when I was that young either, why should he?

Snow in April? No argument here that we have climate change, but I say only short term one. In this years spring it changes every day – snow, sun, rain. Oh yes and we had fog too this year. I read somewhere that such weather volatility been around for hundred years so why should I complain.

It snowed yesterday. I saw snow still on the ground today, well then it gives me a small right to post some winter photos. I don’t think it is hard to guess that I am on the top of former Wells Street Public School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts). It would have been nice if the sky was blue, but it is all weather related and not much can be done. As a matter fact on that day before lunch it was nice sunny sky.

Cluster of Churches, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

By looking at the photos, it is interesting to note cluster of churches on the West side of the school, and on the other side a beautiful view of the Town Park. I am sure it will be much more beautiful view in the summer when all trees will be nice and green and of course full of visitors.

Church, North Side of the Wells Street Public School

Last week I had an opportunity to attend one of the Heritage Lecture Series, Postcards of Old Aurora: The McRoberts Collection.

On top of a great collection showcase, Bob McRoberts’ sense of humor element during his lecture made everyone’s attendance a great experience. I expected a small crowed, but of what I have seen there must have been at least hundred people.

Town Park, North West Side of the Wells Street Public School

We did not get to see his original collection (and I don’t blame him) but it was well presented via electronic media. We did not get to hear the train whistle or birds signing as Mr. McRoberts intended to, but again his large collection of old Aurora postcards still exceeded my expectations and I am sure everyone’s too.

So where are Aurora postcards now?

We don’t have any because postcards are phasing out. With digital technology available to us we can take our own photos and create our own postcards. I have collection of postcards from all around the world (but not the whole world) and not that old as postcards in the McRoberts collection.

Town Park, West Side of the Wells Street Public School

Probably, the oldest postcards I own are about 41 years old and from Toronto. There is one (my favorite) I have of Yorkville. The picture was taken of people eating, drinking and smoking outside the restaurant in the early or late afternoon and to add some on this postcard were looking directly at the photographer.

When I looked closely on the back of the photo (not the back, but the back of first people in the row) I found two families with small children sitting on the top of the bay windows, not even balcony and enjoying nice weather.

Yes, enjoying the nice weather.

Here is the link to the Yorkville postcard, unfortunately someone removed the second family on the balcony in front of the yellow bricked apartment. I have the original so no one can argue my statement.

Wells Street Public School Blackboard Graffiti Left Behind

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:44:52 +0000

Blackboards in schools – give some time and they will be a history. White boards, smart boards probably are and will be the next big thing in the future schools.

Blackboard, Welcome To Well St. P.S.

Blackboards, still standing, will be history in the near future at the former Wells Street Public School, now own by the Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts Inc.

When the school closed for good and students did not return for the 2008 school year, a bit of blackboard history from previous school year was left behind – the blackboard graffiti, that is notes and scribbles probably left by teachers and students.

Antique Chalk Holder, Well Street Public School

When I photographed inside the school anything that was physically attached to the school walls – blackboards, cork boards, lockers and shelving was in its original place.

What was also in its place collecting dust and probably never to be used, was this unique antique five finger chalk holder attached to one of the blackboards in the newer section of the school built in 1952. I searched the Internet to see if there are any out there in other schools. No luck.

Perhaps this one was made especially for this school? Or no body bothered to photograph one yet?

Our Giving Tree, Wells Street Public School

Scribbles, scribbles and more scribbles.

I remember those elementary school days when on the last they of school we left some scribbles on the classroom blackboard and when we came back from summer vacations, our teacher made us erase all.

Sometimes there were teacher’s classroom notes left as well. And some teachers in their designated classrooms kept one blackboard almost permanent – things like the periodic table in my chemistry class, and in the case of Wells Street Public School, Our Giving Tree.

Goals, Wells Street Public School

As time passed, the slate (type of stone the board was made of) blackboards started to become obsolete. Any new classroom would get the green board. For many it was hard to change and everyone continued to call it a blackboard. At some point it was generalized and called a chalkboard.

Green Board, Wells Street Public School

Some speculate that it was price that drove the change in the chalkboard industry, but it was the research in early sixties that suggested that the green background board was easier on the eyes of students – the lower contrast.

Schools Out, Wells Street Public School

To conclude, the school is out again here and hope those blackboards will bring some memories back for those who attended former Wells Street Public School. Never know may be you will also recall the five finger chalk holder you have never paid attention to. The school is now owned by Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts. Furthermore, the school will be back with some art on the wall.

The Still Pumping Heart Of The Wells Street School

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:24:47 +0000

As I walked outside around the school I heard cracking noises in the pipes and walls. There was no one inside, perhaps a ghost. Perhaps not – it was the still pumping heart, the gas fired steam boiler that was rumbling and keeping the school alive.

Gas Fired Steam Boiler. Wells Street Public School

So let me tell you more about the school, this time a bit of technical stuff.

There is a bit of photographic art everywhere and I found some in the basement of the former Wells Street Public School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts), the boiler room. The deterioration probably due to moisture, rusted piping, chipped paint and the architecture of the plumbing system that drew me in. The engineering part of the system is an added bonus.

Piping, Wells Street Public School

Last time I have seen something like that was on a much bigger scale. It was the underground heating system of the University of Toronto when we had the opportunity to see it during our thermodynamics course in the third or fourth year of engineering. And who would thought that years later I would come face to face with the similar boiler unit, but this time for a different purpose.

Piping, Wells Street Public School

So everything has life expectancy and so does the overall mechanical equipment of the school.

The heating heart of the school is still going – the gas fired steam boiler installed back in 1949. However, according to the inspection reports I read the boiler is approaching its theoretical life and as you can see it is strongly showing signs of deterioration.

Gas Fired Steam Boiler. Wells Street Public School

There is currently no air conditioning in the school, and I am assuming that the school was only cooled via the radiators just by passing the cold water.

That boiler will be history once the school is converted to lofts and there will be a new heating system installed. From my observations it looks like the gas fired steam boiler was assembled inside the basement, and as per Ms. Birch, it will be taken out the same way – just disassembled.

Radiators, Wells Street Public School

So it all started with the crack in the wall.

According to the reports the building is in the poor electrical conditions as well. It is working fine, but it has surpassed its anticipated service life. Same as interior lighting fixtures, heating and cooling piping systems, the heating systems radiators and few fin-tube cabinets were problematic over recent years and also have surpassed their useful service life. And then the gas piping system, plumbing piping systems, and the heat recovering ventilation.

Radiators, Wells Street Public School

Renewal was recommended, and did not look cheap either in addition this could have been disruptive process for the students and the teachers.

There were many other things that needed fixing. The report was lengthy and probably boring to write and it made me laugh when I saw that there was ‘water damaged mirror‘ and ‘soup dispensers appear to be in fair conditions‘, in reference to the condition of the washrooms.

I am not sure if it is now as the temperature sky rocked in the past few days, but when I was visiting the school last month the school was heated. I experienced blast of heat coming out the roof entrance when I did my photographic round from the roof of the school.

I guess the school needed to be maintained after was closed and the owners are doing great job in order to reduce chances of further deterioration of the school.

Radiator In The Closet Room, Wells Street Public School

The fix wasn’t cheap and decline in the enrollment were the closing factors: ‘Over the years, Wells Street Public School has experienced a gradual decline in its enrollment but the Board has directed overflow enrolment from other schools in the area to maintain its viability.‘ – Dave Cooke wrote in the Facilitator’s Report for Wells Street Public School.

Water Piping, Wells Street Public School

For those who attended the school it always will be a school, the memories always last forever. Let us not forget that. Let us not forget that everything has life expectancy as well and we must accept the change. After all, I think we are lucky that the building will stand.

‘Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.’ ~ Bruce Barton

Wells Street School Neo-Class-ical Architecture, Structurally Sound

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:19:59 +0000

In addition to its dominant and class presence in Aurora, former Wells Street School (Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts) is also an example of the neo-classical architecture.

Wells Street Public School, Neo-Classical Architecture

‘In its purest form it is a style principally derived from the architecture of Classical Greece and the architecture of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio.‘ Source: Wiki

Sounds good to me, I always knew that there was something ‘Greek’ or ‘Italiain’ looking about the exteriors of the school. But then what’s inside the school, that is a different story.

Wells Street Public School, Auditorium

Couple more interior elements of historical value are the auditorium with stage and wood floor (above) and the glazed wood doors with tilting wood transoms (below).

Wells Street Public School, Doors

School was closed because of structural issues and the potential safety issues. As I toured the school inside it wasn’t hard to noticed that detailed structural assessment was performed on the school.

After the assessment it was determined that it would take millions of dollars to fix the school and too make it safe and operational again. Eventually school was closed.

Well Street Public School, Inspection

As of today the building is structurally sound, however, it would not be structurally sound if it continued to be educational institution with a everyday dynamic load of moving children and teachers. Everything has a life and the life of the educational institution is now over.

The idea to convert the school into residential units or lofts is a structurally sound idea. Exterior walls will be reinforced and more internal walls will be added that will add more support points making the building much stronger and probably to last in our community another 200 years or more.

Note, above is a photo of the stripped wall where the structural issue originated. When the wall was taken down for inspection, a window and door that was brick filled was uncovered. It will be interesting to find out what else the school is hiding and what else will be uncovered once the re-construction will take place.

Are you curious like me?

Wells Street Public School, A Closer Look, Yes The Inside

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:34:58 +0000

I rolled my sleeves up and started to type an e-mail. If you don’t try then you have a zero chance of getting something, but if you do then at least you have fifty percent of getting yes as the answer. And the worst – no. I believe they teach this in school.

Wells Street Public School, Inside

After few days I did receive a reply to my request from Joanne Birch, President, Wells Street Schoolhouse Lofts. ‘We’d be pleased to allow you to take some posterity photos’ – she wrote.

This is where I got nervous and excited at the same time and knew that something will go wrong. The same day I was going to meet with Ms. Birch my camera flash got jammed. Lucky me it was just the camera flash. Even after little hiccup I was able to take many photos – inside, below, outside and from the top.

Wells Street Public School, A Classroom

It was another great photo journey through our town’s amazing structures, just like the time I had an opportunity to photograph the Petch Log house last summer. One of the things I always keep in mind – something that cannot be preserved as a material can always be preserved in photos.

We are very fortunate that both the Petch Log house and the Wells Street Public School are not going to be demolished this time.

Wells Street Public School, Classroom Wall Lockers

Like many of us I was too skeptical what would be the faith of the school once it was acquired by the developer. A prefect example is the George T. Browning house – there will be no house.

However, after meeting with Ms. Birch I cannot emphasize enough that the Wells Street Public School is in the good hands especially to know that her company do specializes in converting heritage buildings.

Wells Street Public School, Teacher's Rooms

But it was more her passion for that kind of work that I admired. She herself gave me two hour grand tour of the ins and outs of the school and because of her patience I was able to capture many interesting details.

Some of the interesting features to note in this post’s pictures are:

The jade color scheme through out the school; the 3 piece doors (2 doors & 1 window on top) to the auditorium that will be preserved; built-in wall units in the teachers rooms; interesting design of the in-classroom coat lockers with one common link mechanism that opens all the doors at the same time; and probably one of the original squeaky staircase and railing leading up to teacher’s restroom.

Wells Street Public School, Staircase

But that is not all, at least not in this post. And before Schools Out, note that last month the Wells Street Public School received the heritage designation plaque.

Wells Street Public School, Schools Out

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

School Like Lofty Ideas, Wells Street School Future Transformation

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:41:08 +0000

Partially we should be happy that the Wells Street Public School will not be demolished, but unfortunate that it is not going to be a school in the near future. Something also tells me that many are not happy about the transformation to the residential area, or so called lofts.

Wells Street Public School

If everything goes through in the upcoming months or years, Aurora will have lofts on Wells Street.

I am not sure if the reconstruction of old factories into lofts is still booming as it was over ten years ago in Toronto. When we looked for our first house to buy we did tour one of those lofts. They were nice. Not within our requirements though – size versus the price.

There were some layout issues we did not like as well. Ceilings were high and not covered, with all the piping exposed – dust collectors for sure. The sewer pipe, probably not able to change it, was just beside the kitchen. My imagination is too wild, I would hate the sounds of flushing toilet when I am cooking.

No thanks for us. We ended up in the Aurora.

Wells Street Public School

Can we salvage the look of the school?

It is hard to tell. It all depends on how many loft units developer is planning to have. The windows probably will be developer’s greatest obstacle. Major windows on the sides and on the front of the school are in the groups of five. Hard split for sure. The front of the school is practically all windows, not including the side decor closed frames.

Let just hope that may be the builder is thinking about converting each classroom into a loft. Then there is possibility to preserve the look of the old school. But never know, I am only speaking of it by looking outside. Once engineers will get hold of the plans they will be able to do some magic.

Parking availability will be also interesting item on the list. Will they dig underground? It is possible.

Wells Street Public School, Fenced Side

I was a bit ignorant before and did not really pay attention why would only one side of the school be fenced off. I sneaked behind the Aurora Masonic Hall to see the fenced side of the school. It is obvious now to me that there are external damages to the brick wall on one side only.

Now there is a question for you. You are in the market to buy a nice loft in Aurora. You spotted lofts for sale on the Wells Street. Investigated and found out that one side of the building was once damaged. Which side would you be interested in, the damaged or undamaged one? Or will you go and look somewhere else? Aha, something to think about.

Okay and what will happen to the Aurora Farmers Market? Or may be it is too soon to think about relocating but I am sure it will all work out. Sometimes it is to hard accept change in our community, but things will always change and sometimes for a greater good.

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