11-13 Wyndham Street North

Bylaw: (1983)-11160

Legal description: Part Lot 14, Plan 8

Designated portions

  • The two limestone street facades of the building, including window pattern, size and type.
  • The ground floor façade and structure, under the present surface treatment.
  • The state-faced mansard roof with its decorative dormers, windows and corner tower.
  • The domed plaster ceiling of the former I.O.O.F. meeting hall, located above false ceilings at the third floor at the time of the passing of this by-law.

Property history

The Petrie-Kelly Building dominates the Wyndham-Macdonell intersection with its high corner tower and ornate mansard roof. It is a major architectural landmark and focal point in the Central Business District and its unique among late-19th Century business structures in Ontario.

The design is attributed to Guelph architect John Day. It was built in 1882-83 on the site of the old Great Western Hotel and was jointly financed by W.H. Cutten, barrister and A. B. Petrie, pharmacist. Walter Grierson was the masonry contractor.

Although a few ornamental details, such as cast-iron roof cresting, have been removed, the building survives in remarkably good structural condition. Originally, the third floors of both the Petrie-Kelly Building and 145 Wyndham, to the north, provided meeting space for the I.O.O.F. Lodge, The high, decorative, plaster ceiling of the I.O.O.F. meeting hall remains above false ceiling on the third floor of the Petrie-Kelly Building and has potential for exposure and restoration. The ground floor commercial spaces housed various banks, businesses and ticket offices, including, from 1935 to 1976, the C.W. Kelly Music Store. Prior to being converted to apartments in 1921, the second floor provided office space.

The designation covers the street facades plus the ornate, slate-faced mansard roof. Also included is the plaster ceiling of the former 3rd floor I.O.O.F. hall.