2008 - London's New Clay Art Centre - 664 Dundas
2009 - Heat, electricity, plumbing
2010 - Classes Begin
2011 - Finishing the building
2012 - Façade work begins
2013 - 2nd Floor Restoration
2009 - Heat, electricity, plumbing
2010 - Classes Begin
2011 - Finishing the building
2012 - Façade work begins
2013 - 2nd Floor Restoration
click images to enlarge
March 2008
London's New Clay Art Centre - 664 Dundas
Welcome to the London Potters Guild's new building, and future home of the London Clay Art Centre! The London Potters Guild has purchased 664 Dundas Street in historic Old East Village. The building offers 7,000 square feet of open space on two floors, including a store front, a central location on a bus line, and a beautiful building to inspire the many artists who will work here.
Renovations will take place in three phases. Phase one was the purchase of the building. Phase two is underway and should be complete by the spring of 2009. It encompasses the renovation of the first floor to accommodate the daily operations of the London Potters Guild. Phase three includes the renovation of the second floor. The guild’s two annual sales will be held here. We are considering alternate uses for income potential.
Welcome to the London Potters Guild's new building, and future home of the London Clay Art Centre! The London Potters Guild has purchased 664 Dundas Street in historic Old East Village. The building offers 7,000 square feet of open space on two floors, including a store front, a central location on a bus line, and a beautiful building to inspire the many artists who will work here.
Renovations will take place in three phases. Phase one was the purchase of the building. Phase two is underway and should be complete by the spring of 2009. It encompasses the renovation of the first floor to accommodate the daily operations of the London Potters Guild. Phase three includes the renovation of the second floor. The guild’s two annual sales will be held here. We are considering alternate uses for income potential.
April 2008
Assessing the work to be done, getting dirty
We have received the first instalment of grant money from the City of London. As well, we've secured a very large private donation. This is testament to the level of faith the donor has in our project as well as in our committee.
At the end of April we sent out a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) to seven design and build companies in London. We are pleased to announce we have an agreement with MacFadyen Design Build to work as our general contractor and consultant on this unusual and complex project. To date both Paul Hurdle, president of MacFadyen and Greg Gillies, the company’s estimator have shown great enthusiasm and willingness to help us achieve our goal. Their involvement is about more than simply providing quality workmanship and a history of award winning innovative design. They will be a tremendous asset to us as we move forward because they are interested in the over arching project of revitalizing the Old East Village. They are interested in the arts and share a common aesthetic and philosophy of design. They are also amenable to us using volunteer labour to offset some of the cost of certain labour-intensive aspects of the work. They are also supportive of our need to acquire in-kind donations to defray costs.
We toured the building with representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. They are considering a large capital grant for the project. A clean-up of the building began before the tour, and it is already feeling more like home.
The huge refrigeration units on the main floor have now been removed at no cost to us - a massive undertaking - and will be used in a new restaurant. A big thank you to Bob McConkey and his crew for their very hard work in removing the units and leaving the building much cleaner!
We have received the first instalment of grant money from the City of London. As well, we've secured a very large private donation. This is testament to the level of faith the donor has in our project as well as in our committee.
At the end of April we sent out a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) to seven design and build companies in London. We are pleased to announce we have an agreement with MacFadyen Design Build to work as our general contractor and consultant on this unusual and complex project. To date both Paul Hurdle, president of MacFadyen and Greg Gillies, the company’s estimator have shown great enthusiasm and willingness to help us achieve our goal. Their involvement is about more than simply providing quality workmanship and a history of award winning innovative design. They will be a tremendous asset to us as we move forward because they are interested in the over arching project of revitalizing the Old East Village. They are interested in the arts and share a common aesthetic and philosophy of design. They are also amenable to us using volunteer labour to offset some of the cost of certain labour-intensive aspects of the work. They are also supportive of our need to acquire in-kind donations to defray costs.
We toured the building with representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. They are considering a large capital grant for the project. A clean-up of the building began before the tour, and it is already feeling more like home.
The huge refrigeration units on the main floor have now been removed at no cost to us - a massive undertaking - and will be used in a new restaurant. A big thank you to Bob McConkey and his crew for their very hard work in removing the units and leaving the building much cleaner!
May 2008
Lights on, designing our space
The building now has temporary lighting installed! Since our first visit in December, we have been crawling through in the dark with only a few meager flashlights to help us identify the attributes of the building. Even in the dark it was obvious we had stumbled across something extraordinary. Seeing it in the light is fantastic. It is a beautiful wreck!
In mid-May, Guild members were invited to tour 664 in the light. Those who saw it for the first time were excited by its potential. A large group stayed to participate in laying out the floor plan. Greg Gillies from MacFadyen Design Build came, as did Richard Morrison, a highly respected architect and friend of the London Potters Guild. We benefited greatly from their knowledge and advice. By the end of the day, we had come up with a draft floor plan that includes some ideas heretofore unimagined. We walked away very excited!
Now, we anxiously anticipate MacFayden’s formal drawings of the space. We will soon have some life-like, three dimensional illustrations to show and use as we move forward in our fundraising efforts.
We also had a front page story on the London Free Press
The building now has temporary lighting installed! Since our first visit in December, we have been crawling through in the dark with only a few meager flashlights to help us identify the attributes of the building. Even in the dark it was obvious we had stumbled across something extraordinary. Seeing it in the light is fantastic. It is a beautiful wreck!
In mid-May, Guild members were invited to tour 664 in the light. Those who saw it for the first time were excited by its potential. A large group stayed to participate in laying out the floor plan. Greg Gillies from MacFadyen Design Build came, as did Richard Morrison, a highly respected architect and friend of the London Potters Guild. We benefited greatly from their knowledge and advice. By the end of the day, we had come up with a draft floor plan that includes some ideas heretofore unimagined. We walked away very excited!
Now, we anxiously anticipate MacFayden’s formal drawings of the space. We will soon have some life-like, three dimensional illustrations to show and use as we move forward in our fundraising efforts.
We also had a front page story on the London Free Press
June 2008
A new roof, gas kiln plans
We have a new roof! The front part of the building has a peaked roof, and the rear has a flat roof. Both were replaced by Flat Roof Ontario and will keep us dry for decades. Our members had been emptying buckets every time it rained, so it is great comfort to all of us to have the rain stopped and our beautiful hardwood floors protected.
We are working on the specifications for our new gas kiln. Currently, the Guild has electric kilns, but many potters prefer the results of a gas kiln, and many of our members are very excited to have access to a gas kiln in the new building.
We are still working on comprehensive and comparable quotes for HVAC units, including investigating geo-thermal heating/cooling. We are also sourcing quotes on doing the eaves troughs, soffits and fascia.
We have determined that our power needs exceed the current capabilities of the builidng, and are working with London Hydro to upgrade the power to the building.
Our annual "seconds" sale made over $1300 for the Campaign this month. "Seconds" are not-so-perfect pottery that members donate to the Guild and are sold at reduced prices to the public. We've also sent out a number of applications to foundations for funding.
We have a new roof! The front part of the building has a peaked roof, and the rear has a flat roof. Both were replaced by Flat Roof Ontario and will keep us dry for decades. Our members had been emptying buckets every time it rained, so it is great comfort to all of us to have the rain stopped and our beautiful hardwood floors protected.
We are working on the specifications for our new gas kiln. Currently, the Guild has electric kilns, but many potters prefer the results of a gas kiln, and many of our members are very excited to have access to a gas kiln in the new building.
We are still working on comprehensive and comparable quotes for HVAC units, including investigating geo-thermal heating/cooling. We are also sourcing quotes on doing the eaves troughs, soffits and fascia.
We have determined that our power needs exceed the current capabilities of the builidng, and are working with London Hydro to upgrade the power to the building.
Our annual "seconds" sale made over $1300 for the Campaign this month. "Seconds" are not-so-perfect pottery that members donate to the Guild and are sold at reduced prices to the public. We've also sent out a number of applications to foundations for funding.
July 2008
Demolition, Salvage
Members of the London Potters Guild have spent their weekends tearing down walls and ceilings to prepare the building for renovations. It is hot, dusty work, but lots of fun too, as we work toward our shared goal. We pulled, kicked, and chipped drywall and plaster from the walls, exposing the brick underneath. This volunteer demolition work saves us a lot of money.
Although much has to go into the dumpster, we have a significant salvage effort underway as well. Where possible, we are separating recyclable metals and other materials. We are re-using the 2x4's that were used to build the dividing walls.
We are refurbishing the existing fluorescent fixtures with new energy efficient 32W T8 fluorescent bulbs and electronic ballasts instead of the existing T12 bulbs and electromagnetic ballasts. This will save an estimated $7,000, and keep a lot from the landfill and scrap recycler.
Design work continues, and we are getting closer to a final layout and design plans.
Members of the London Potters Guild have spent their weekends tearing down walls and ceilings to prepare the building for renovations. It is hot, dusty work, but lots of fun too, as we work toward our shared goal. We pulled, kicked, and chipped drywall and plaster from the walls, exposing the brick underneath. This volunteer demolition work saves us a lot of money.
Although much has to go into the dumpster, we have a significant salvage effort underway as well. Where possible, we are separating recyclable metals and other materials. We are re-using the 2x4's that were used to build the dividing walls.
We are refurbishing the existing fluorescent fixtures with new energy efficient 32W T8 fluorescent bulbs and electronic ballasts instead of the existing T12 bulbs and electromagnetic ballasts. This will save an estimated $7,000, and keep a lot from the landfill and scrap recycler.
Design work continues, and we are getting closer to a final layout and design plans.
August 2008
More demolition and design
The demolition continues, with discoveries of mummified birds and burnt bricks. We are removing all of the interior walls from the first floor, leaving only the pillars. All of the drywall and plaster from the walls are all water damaged as well, and are being broken or chipped off. The bricks add much character, and we hope that we can leave most of them exposed.
Design work also continues, as we debate the features and functions of each space. There will be a store in the front, with glass walls separating the front store to the studio, which has both classroom and member space. A kiln room in the back will house our gas kiln and electric kilns. A glaze "kitchen" wlll allow us to safely and more easily mix up our studio glazes and try new ones. We'll also have space for Artist in Residence. We continue to explore geo-thermal energy.
The facade plans are also nearly complete. Our front windows will be expanded to allow more light. The upper wide flat window wll be replaced by a bow window and a smaller window, as in the early 1900's. The slate siding will be restored with original colours, and we are exploring signage.
We are preparing for a special event on August 21 to open our doors to the public and the media. The event includes a major grant announcement, remarks by supporters from the community, tours of the building, and pottery demonstrations. We are proud to show off our new digs.
The demolition continues, with discoveries of mummified birds and burnt bricks. We are removing all of the interior walls from the first floor, leaving only the pillars. All of the drywall and plaster from the walls are all water damaged as well, and are being broken or chipped off. The bricks add much character, and we hope that we can leave most of them exposed.
Design work also continues, as we debate the features and functions of each space. There will be a store in the front, with glass walls separating the front store to the studio, which has both classroom and member space. A kiln room in the back will house our gas kiln and electric kilns. A glaze "kitchen" wlll allow us to safely and more easily mix up our studio glazes and try new ones. We'll also have space for Artist in Residence. We continue to explore geo-thermal energy.
The facade plans are also nearly complete. Our front windows will be expanded to allow more light. The upper wide flat window wll be replaced by a bow window and a smaller window, as in the early 1900's. The slate siding will be restored with original colours, and we are exploring signage.
We are preparing for a special event on August 21 to open our doors to the public and the media. The event includes a major grant announcement, remarks by supporters from the community, tours of the building, and pottery demonstrations. We are proud to show off our new digs.
Celebrating success
August 21
In a big celebration, surrounded by many of our friends and partners who have helped us get this far, the London Potters Guild announced an $113,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help create the London Clay Art Centre. We will use the grant to pay for a new HVAC system, flooring, and walls in our new space.
"I'm delighted that the London Potters Guild will be closer to achieving their dream as a result of this grant," said Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre. "Having a space where potters can work, teach and create is an important part of keeping our arts community strong and vibrant. It signals that the Old East Village is becoming the place to be for artists in London."
We will also restore the slate façade of this 118 year old building to a late Victorian commercial style, with a bow window, glass storefront, and extensive slate restoration. The Guild has applied for heritage designation for the building; Old East London is London’s largest Heritage Conservation District.
“The London Potters Guild is so pleased to be moving into the Old East Village. What we are doing is good for the City of London, good for the revitalization of the Old East Village, good for the arts and the “Creative Cities” concept, and it’s definitely good for the London Potters Guild,” said Darlene Pratt, Chair of the London Potters Guild Seize the Clay campaign. “We appreciate the tremendous support we’ve received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of London and the Old East Village Business Improvement Association in helping us build the London Clay Art Centre.”
Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Jonathan Bancroft-Snell, Honourary Patron of the Seize the Clay Campaign, Denis Gadwa of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Ken Keane, Chair of the Old East Village Business Improvement Association, also spoke at the event.
Seize the Clay is a $900,000 capital campaign that began in 2003. The Guild has raised funds internally for several years, and in April received a $200,000 capital grant from the City of London, to be paid in $50,000 installments over 4 years. With the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the campaign is halfway to its goal.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.
August 21
In a big celebration, surrounded by many of our friends and partners who have helped us get this far, the London Potters Guild announced an $113,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help create the London Clay Art Centre. We will use the grant to pay for a new HVAC system, flooring, and walls in our new space.
"I'm delighted that the London Potters Guild will be closer to achieving their dream as a result of this grant," said Deb Matthews, MPP London North Centre. "Having a space where potters can work, teach and create is an important part of keeping our arts community strong and vibrant. It signals that the Old East Village is becoming the place to be for artists in London."
We will also restore the slate façade of this 118 year old building to a late Victorian commercial style, with a bow window, glass storefront, and extensive slate restoration. The Guild has applied for heritage designation for the building; Old East London is London’s largest Heritage Conservation District.
“The London Potters Guild is so pleased to be moving into the Old East Village. What we are doing is good for the City of London, good for the revitalization of the Old East Village, good for the arts and the “Creative Cities” concept, and it’s definitely good for the London Potters Guild,” said Darlene Pratt, Chair of the London Potters Guild Seize the Clay campaign. “We appreciate the tremendous support we’ve received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of London and the Old East Village Business Improvement Association in helping us build the London Clay Art Centre.”
Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Jonathan Bancroft-Snell, Honourary Patron of the Seize the Clay Campaign, Denis Gadwa of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Ken Keane, Chair of the Old East Village Business Improvement Association, also spoke at the event.
Seize the Clay is a $900,000 capital campaign that began in 2003. The Guild has raised funds internally for several years, and in April received a $200,000 capital grant from the City of London, to be paid in $50,000 installments over 4 years. With the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the campaign is halfway to its goal.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.
September 2008
Our first meeting
The London Potters Guild members met for the first time in the new building. Many had never seen the space, and there was a lot of excited talk about how the space will be used. The extraordinary success of the Seize the Clay campaign over the past 6 months was highlighted by Seize the Clay chair Darlene Pratt. Six months ago, we had no building, and only the $80,000 we had raised within the Guild. Now, we had a beautiful building and were halfway to our $900,000 goal.
New President Marilyn Barbe welcomed the Guild members to their new building. Later in the month, Marilyn and her husband Gerald decided that the monthly fee we were paying for a 20 year old water heater that we weren't even using was just not to be tolerated. They went into the spooky basement of the building, disconnected the water heater, and started to move it up the stairs. Unfortunately, the heater was still full of water, and there were no drains in the basement.
Step after agonizing step, Marilyn and Gerald inched the water heater up. They were nearly at the top when their strength almost failed them. Marilyn thought it might be the end for both of them. Fortunately, they mustered up the strength to finish the job. The got the water heater out of the building, tipped it over, and easily loaded it into their van and delivered the worthless water heater to the depot. We are grateful that our new President has lived to see another day.
The London Potters Guild members met for the first time in the new building. Many had never seen the space, and there was a lot of excited talk about how the space will be used. The extraordinary success of the Seize the Clay campaign over the past 6 months was highlighted by Seize the Clay chair Darlene Pratt. Six months ago, we had no building, and only the $80,000 we had raised within the Guild. Now, we had a beautiful building and were halfway to our $900,000 goal.
New President Marilyn Barbe welcomed the Guild members to their new building. Later in the month, Marilyn and her husband Gerald decided that the monthly fee we were paying for a 20 year old water heater that we weren't even using was just not to be tolerated. They went into the spooky basement of the building, disconnected the water heater, and started to move it up the stairs. Unfortunately, the heater was still full of water, and there were no drains in the basement.
Step after agonizing step, Marilyn and Gerald inched the water heater up. They were nearly at the top when their strength almost failed them. Marilyn thought it might be the end for both of them. Fortunately, they mustered up the strength to finish the job. The got the water heater out of the building, tipped it over, and easily loaded it into their van and delivered the worthless water heater to the depot. We are grateful that our new President has lived to see another day.
2008 - London's New Clay Art Centre - 664 Dundas
2009 - Heat, electricity, plumbing
2010 - A Full Winter
2011 - Finishing the building
2012 - Façade work begins
2013 - 2nd Floor Restoration
2009 - Heat, electricity, plumbing
2010 - A Full Winter
2011 - Finishing the building
2012 - Façade work begins
2013 - 2nd Floor Restoration
