|
SIGNIFICANCE:
This grand historic
brick house known as “Bellevue” is one
of the few remaining examples of domestic Georgian architecture
in Ontario. The house consists of a central
core with symmetrical front flanked by imposing chimneys and
side wings. Facing the Detroit River, the spacious villa and
grounds offer expansive views
It was built in
1816-1819 by Robert Reynolds, the Commissary to the nearby
British garrison at Fort Malden, after he returned from serving
in the War of 1812. He lived there with his family, and his
sister Catherine Reynolds, the renowned artist whose landscape
paintings provide an invaluable record of early 19th-century
life in Upper Canada.
Bellevue House
was declared a National
Historic Site in 1959, and three years
later was selected for an
Ontario Heritage Trust plaque. It was
designated under the Ontario
Heritage Act by the Town of Amherstburg in 1982.
|
|
|
Unfortunately,
neglect, lack of heat and protection from the weather,
and vandalism
are taking their toll on this important historical home |
WHY IT IS ENDANGERED:
The Bellevue
House has been unoccupied since it was purchased by
a numbered Ontario corporation based in Windsor in
2001. The building has been without heat
since then, leaving it, the outbuildings and the grounds
in a growing state of deterioration. It has suffered
from vandalism and is at risk of
fire.
The Town
of Amherstburg has not been successful at engaging
the owner in a discussion about the future of the
property nor has it enforced its Property Standards
bylaw in order to reverse the ongoing deterioration
of this important residence dating back to the early
history of Upper Canada.
Lack
of protection from the weather
causes damage inside the building as well
|
|
Source:
Ontario Heritage Connection
YOU
CAN HELP CHANGE ITS HORRIFIC STATE
Contact
us now for more information
|
