The Hillborn House, one of few Ontario residences designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, is among several properties recommended for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act
This article appeared previously on CambridgeToday.
A Cambridge home designed by one of Canada’s most acclaimed architects is recommended for an official heritage designation.
The property, known as the Hillborn House, at 194 Blue Heron Ridge is among several appearing on the upcoming municipal heritage advisory committee agenda with recommendations for the committee to support a designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The Hillborn House was designed by Arthur Erickson, one of Canada’s most celebrated and influential architects known for his mastery of modernist principles and sensitivity to landscape.
The late architect’s most significant projects include Simon Fraser University, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
He was the first Canadian to be awarded the gold medal by the American Institute of Architects in 1984 and is a member of the Order of Canada.
“Erickson’s work is characterized by its integration with topography, innovative use of materials and philosophical approach to spatial design,” a heritage report said.
According to the report, the Hillborn House is one of Erickson’s few residential works in Ontario and “reflects his distinctive approach to west coast modernism adapted to the local environment.”
“The property exhibits a high degree of architectural integrity and remains largely unaltered, preserving Erickson’s original vision,” the report said.
The house was commissioned by a member of the Hillborn family, a prominent family in the development of Preston and surrounding Cambridge area.
The Hillborn House is also listed for sale on realtor.ca with an asking price of $3.9 million.
Other properties recommended for a heritage designation include:
29 Roseview Ave., known locally as the Castle House for its turreted design and appearance
210 King St. E., one of three surviving 19th-century buildings on this block in Preston near a proposed ION station
54 Bruce St., an 1859-built home by prominent stonemasons Thomas and James Dalgleish
469 Duke St., a Victorian Queen Anne Revival-style home