Village Squire, 1978-11, Page 36BUSINESS
Architects
specialize
in preserving
the old
BY FRANCES BARRICK
Western Ontario is rich in architectural
heritage. and the architectural and
planning firm of Hill and Borgal in
Goderich is involved in the restoration of
many old buildings.
Architect and planner Nick Hill, opened
the first architectural firm serving the
county in 1975. and last year, partner Chris
Borgal, joined the firm.
Chris and Nick met at the University of
Toronto where they studied architecture
and both graduated in 1974. Following
graduation. Nick returned to work in
Goderich and Chris was hired by a Toronto
architectural firm.
Since the partnership, some of the work
they are associated with includes the
restoration of the Exeter town hall and Van
Egmond house near Seaforth. plans to
restore Clinton town hall and remodel
Goderich town hall and the Goderich
heritage conservation district plan.
Nick said in an interview their
involvement in restoration projects grew
because heritage buildings are "eminently
manifested in villages and towns."
And their interest goes beyond the
economic benefits. as they both strongly
believe in preserving the historical
qualities of the county.
"We live in an area settled in mid -19th
century. Whose early prosperity is
manifested through its wonderful building
heritage." said Nick, explaining why their
interest in restoring buildings. "And in
general both the aesthetics and construc-
tural qualities are very high."
"We are not in the thing of building
monuments to ourselves." said Chris. but
rather in maintaining the quality of
architecture in the area.
He said they are studying carefully the
historic qualities of the county and in their
work trying to reflect the qualities and
augment them with their professional
training.
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And he added both he and Nick practice
what they preach. as both are in the
process of renovating old houses.
"We would not take projects on that
would be against the philosophy of what we
are doing." said Chris.
Defending the cost of restoring, Chris
said they do "historical buildings that are
more economical to restore than to tear
down." He said a few years ago everybody
wanted new buildings. but "fortunately
(that trend) didn't get to this area" and
most towns and villages have intact
donwtown cores.
Both he and Nick agreed the public
supports renovation projects.
"I think it (restoring buildings) is
becoming a v.ay of life." said Nick, adding
that in the last fey: years there has been a
growing ay.areness of the historical
qualities.
"I think you see this appreciation in
small but important actions taken by
individual people." said Nick, such as
painted fences and retaining windows and
iron works.
But the firm, as its name implies. Town
and Country Planner, is also involved in
district planning.
Nick said he saw the merits of planning
when he was working for an architectural
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