The Engholm-Fry House (1948), Etobicoke, Ontario is threatened with demolition. 
 
This building is an "experimental" radiant-heated postwar bungalow clad in porcelain enamel steel (Macotta) panels, built for the president of Macotta Company of Canada Ltd. of Weston, and occupied for 40 years by family of noted marine biologist, Dr. Frederick Ernest Joseph Fry.
 
For details, please see the attached flyer prepared by Adam Sobolak (below).
 
If you would like to pledge your support for 10 Riverlea Rd, please contact:

• Adam Sobolak 416-234-2122 adma@interlog.com
• Janice Etter 416-233-1786 rrojana@aol.com (Toronto Preservation Board’s Etobicoke Preservation Panel)

The term DOCOMOMO stands for DOcumentation and COnservation of the MOdern MOvement.  The architectural heritage of the Modern Movement in architecture is today more at risk than that of any other period, due to its age, its often innovative technology, the functions it was designed to perform, and the present cultural climate. There is a need for an organization, grouping those with a special interest and admiration for this body of work, to press for the documentation and the conservation of the best examples, as well as to promote a greater understanding of the ideas behind it. Such an organization should reflect the international character of the Movement. DOCOMOMO was founded in 1990, to fulfil these roles.
http://www.docomomo.com
 
James Ashby
Docomomo Canada-Ontario

• Extraordinary “experimental” radiant-heated postwar bungalow clad in porcelain steel enamel panels; unique in Toronto and probably Ontario
• Built for president of Macotta Company of Canada Ltd. (Weston), producer of precast architectural facings
• Occupied for 40 years by family of noted marine biologist, Dr. Frederick Ernest Joseph Fry (Canadian Society of Zoologists established the Fry Medal for outstanding achievement in zoology in 1974)
• In splendid condition, physically and functionally, inside and out, including the landscaping
• Nominated for listing and possible designation (under the Ontario Heritage Act) by the Toronto Preservation Board following its sale in May 2002
• Support on its behalf from numerous parties, including Larry Richards, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, University of Toronto
• Reportedly purchased by developer, who intends to rebuild upon double lot

Because of its unlikely location and “modernity”—contrary to the all-too-common perception of a “historic landmark”—10 Riverlea Rd has stood almost unrecognized for its importance until very recently. Yet in its immaculate state, it deserves to be as much a “pride of the neighbourhood”—something that adds value and distinction—as any pre-Confederation “Century” farmhouse. It also accords with the current sophisticated state of the art in historic landmark recognition; and we’re richer for it.

With its loss, the neighbourhood—and Etobicoke, even Toronto at large—loses.

It is not too late.

1 If you would like to pledge your support for 10 Riverlea Rd, please contact

Adam Sobolak 416-234-2122 adma@interlog.com

Janice Etter 416-233-1786 rrojana@aol.com

…of the Toronto Preservation Board’s Etobicoke Preservation Panel.

You’re also encouraged to contact

Councillor Rob Ford 416-397-9255 councillor_ford@city.toronto.on.ca

Councillor Peter Milczyn 416-392-4040 councillor_milczyn@city.toronto.on.ca

…and whomever else you feel needs to know.

This isn’t the end.
This can be a new beginning.