Guelph Arts Council Pays Tribute to Karl Briestensky

From Arts in Guelph- January/February, 2005

It was with great sadness that members of Guelph Arts Council learned of the passing of well-known Guelph architect Karl Briestensky on October 14, 2004.

Growing up in Guelph, Briestensky was trained in architecture at the University of Toronto, after which he returned to become one of the dominant forces in shaping the look of this City for more than 25 years.

His accomplishments include imaginative redevelopment of several unique Guelph heritage buildings, including the old Wellington Hotel (1978), one of this community's pivotal restoration projects. He also converted the pea mill factory at 97 Farquhar Street into apartments (1976), restored his own heritage house (Sunnyside) at 16 Arthur Street (1979), and transformed the old Gooderham and Worts granary building on Farquhar Street into an office complex (starting 1992).

Another equally interesting part of Briestensky's legacy to Guelph are several new buildings that he designed, including the National Trust Building on St. George's Square (mid-1980s) and the Turfgrass Institute on Victoria Road (1993). Local historian Gil Stelter characterizes these post-modern buildings as recognizable Briestensky designs - "sharp, angular lines, the emphasis on glass and the openness to the outside surroundings."

Karl Briestensky also had a close association with Guelph Arts Council dating back to the Council's early days. He served as a juror for the Heritage Awards program, and financially supported the publication of all five historical walking tour booklets over a period of several years. In 2002, he took an active part in Doors Open Guelph, both at his own office complex on Farquhar Street, and with Doug Bridge at the Wellington Building (Guelph Arts Council=s home!). Most recently (October 2 and 3 of this year), he welcomed Guelph Arts Council Historical Walking Tour participants onto his Arthur Street property to view some of the interesting architectural features of his home.

Karl Briestensky will be missed in Guelph, by family, friends, colleagues and those many members of the community who have seen him make his mark amongst us.