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Upton

10, Kensington Terrace, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1983/10/24

Looking north east from Kensington Terrace; City of Sault Ste. Marie
Kensington Terrace, 2004
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Other Name(s)

Weymss Simpson House
Kensington Terrace
Upton - 10 Kensington Terrace
Upton

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2007/07/20

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Constructed circa 1865, Upton is a coursed gray ashlar two-storey residence located in the east end of the central residential core of Sault Ste. Marie. It visually provides a well proportioned, dignified elevation to a quiet dead end street.

Upton has been recognized for its heritage value by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, By-law 83-266.

Heritage Value

Thought to have been constructed in 1865, Upton, as it was originally named, is one of the oldest residences in Sault Ste. Marie, second only to the Ermatinger Old Stone House (built in 1812). It was built as the home of Wemyss Mackenzie Simpson. Simpson had come to Canada in 1840, serving with the Hudson's Bay Company in various capacities, including that of chief factor of the Sault post from 1862 until its closure in 1865. Following the closure of the post, Simpson was elected as the first Member of Parliament for Algoma. He served in that capacity from 1867 to 1872, at which time he resigned to accept the post of Indian Commissioner.

One of the most important examples of Sault Ste. Marie's earliest residential buildings, Upton displays a Georgian style of architecture with Regency influences. It is similar in design to Bishophurst, built in 1874 as the home of Bishop Frederick Dawson Fauquier, the first Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Algoma. Similarities can be seen in the verandahs, the box-like structure of the main house and the low-hipped roofs with smaller projecting wings.

In the mid-1980's Upton was in danger of being lost to the community through neglect and abuse. It was saved by the efforts of Heritage Sault Ste. Marie, a local non-profit corporation that purchased Upton in 1987 and restored its exterior while converting the interior into three luxury condominiums. Now owned by private individuals, this important heritage building is secure in its future.

Sources: Sault Ste. Marie Designation By-law 83-266, Wemyss Simpson House, 'Upton (1865), 10 Kensington Terrace Report'.

Character-Defining Elements

Key character defining elements that reflect Upton's heritage value include its:
- symmetrical fenestration and layout
- low, truncated hip roof
- coursed ashlar stone
- stone lintels, keystones and quoins
- six over six sash windows
- french doors
- Regency style wood verandah

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Ontario

Recognition Authority

Local Governments (ON)

Recognition Statute

Ontario Heritage Act

Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Designation (Part IV)

Recognition Date

1983/10/24

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Developing Economies
Trade and Commerce
Building Social and Community Life
Social Movements
Governing Canada
Politics and Political Processes

Function - Category and Type

Current

Residence
Multiple Dwelling

Historic

Residence
Single Dwelling

Architect / Designer

Bishop Frederick Dawson Fauquier

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

Community Services Department, Recreation and Culture Division, City of Sault Ste. Marie

Cross-Reference to Collection

Sault Ste. Marie Museum; Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Archives

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

HPON05-0585

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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