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HERITAGE CONVERSION
 Pine Grove Public School circa 1890, also known as “Little Paradise” |
Sportsworld Crossing was presented with a unique development opportunity upon discovering that a former schoolhouse at Sportsworld Crossing is in fact a heritage building with ties to the early settlement of Kitchener. The Pine Grove School, formerly known as “Little Paradise”, was built around 1890 and served as a school for early settlers in the surrounding area. Click on the thumbnail or here to see full sized image. |
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 Existing Pine Grove School House |
In the mid-1950s, Henry Heldmann purchased the historic Pine Grove Public School building. It was replaced by a larger school which was built nearby. Henry Heldmann then converted the old school building into a factory and private dwelling. The factory produced plastic bandages; Henry became the first manufacturer of plastic bandages and was subsequently awarded a Canadian Plastics Certificate of Merit for his achievement. Henry’s business, Cress Laboratories, also produced skin care products which were sold in Canadian pharmacies for a period of 66 years. Click on the thumbnail or here to see full sized image. |
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 Road dedication ceremony recognizing the Heldmann Family |
After Henry's death in 1972 the business was carried on in the school building by Henry's wife Marion, his sons John and Jim, and other members of the Heldmann family. Marion Heldmann remained in the Heldmann House until 1997. The structure was home to Mad Science as part of the Sportsworld Water Park; and the building and land were purchased in 2005 to become part of Sportsworld Crossing. In honour of the Heldmann family, Sportsworld Crossing has named the interior road running past the school from King Street to Sportsworld Drive Heldmann Road. Click on the thumbnail or here to see full sized image. |
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 Future Borealis Grille & Bar Opening Summer 2010 |
Borealis Grille & Bar, a unique restaurant serving only local foods, will be the newest resident of the historic house. Renovation and restoration of the house is underway and Borealis will open in Summer 2010. Click on the thumbnail or here to see full sized image. Click here to view The Waterloo Record “Reclaiming heritage before it’s all gone” PDF Click here to view The Waterloo Record “Old school house to become part of Sportsworld redevelopment” PDF |
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