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Good architecture and design is built to last and stand the test of time, but sometimes these places need to be refreshed. From a small 150 year old home on Spadina, to a massive piece of civic infrastructure, to a church remaining a place to convert believers or church converting to be a place to eat and sleep, and to a relatively young heritage building getting back to its old self, these final entries in the Heritage Toronto William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship category are ready for their next phase of life.
This award category honours owners who have undertaken projects to restore or adapt buildings or structures that have been in existence for forty years or more or are included on the City of Toronto's Inventory of Heritage Properties. In addition to the quality of craftsmanship, appropriateness of materials, and the use of sound conservation principles, the jury considers how well the project meets current needs while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision.
The winners will be announced at the 2013 Heritage Toronto Awards gala on October 15.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
2701 Queen Street East
Commissioned by: City of Toronto
Architectural/Design Firm: CH2M Hill
Heritage Consultant: Taylor Hazell Architects Ltd.
Craftsperson/Contractors: Clifford Restoration Ltd., Semple Gooder Roofing Corp.
The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant was constructed in 1932 in the Art Deco Style to the designs of architect Thomas C. Pomphrey. This project focused on exterior brick and stone masonry restoration, interior brick and marble restoration, as well as wood window and door restoration—without obstructing the continuous production of 47% of the GTA's water supply. Work also included partial brick replacement with new matching brick created to specifications. The failing glazed brick walls of the Pumping Station Screen Room were entirely reconstructed, copper roofs replaced, and the Alum Tower chimney partially rebuilt, all to their original design.
Richmond Adelaide Centre
111 Richmond Street West
Commissioned by: Oxford Properties Group
Architectural/Design Firm: WZMH Architects
Heritage Consultant: E.R.A. Architects Inc.
Contractor: Limen Construction Group Ltd, Merit Glass, Camden Glass, Downsview Drywall Contracting
Richmond Adelaide Centre UT Thread
This project involved the partial restoration and rehabilitation of a 1954 office building designed in the Modern style by architect Peter Dickinson with engineer Morden Yolles. Work included the installation of new double-glazed windows which maintain the pattern, colour, and profile of the originals. Exterior limestone cladding and the exterior entrance canopy were cleaned and repaired, while the original interior lobby that had been dramatically altered in the 1980s was restored to its original condition. As a result of this project, the building achieved LEED Gold certification.
Spadina Historic House and Gardens
285 Spadina Road
Commissioned by: Museum Services, City of Toronto
Architectural/Design Firm: George Robb Architect
Craftspersons/Contractors: Multiple
Before:
After:
Constructed for the Austin family in 1866, Spadina House had been altered and expanded several times before being acquired by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the City of Toronto, restored, and opened in 1984 as a museum. Completed between 2010-2012, this project involved the comprehensive re-restoration of the interior to harmonize the period of interpretation of all the museum rooms to the 1920s and 1930s. The project drew on detailed documentation of the house from that period, and included restoration of woodwork, wood floors, linoleum floors, wallpaper, paint, plaster cornices and medallions, glass work, and the re-creation of the servant quarters on the third floor.
St. Michael’s Cathedral
65 Bond Street
Commissioned by: Archdiocese of Toronto
Architectural/Design Firm: +VG (Ventin Group) Architects
Craftsperson/Contractors: Buttcon Ltd. and others
Toronto's oldest Roman Catholic church building, St. Michael's Cathedral, was designed by architect William Thomas in the Gothic Revival style and built in stages beginning in 1845. Part of a larger Reneval Master Plan, this project involved the masonry conservation of the west façade and the 275-foot tower. In order to match the original materials, replacement brick was imported from England. Earlier unsympathetic repairs were reversed and original features including pinnacles, finials, and flying buttresses were re-created to restore the spire and tower to their original appearance. Significant structural deterioration of the tower was addressed with the concealed use of reinforced concrete and stainless steel anchoring systems.
Victoria Lofts
152 Annette Street
Commissioned by: Rivet Developments
Architectural/Design Firm Paul Oberst Architect
Craft Person/Contractors: B.J. Brickwork Construction Ltd., Permatint Ltd.
The Victoria Lofts project is a residential conversion of the 1890 Victoria-Royce Presbyterian Church, designed by the architecture firm of Knox and Elliot. Character defining elements such as the "muscular" Romanesque Revival form and masonry exterior were preserved while adapting the interior for residential units. New glazing and mechanical openings were installed in recessed balcony areas placed within existing window openings. The masonry was restored with replacement bricks imported from England, while a mineral stain was used to eliminate patches from previous work throughout the exterior. Stained glass windows and the Casavant organ were donated to other churches, while oak pews were sold for reuse.
The Heritage Toronto Awards, presented by Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, hosted by CBC Radio’s Mary Ito with William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture by Gail Dexter Lord, will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. The Nominee’s reception is at 6:00 pm and the Awards program begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at 416-408-0208 or here.
| Related Companies: | Kramer Design Associates Limited, WZMH Architects |
