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Thanks in large part to generous donations from Dr. Eric Jackman and Margaret and Wallace McCain, the Jackman Institute of Child Study—part of the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) is set to undergo a multimillion dollar redevelopment and renovation. Renamed in in honour of Dr. Jackman's $5 million donation in 2010, the Institute was founded in 1925/6, and together with the Lab School has made significant contributions to the shaping of early childhood education in the province, including the adoption of the Ontario Day Nurseries Act of 1942. Located one block north of Bloor Street West, the project's site includes 45 Walmer Road along with 56 and 58 Spadina Road.
Seen above, the rendering illustrates the renovation and restoration of 56 Spadina Road, a red brick, Arts and Crafts style building with distinctive design features, such as a slate-tiled hipped roof and uniquely shaped covered dormer. Replacing the structure which stood at 58 Spadina Road, will be the Margaret and Wallace McCain Pavilion, a modern glass rear addition to 45 Walmer Road. Designed by Taylor Smyth Architects, the three-storey 27,000 ft² addition will create an expanded and fully accessible space.
An airy, glassed-in lunchroom which will be visible from, and front onto, Spadina Road. The composition will be somewhat reminiscent of the the National Ballet School on Jarvis. (Used as a daycare and elementary school, these facilities provided education students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in observing—and participating in—the pedagogical process).
While demolition of 58 Spadina Road was completed in mid-April, the development plans call for the retention and restoration of both 56 Spadina Road (which may lose its distinct porch, likely for reasons of accessibility) and the Leighton G. McCarthy House at 45 Walmer Road, on the other side of the site. The demolition of 58 Spadina Road can be seen below, along with a view of the Leighton G. McCarthy House at 45 Walmer Road.
Once complete, the Margaret and Wallace McCain Pavilion—which will be attached to the rear of the Leighton G. McCarthy House, and to side of 56 Spadina Road—will include the large multi-purpose auditorium/gymnasium, along with space for new seminar rooms and classrooms for the Institute's graduate program, Lab School, and Dr. R.G.N. Laidlaw Research Centre. The combined vision of educators and planners working in conjunction with OISE, along with donors Dr. Eric Jackman and the Hon. Margaret Norris McCain,, the Institute's redevelopment and expansion could prove to be of substantial benefit to all involved in the pursuit of early childhood development and education.
Viewed in the image above, the floor plan for the second floor reveals the relationship shared by the three interconnected buildings, with 45 Walmer Road seen to the left, 56 Spadina Road and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Pavilion seen to the right. The Pavilion will be fully connected to the older buildings, which together will form a range of uses, from classrooms, to offices, study spaces, and beyond. This additional interconnectivity will help boost the Institute's presence as a premiere educational facility, and a key component OISE and the University of Toronto.
UrbanToronto will continue to provide updates on this story as progress continues. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. For further info and history on this project, the Institute's website can be found here.
