Hidden among the high-rise developments and master-planned communities that make up the most visible components in this city's urban renewal, historically-sensitive adaptive reuse projects play an important role in preserving the Toronto of yore while intensifying the core. One such example currently unfolding is the restoration of the c.1875 William R. Johnston House at Jarvis and Isabella Streets, and its expansion through a modern addition which will serve as the new home of Casey House, a leading HIV/AIDS facility serving patients and their families with care homes and a community centre.

Casey House viewed from Isabella Street, image by Forum contributor TheKingEast

Bird Construction broke ground on the facility in late March 2015, followed by the shoring and excavation phases. By midsummer 2015, the crane had been installed and work began on the first elements of the concrete structure's foundations. By December 2015, the project's addition had reached grade. This milestone was followed by the project's structural completion in May 2016.

Restored heritage elements visible beside a new staircase, image by Forum contributor skycandy

The heritage-designated Victorian mansion—known for years as the "Grey Lady" due to a coat of grey paint that covered the original brickwork—is being extensively restored both inside and out. Though much of the original structure is currently obscured behind the scaffold that crews are using, hints of the restored brickwork promise a reassuring return to the home's original beauty.

Curtain wall cladding at Casey House, image by Forum contributor skycandy

In behind the Jarvis Street mansion, most of the four-storey, 59,000 square foot facility will be housed in the modern addition designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects. As of June, the first glazing panels have been attached to the exterior.

Curtain wall cladding at Casey House, image by Forum contributor skycandy

The  curtain wall panels now being installed around the exterior are darkly tinted to provide some privacy for patients and their families while allowing ample natural light to enter the space. A central courtyard will provide more light and a quiet landscaped space. Many of the windows on the project will be operable, allowing for fresh air circulation. The opaque portions of the exterior will be clad in a bronze reflective glass with a bird-friendly coating.

Casey House viewed from Huntley and Isabella, image by Forum contributor TheKingEast

Want to know more about the Casey House development? You can visit our dataBase file for it, linked below, for more details and renderings. Want to talk about it? Join in on the conversation in the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.