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Heritage Toronto has announced their 2023 Built Heritage Award nominees. The 48th Annual Heritage Toronto Awards will celebrate the city's diversity with a grand total of 47 nominees across three categories that also includes Public History and Books.
The Built Heritage category is divided into three awards: Adaptive Reuse recognizes projects that maintain the integrity of the original design; Heritage Planning & Architecture celebrates the application of conservation and planning principles; finally, Crafts and Trades honours high levels of craftsmanship and appropriate construction techniques.
Here are 2023's nominees:
Located at the Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough, this project transformed a 1964 storage facility, built for a collection of architectural artifacts rescued from the city, into a dynamic new arts and culture centre. The project, completed in April, 2022, is a striking example of adaptive reuse, designed by Taylor Hazell Architects for Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group Inc. The original building's simple volume was enhanced with an independent structure. The revitalization effort carefully balanced the original architectural elements with modern amenities, creating a vibrant, multifaceted centre that celebrates both the past and the future.
South Elevation Conservation and Restoration of the Loew's Theatre Sign
The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre, a historic site built in 1913 by Marcus Loew, underwent a meticulous conservation project completed in December, 2022. Ontario Heritage Trust purchased the building in 1981 and completed significant interior restorations at the time. This project focused on restoring the South Elevation and the iconic Loew's Theatre Sign. The south elevation, once marred by years of painted advertisements, has been meticulously cleaned and restored. The effort not only enhanced the building's aesthetics but also ensured its structural integrity.
80 Richmond Facade Restoration and Renovation
The project at 80 Richmond entailed a careful and respectful restoration of the building's facades. Construction started back in 1929 and finished in 1937 after delays with the final floors. Completed in May, 2022, the project led by DREAM Unlimited involved a full restoration and addressed storefront alterations from the late 1980s to provide a more harmonious storefront given the site's heritage. The project is part of DREAM's broader vision for conserving heritage properties, and it stands as a reimagined heritage project in Toronto's Financial District.
North Wing Coat of Arms Conservation at Legislative Assembly of Ontario Queens Park
The North Wing of the Legislative Assembly Building at Queen’s Park, added between 1909-1913, was constructed in the Romanesque-Revival style, with a combination of red sandstones. Its decorative masonry include an intricately carved Coat of Arms, two lions’ heads, and engaged columns that frame a carved stone spandrel panel. In line with a continuous exterior conservation and maintenance plan, +VG Architects was commissioned in 2021 to assess the conditions surrounding the Coat of Arms and its adjacent features. The aim was to address deteriorations, inherent deficiencies, and potential failures evident in the masonry. The project was completed in November 2022.
The University of Toronto Libraries took the challenge of transforming the 1973 Mathers and Haldenby-designed Brutalist Robarts Library through the addition of a modern study space. The original design for the area above the loading dock on the west side of the library included plans for an auditorium, but could not be completed due to budgetary constraints. Fifty years later, addressing the more pressing need for more study space has now been addressed on this part of the property. Completed in September of last year, the design by Diamond Schmitt Architects and adds 1,200 study spaces over four floors. The design is a transparent counterpoint to the original structure, inviting the university community into a modern, accessible study environment.
Albert Campbell District Library
Albert Campbell District Library in Scarborough is an example of how adaptive reuse can transform community spaces. Completed in October, 2022, the project was led by LGA Architectural Partners and turned a 1970s modernist building into a vibrant hub for the community of Birchmount Park. The library now features a Digital Innovation Hub, recording studio, and an accessible rooftop terrace, among other amenities. The upgrades have empowered the Toronto Public Library to make strides in its goals involving environmental sustainability and community placemaking.
University of Toronto Schools (UTS)
The University of Toronto Schools (UTS) underwent a significant revitalization, preserving its 110-year history while introducing over 5,500m² of new learning spaces. Completed in September 2022, the project was designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and ERA Architects, preserving and rehabilitating the heritage wings, as well as converting a former gymnasium into a black box theatre. The project highlights the power of harmonizing heritage with modern educational needs, offering a blend of restored classrooms and new, state-of-the-art facilities, including a new below-grade double gymnasium.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for October 30th at The Carlu. Tickets are available at Heritage Toronto's website.
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