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RESTORATION & INSTITUTIONAL WORK
We specialize in restoration of historic structures carried out to the highest standards of conservation as well as renovation and adaptive re-use in historic buildings. Select the images below to learn more about our services.
Conditions Assessments
Conditions assessment of historic structures is a major part of our business. This may be as simple as investigating a single building element, or as complex as a complete review of the building inside and out with architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical reports. With the results of the assessment we can provide a long-term restoration and maintenance plan complete with budget estimates.
Image shows the tower of Rosedale United Church, from a crane during masonry assessment. The project team included RJC, structural engineers, and R Kendall Consulting, roofing consultants.
Image shows the tower of Rosedale United Church, from a crane during masonry assessment. The project team included RJC, structural engineers, and R Kendall Consulting, roofing consultants.
Conditions Assessments - Access
Assessing historic buildings means finding a way to get up close to the subject.
We have the training and experience to safely and effectively assess building fabric from boom lifts, cranes, and swing stages. We also employ high definition telephoto photography to supplement direct access, or when access isn't economical.
Image shows the elevation of 302 Bay Street looking along the length of the swing stage used for assessment of the entire fourteen storey building. The project team included RJC, structural engineers.
We have the training and experience to safely and effectively assess building fabric from boom lifts, cranes, and swing stages. We also employ high definition telephoto photography to supplement direct access, or when access isn't economical.
Image shows the elevation of 302 Bay Street looking along the length of the swing stage used for assessment of the entire fourteen storey building. The project team included RJC, structural engineers.
Restoration
Restoration of historic buildings to the highest standards of conservation is the basis of our practice. This means understanding historic materials, patterns of failure, and conservation methods; it means having tested and up to date specifications and repair details; and it means having relationships with the best restoration contractors, trades, and specialist consultants.
Image shows Cruickston Park, near Cambridge, Ontario, undergoing exterior masonry work and re-roofing. We provided specialist consulting on slate, copper, and masonry detailing during the restoration of this stunning estate
Image shows Cruickston Park, near Cambridge, Ontario, undergoing exterior masonry work and re-roofing. We provided specialist consulting on slate, copper, and masonry detailing during the restoration of this stunning estate
Restoration - Masonry
Restoration of historic masonry requires an accurate diagnosis of conditions and causes; specification of proper mortar and other materials; and detailed supervision of the work to ensure that the correct materials and methods are used. Done incorrectly, there is a very real risk of irreparable damage to the original masonry material. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure that masonry restoration, repair, and alteration is carried out correctly, and looks great when completed and years in the future.
Image shows a sample of cutting out old mortar joints, along with the tool – and hand – that did the work. George Peach House, Markham.
Image shows a sample of cutting out old mortar joints, along with the tool – and hand – that did the work. George Peach House, Markham.
Restoration – Historic Roofing
Nothing is more important to the health of a building than a sound, water-tight roof. Historic roofing materials can last for a century or more with proper maintenance, but eventually repair or replacement is required. Our work on historic slate, copper, or wood roofs combines a detailed knowledge of traditional practice and detailing with modern materials and methods for underlayments, flashing, and venting. The resulting roofs have the appearance and life expectancy of the originals, with the reliable watertight performance of a modern assembly.
Image shows original red slate dating from 1915, in typical condition for its age. Rosedale United Church.
Image shows original red slate dating from 1915, in typical condition for its age. Rosedale United Church.
Doors & Windows
Image is a rendering showing one of several designs for a new front door at Christ Church Deer Park, Toronto.
Safety Upgrades
Upgrading building safety is an essential part of owning and operating an historic building. We can assist owners in identifying areas of concern and then provide design solutions, working with structural engineers or specialized consultants where necessary. Common upgrades include new or updated handrails, guardrails, access ladders, and roof anchors.
Image shows the sanctuary balcony at Rosedale United Church. We reinforced the historic cast iron balustrade with new steel framing to meet modern code requirements, with no visible change to its historic appearance. The project team included Quaile Engineering, structural consultants.
Image shows the sanctuary balcony at Rosedale United Church. We reinforced the historic cast iron balustrade with new steel framing to meet modern code requirements, with no visible change to its historic appearance. The project team included Quaile Engineering, structural consultants.
Barrier Free Accessibility
Enhancing barrier-free access within historic buildings is a key part of our work, whether during a larger renovation or as a standalone project.
Barrier free entrances, doors and door hardware, barrier free washrooms, and kitchenettes are common building updates. We have also accommodated more unusual requirements, such as wheelchair access within a commercial kitchen.
Image shows the interior of a newly installed barrier-free washroom, Rosedale United Church.
Barrier free entrances, doors and door hardware, barrier free washrooms, and kitchenettes are common building updates. We have also accommodated more unusual requirements, such as wheelchair access within a commercial kitchen.
Image shows the interior of a newly installed barrier-free washroom, Rosedale United Church.
Heritage Consulting
We have the knowledge, experience, and professional qualifications to offer quality advice on alterations to designated heritage structures. We work with our clients to develop appropriate interventions that follow recognized heritage conservation principles; we then coordinate with heritage authorities and develop the necessary documents – Heritage Impact Assessments and Conservation Plans – to obtain heritage approval and permits.
Image shows St. Andrew's Church, King Street, Toronto, prior to alterations to the historic gates and church entrance. We provided heritage consulting services for the alteration and heritage permit.
Image shows St. Andrew's Church, King Street, Toronto, prior to alterations to the historic gates and church entrance. We provided heritage consulting services for the alteration and heritage permit.
Recent institutional and commercial clients include:
Recent Clients
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The Legislative Assembly of Ontario
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Knox College, University of Toronto
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Mada Holdings for the Royal Bank of Canada
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The Danforth Music Hall & Embrace Entertainment
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Rosedale United Church
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Christ Church Deer Park
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St. Andrew's Church
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Pace Development
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