{"id":21606,"date":"2023-09-06T00:00:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T07:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/heritage-toronto-announces-seven-built-heritage-award-nominees\/"},"modified":"2023-09-06T00:00:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T07:00:07","slug":"heritage-toronto-announces-seven-built-heritage-award-nominees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/heritage-toronto-announces-seven-built-heritage-award-nominees\/","title":{"rendered":"Heritage Toronto Announces Seven Built Heritage Award Nominees"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Heritage Toronto has announced their\u00a02023 Built Heritage Award<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The Built Heritage category is divided into three awards: Adaptive Reuse recognizes projects that maintain the integrity of the original design;\u00a0Heritage Planning & Architecture celebrates the application of conservation and planning principles; finally, Crafts and Trades honours high levels of craftsmanship and appropriate construction techniques.<\/p>\n

Here are 2023’s nominees:<\/p>\n

The Clark Centre for the Arts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Taylor Hazell Architects<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group Inc.<\/a>\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

The Clark Centre for the Arts, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Northern Light<\/span><\/p>\n

South Elevation Conservation and Restoration of the Loew’s Theatre Sign<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

South Elevation Conservation Project & Restoration of the Loew’s Theatre Sign, image sourced from Heritage Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n

80 Richmond Facade Restoration and Renovation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

80 Richmond Street, image sourced from Heritage Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n

Legislative Assembly of Ontario<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

This project introduced a new Visitor Welcome Centre that blends modernity with the original Romanesque composition. The original design did not anticipate the number of visitors to the site, as well as the screening facilities required for safety. Completed in February, 2021, the project was guided by heritage architect Sydney Martin and Diamond Schmitt Architects<\/a>. The project marked the first major renovation of the welcome centre since its inception in 1909. The new structure is a modest yet modern addition that complements the original composition, offering a safe and welcoming environment for the thousands of visitors the building receives each year.<\/p>\n

North Wing Coat of Arms Conservation at Legislative Assembly of Ontario, image sourced from Heritage Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n

Robarts Common<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The University of Toronto<\/a> Libraries took the challenge of transforming the 1973\u00a0Mathers and Haldenby<\/a>-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\u00a0Diamond Schmitt Architects<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0adds 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.<\/p>\n

Looking north to Robarts Common, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor AlbertC<\/span><\/p>\n

Albert Campbell District Library<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Albert Campbell District Library, image sourced from Heritage Toronto<\/span><\/p>\n

University of Toronto Schools (UTS)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The University of Toronto<\/a> Schools (UTS) underwent a significant revitalization, preserving its 110-year history while introducing over 5,500m\u00b2\u00a0of new learning spaces. Completed in September 2022, the project was designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0ERA Architects<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

University of Toronto Schools, image by Craig White<\/span><\/p>\n

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony\u00a0scheduled for October 30th at The Carlu<\/a>.\u00a0Tickets are available at Heritage Toronto’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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UrbanToronto has a research service,\u00a0UrbanToronto Pro<\/a>, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area\u2014from proposal through to completion. We also offer\u00a0Instant\u00a0Reports<\/a>, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter,\u00a0New Development Insider<\/a>, that tracks projects from initial application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n