Canadian architects and urbanists were at the helm of five projects that were among the winners of the the 2023 Heritage Toronto Awards.
The Heritage Toronto Awards bring together leaders, innovators and emerging professionals from across cultural, development, and policy-making sectors to celebrate achievements in Toronto’s heritage. The event is also Heritage Toronto’s major fundraiser of the year and raises monies in support of its public programming.
“At the heart of this celebration is the recognition that our city’s heritage is a dynamic collection of stories waiting to be discovered, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation. Each nominee, in their own way, embodies the spirit of Toronto’s heritage and reminds us of the importance of exploring our past while looking to the future,” reads a release about the winners.
The Public History Award was presented to A Big Vision for Little Jamaica: Black Cultural History & Mapping Process, led by Jay Pitter, for the group’s comprehensive study of the rich heritage of the Little Jamaica neighbourhood, which demonstrated the important connection between cultural practices and the built environment.
In 2023, Heritage Toronto presented three awards in the Built Heritage category. They include the following.
The Adaptive Reuse Award, which recognizes projects that meet current needs while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision was awarded to The Transformation of the Albert Campbell District Library, 496 Birchmount Road, for revitalizing a 1970s modernist building and transforming it into a contemporary, integrated, and inclusive community space. (Canadian Architect’s review of the building can be viewed here.)
Property Owner: Toronto Public Library
Architecture and Interior Design: LGA Architectural Partners
Indigenous Consultant: Trina Moyan, Bell and Bernard LTD
Indigenous Garden Design and Installation: Miinikaan Innovation and Design
Landscape Architect: Aboud & Associates
Mural Wall: Red Urban Nation Artist Collective
Contractor: Pre-Eng Contracting
The Heritage Planning & Architecture Award, which recognizes the successful application of appropriate conservation and planning principles was awarded to 80 Richmond Facade Restoration and Storefront Renovation, 80 Richmond Street West, for the skillful reinterpretation of the original 1920s design and structure, bringing to life heritage elements using historical preservation methods.
Property Owner: Dream Office REIT
Heritage Architect: Philip Evans
Heritage Craftsperson/Consultant: Chris Huntley
Project Representative: David Takacs
Facade Condition Assessment: Entuitive
Lighting Designer: Lightstudio
The Crafts and Trades Award, which recognizes the use of construction techniques and materials that are compatible to the building’s original architectural qualities, was awarded to North Wing Coat of Arms Conservation, Legislative Assembly of Ontario Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley Street West, for the skillful restoration of the intricately carved coat of arms, reviving the Romanesque-Revival ornament to its proper form.
Property Owner: Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Precinct Properties Branch
Architect: +VG Architects
Masonry Conservation Consultants: Capital Conservation Services
Contractor: DJ McCrea
Masonry Conservator: Trevor Gillingwater Conservation Services Inc.
For more information and to see the full list of winners, click here.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
