The renovation of the Redemptorists’ Monastery included conservation of the exterior masonry, accessibility upgrades, window replacements, and full interior renovation. Prior to the renovation, SBA was commissioned to develop a Feasibility Study to look at the consolidation of the Redemptorists’ facilities, the upgrading of the living accommodations of their aging population and the opportunity to separate the Monastery from the adjacent St. Patrick’s Church in order to provide a private live-work space for the Order.
On the exterior, SBA worked through an interactive process of design consultation and approval from the City’s Preservation Services to redesign the original dangerous tile covered entrance stairs to integrate a new stair and ramp to address both the Monastery’s aging population and barrier-free upgrades. In addition, new wood double entrance doors, complete with a glazed arched transom and security hardware, were constructed and installed within the existing masonry opening.
Given financial constraints, the remaining work in the exterior was limited to the principal west elevation and included the restoration of the metal pediment and iconic Celtic cross, redressing of the sandstone columns, cleaning and restoration of the masonry chimneys, replacement of the leaking vinyl windows with historically sensitive wood windows and reinstallation of the salvaged and restored metal fence and re-introduction of the lost street trees.
The interior renovations included the renovation of 14 resident rooms with new ensuite bathrooms, guest rooms, private chapel, and lounges for the Fathers as well as new offices, meeting rooms, and other ancillary spaces to be shared with the public. Two interior wood staircases and seven stained glass windows were conserved. The extant plaster cornices and metal ceilings discovered during demolition were restored and incorporated, the communal kitchen was upgraded, and a high density storage unit installed.</p>
SBA worked closely with the Fathers, our consultant team, City of Toronto Preservation Services, heritage contractor and subtrades to complete this complex project, carefully integrating modern services within a heritage building to create a respectful renovation that will last.
Awards:
CAHP Award of Excellence – Conservation Projects Architecture – 2015
204-120 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON M5A 4K2
Tel: 416-961-5690
Email: office@sba.on.ca