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Photograph of a 4 storey brown brick building. Long panel windows cover the second and the left of the third storey. The windows on the right third storey and fourth storey are arched and have a pointed brick tops around them. The lowest level of the building contains small businesses including a Tim Hortons. The sky behind the building is blue with no clouds.

Winchester Hotel Hall Restoration

Winchester Hotel and Hall

Winchester Hotel and Hall, 2021 Heritage Toronto Awards Built Heritage Nominee. Image: Barkley Hunt.

Winchester Hotel and Hall, 2021 Heritage Toronto Awards Built Heritage Nominee. Image: Barkley Hunt.

Photograph of a 4 storey brown brick building. Long panel windows cover the second and the left of the third storey. The windows on the right fourth storey are arched and have a pointed brick tops around them. The lowest level of the building contains small businesses including a Tim Hortons. There is a traffic light on the red signal and a street sign that reads "OLD CABBAGETOWN / PARLIAMENT ST. / 518".
The Winchester Hotel & Hall, 2021 Heritage Toronto Awards Built Heritage Nominee. Image: Barkley Hunt

The Winchester Hotel & Hall, 2021 Heritage Toronto Awards Built Heritage Nominee. Image: Barkley Hunt

Conservation and Craftsmanship

The main challenge in conserving the Winchester Hotel and Hall was the varied and complicated scope of work as it included the entire exterior envelope. Conservation work to both buildings was very detailed and included traditional English tuckpointing on a grand scale using exactly the same materials and techniques as originally used, brick and stone restoration, wood detailing, lead coated copper, masonry cleaning, slate replacement, iron balcony conservation, painting and sealants and the lost lantern that existed long ago was recreated and celebrated by the neighbourhood at large.

By applying the craft of traditional English tuckpointing, the masonry to the original 1880’s appearance was preserved. Over 800 square meters of joint removal, colour-wash, stopping mortar and 5mm ribbons were completed as part of this project. It has been confirmed by GBCA and ERA Architects that this is the largest tuck pointed building completed in the last 40 years.

Exterior work also included:

—Brick replacement.

—Stone conservation and replacement.

—Heritage carpentry.

—Masonry cleaning.

—Metal Restoration.

—Wood window installation.

—Tile replacement and restoration.

Project Partners

Property Owner: Lesley Black

Owner’s Representative: Tom Mintsopoulos

Heritage Architect: GBCA Architects

Heritage Craftperson/Consultant: Hunt Heritage Ltd.

Additional Project Partners:

—SWS Engineering

—GBCA

—Tradewood Windows

—A and D Woodturning

—Roofing Inc.

—Standard Brass

—Flags Emporium