
Winchester Hotel Hall Restoration
Winchester Hotel and Hall

Winchester Hotel and 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

