During the Real Property Institute of Canada Awards Gala on November 18, 2015, the Sir John A Macdonald Building won the 2015 RPIC Federal Heritage Buildings Award of Excellence in Heritage Conservation.
From the RPIC web site:
The rehabilitation and heritage restoration of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building at the prominent location of Wellington and Sparks St, across from the Parliamentary Precinct, is a significant accomplishment in heritage conservation. Built in the 1930s the building’s architecture is a noteworthy example of modern classicism. It received a “Classified” heritage designation in 1986.
The rehabilitation project, valued at $99M, began in 2012 and involved structural and seismic upgrades; interior refurbishment; the replacement of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety systems; and the construction of an annex. The project achieved the goal of full heritage restoration and the building was unveiled in June 2015. The buildings elaborate windows were repaired, stonemasons repaired the deteriorated masonry joints. The multi-use conference centre, now modernized to the 21st century standards, retained its impressive limestone walls and elegant features. An atrium provides a transition between the modern and heritage area of the building.
The building now serves as the Confederation Room, hosting large meetings and ceremonial events for Parliament.
Project Team: Nathan Juneau, Kristina Leaning and Rocque Gameiro, Public Works and Government Services Canada; Kathee O’Neil Cole and Keith Sim, MHPM / TIREE in Joint Venture; David Clusiau, Pilar Bryson and Jonathan Hughes, NORR Limited; Mark Brandt and Chris Warden, MTBA ASSOCIATES INC.
For information on the rest of the winners, view the RPIC Awards web site here
Other awards previously bestowed on the Sir John A Macdonald Building Rehabilitation Project include:
- Ecclesiastical Insurance Cornerstone Awards for Building Heritage, National Trust for Canada, 2015;
- Award of Excellence for Urban Low-rise Infill, City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, 2015;
- Award of Excellence for Heritage Planning – Adaptive Reuse, Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, 2014.
