This complex project involved renovations to a heritage building, an old United Church, to convert it into a Montessori school.  The 19,000 SF building is protected by the City of Toronto and Heritage Preservation Services and the existing façades, bell tower and window openings were to be preserved, per the COT Heritage Act.

The scope of work included the complete overhaul of existing mechanical and electrical services, as well as upgrades to power, gas, sanitary and water municipal services. All interior mechanical and electrical systems were replaced and air conditioning was added throughout the facility.  Structural upgrades included reinforcing wooden beams underneath the gym, roofing slopes, and replacement of existing wooden sheathing.  Upgrades were made to existing exterior walls, windows and the roof. New City water and fire lines, along with a new sprinkler system and fire hydrant on the front of the property were added.

Interior upgrades began with asbestos abatement.  An elevator shaft was constructed using structural steel and a steel stud/gypsum board system to create a shaft wall assembly. Ramps were added to accommodate grade changes from floor to floor and barrier-free washrooms and a family washroom were constructed.

The churches nave was transformed into classrooms, cubbies and washrooms. 90-year old wooden floors were refinished and new sheet flooring, carpet and laminate flooring laid. The existing gym was upgraded to include new change rooms and washroom facilities.

There were a number of challenges that had to be overcome, including the replacement of all basement sanitary lines and branches, interior waterproofing of basement walls and the repairing of water-damaged walls.  An existing buried bunker needed to be decommissioned, removed and then replaced with clean, engineered fill. Percon lead the charge on all these issues, sourcing solutions that had minimal impact on the timeline and were also cost-effective.