The winners of the 2021 Heritage Toronto Awards were announced on October 18, 2021 during an online ceremony. In its 46th year, the Heritage Toronto Awards recognize extraordinary contributions to Toronto’s heritage.
This year’s Built Heritage Award category recognized building owners who have undertaken projects to conserve or adapt a historic property or architectural feature. The award also honored excellence in conservation practice and craftsmanship performed by the project teams.
The 2021 Built Heritage category comprises three awards: Adaptive Reuse, Heritage Planning & Architecture, and the inaugural Craftsmanship award.
The winners include:
The Craftsmanship Award – recognizing the use of construction techniques and materials that are compatible with the building’s original architectural qualities.
The Award went to:
Paradise Theatre, 1006 Bloor Street West, for reimagining an early 20th-century cinema, inspired by its Art Deco design by Benjamin Brown, one of the earliest Jewish architects in Toronto. The 1937 heritage-designated landmark has been transformed into a thriving creative hub and community amenity.
Property Owner: Paradise on Bloor
Project Representative: Ware Malcomb
Heritage Architect: ERA Architects
Heritage Craftsperson/Consultant: Solid Design Creative
Additional Project Partners: Clifford Restoration Ltd., Brascon Stainless Steel Fabricators, Pride Signs
The Heritage Planning & Architecture Award – recognizing the successful application of appropriate conservation and planning principles.
The Award went to:
Massey Tower for revitalizing the former branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce at 197 Yonge Street as part of a new mixed-use development. The project prioritized the rehabilitation of the 1905 landmark, maintaining its visibility on Yonge Street by setting the connected tower behind the heritage building.
Property Owner: Condo Corporation TSCC 2739
Heritage Architect: ERA Architects
Developer: Mod Developments Inc.
Heritage Craftsperson/Consultant: Clifford Restoration Ltd.
Prime Architect: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Additional Project Partners: Cecconi Simone, Acanthus Heritage Plastering
The Adaptive Reuse Award – recognizing projects that meet current needs while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision.
The Award went to:
Downsview Campus Centre for Aerospace and Aviation, 65 Carl Hall Road, for transforming the de Havilland plant, built from 1929 to 1944 and once the centre of aviation manufacturing and design in Canada. The site now houses an innovative learning institution for Centennial College, which continues to contribute to the legacy of Canadian aviation.
Property Owner: Centennial College
Architects: MJMA + Stantec
Heritage Architects: ERA Architects
Additional Project Partners: Blackwell, Crossey Engineering, Aercoustics Engineering, Hanscomb