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Images by Emily Long. Courtesy of RJC Engineers. Used with permission
The Lumsden Building, located at 6 Adelaide Street East has received the Crafts and Trades Award at the 51st annual Heritage Toronto Awards. The award falls under the Built Heritage category and recognizes conservation work that uses construction techniques and materials compatible with a building’s original architectural qualities. The offices of de VRIES LITIGATION LLP have been in the Lumsden Building for over 10 years, and the firm shared the building’s nomination news in September.
Designed by J.A. McKenzie and completed in 1909, the Lumsden Building is an early high-rise office building distinguished by its manufactured cast stone façade. Property owner Dream Unlimited engaged ERA Architects, HRI Group, and RJC Engineers to carry out repairs to the south and west elevations. Deteriorated sills and lintels were selectively replaced with matching architectural precast concrete units, while other cast stone elements were repaired and resurfaced. Additionally, the work included parapet rehabilitation with stucco and lead flashing, replacement of copper flashing at the second-floor cornice, window sealant renewal, and façade cleaning.
As the award citation notes, historic material was retained wherever practicable, with replacement limited to the elements that required it. The recognition reflects the care taken to preserve the building’s original character while it remains in active use. The firm wishes to congratulate Dream Unlimited and the project team on this recognition.