2017

EXCELLENCE IN RESTORATION
397 Carlton Street

Renovators: Valerie and Andy Pringle
Architect: Monica Kuhn
Contractor: Mike Tafts, G. Pederson and Associates
Award for Masonry: Brendan Playfair, Johnson Playfair Brick & Stone Masonry

History: The house was built in 1883 for the Barrister, James Reeves. It is a detached, two storey house in the “Italianate Villa Style”, and probably started out having more property surrounding it. The neighbouring house to the East, 399 Carlton Street, was only built in 1900, right up to the property line – and the East slope of the original roof of 397 had to be rebuilt to ensure that snow and water were not trapped between the two houses. The two car garage (studio) and the brick garden wall at the South lane end of the property were also constructed after the house, with the brick and the style being completely different. The basement walk-out on the West side of the house was more recent as well.

Reason for the award: The work was carefully undertaken and included the following: The curved wooden staircase in the front entry wall was retained and restored. The brick was cleaned, extensively repaired and repointed, or replaced where required; new bricks were mixed and matched to existing; the stone base at grade was repointed. The two storey, front porch, which wraps around the West corner, was rebuilt and replicated, including the ornamental trim; the front and side wood stairs and handrails were redesigned to more accurately reflect the original; the contemporary metal railing on the lower level was removed and replaced with a new painted wood railing. The existing wood entry vestibule on the front porch was discovered not to be original, and so was removed to expose the front door and the full expanse of the porch. All of the metal flashings, eavestroughs, and rainwater leaders were replaced, some in locations that were less invasive; the curved metal roofing over the front and side bays was replaced; and the ornamental wrought iron cresting around the top of the bay roofs was retained for replication.