2021

SPECIAL AWARD
The Winchester Hotel, 531 Parliament Street

Owner: Lesley Black
Architects: Nicholas Barrette, Rob Brough, Paul Gagne,
Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd.
General Contractor: Tom Mintsopoulos, One Oak Design and Build
Restoration Contractor: Barkley Hunt, Hunt Heritage

History: The Winchester Hotel has been an important architectural and cultural Cabbagetown Landmark since 1881. It has gone through many changes, including two prior restorations that each brought the building closer to its original condition. The original lantern disappeared in the early twentieth century.

Reason for the Award: This award marks a completion of the Winchester’s restoration and a celebration of the restoration of the lantern. Along with the replication of Windows, doors, millwork and metal elements, 6,000 bricks were replaced. A subtle but remarkable change is the tuckpointing of brick joins in a multi-stage process including a colour-wash using beer. The final layer: a raised, lime putty ribbon precisely laid and trimmed for a sharp and geometric look to mimic the tight joints of expensive brick on buildings with poorer/irregular brick. Most important is the return of the long-lost lantern, built on site, including slate shingles.