Case Study: Toronto School of Art preserves historic character and gains flexible studio space with Thornton Tomasetti

Toronto School of Art renovates 13,000 ft² historic building with Thornton Tomasetti

The Toronto School of Art faced the challenge of renovating its historic 1920s-era building, which required retaining its heavy timber and masonry character while creating flexible studio space and addressing long-standing water issues. Thornton Tomasetti was engaged to provide structural design and building envelope consulting services for the conversion and restoration.

Thornton Tomasetti implemented a solution that included a hygrothermal assessment and a new drainage system to stop basement water migration, repaired approximately 25% of the façade, and developed cost-effective structural reinforcements for timber flooring compromised by previous renovations. The vendor also redesigned a foundation on the fly to avoid an unexpected utility line, preventing construction delays. The project was successfully completed in 2019, preserving the building's historic character for the school's continued use.

Toronto School of Art