University of Toronto Schools Addition & Renovation
Performing arts and heritage restoration and expansion.
The University of Toronto Schools has a long standing reputation as an educational provider in Toronto. Established in 1906, University of Toronto Schools became an independent not-for-profit school affiliated with the University of Toronto in 2006.
In 2018, UTS selected Eastern as the Construction Manager to undertake a major redevelopment of the facility. Designed under the leadership of UTS alumni Don Schmitt ’70 and Birgit Siber of Diamond Schmitt Architects, the project includes the restoration of heritage facades dated 1910 and 1924, interior renovation of the historical East Wing, and a new addition representing a 33% increase in usable space from 90,000 sq ft to 120,000 sq ft.
Major design features include: skylight atrium connecting the renovation and addition with amphitheatre seating; 700-seat auditorium; Black Box Theatre / drama classroom; library and Learning Commons; athletic spaces including full size double gymnasium, changerooms, cardio / weight room and physical therapy space; multi-purpose room; specialized classrooms for music, art and science; media lab and creativity Maker Studios; Refashioned Huron Street entrance with an urban plaza; and restoration of heritage-protected facade.
Highlights
- Construction Management Contract (GMP)
- Congested urban residential neighbourhood
- Located adjacent busy Bloor / Spadina intersection
- Adjacent UofT Sociology Department remained operational
- as did nearby interfaith buildings and parkettes
- Auditorium and amphitheatre seating
- Athletic spaces
- Multi-purpose room
- Media lab and studios
- Heritage elements
- Adaptive reuse
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