Heritage & Revitalizations / Adaptive Re-use

With 75 years of experience, Eastern is familiar with the approvals, heritage conservation requirements, and structural realities that shape work on existing buildings. We work closely with heritage consultants, architects, engineers, and authorities having jurisdiction to retain and restore character defining elements while carefully integrating new building systems and interventions. We take a collaborative, relationship driven approach with owners, user groups, and design teams so that heritage revitalizations and adaptive reuse facilities open on time, respect their history, and provide comfortable, efficient spaces for contemporary use.

Eastern is experienced in managing complex investigation and enabling phases, including selective demolition, hazardous material abatement, and structural stabilization. We plan and sequence work to protect historic fabric, manage vibration and noise, and provide safe access for workers and neighbours in constrained urban sites.

Eastern has worked on adaptive reuse, façade retention, interior modernization, and additions that carefully integrate new construction with heritage or character buildings.

Notable landmark projects include the Rotman School of Management, a heritage adaptive reuse (1889) and expansion that was described by KPMB Architects as an exemplar for fairness and delivering the highest quality building possible; the University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, an iconic modern design integrated with an 1875 heritage building featuring high quality, complex interior finishes; the Queen Richmond Centre, an office tower set atop heritage buildings from the 1880s; the National Ballet School Project Grand Jeté, a heritage adaptive reuse (1856) and expansion; and the Evergreen at the Brickworks, a LEED Platinum heritage adaptive reuse (1889) and expansion.

Eastern brings a measured, detail‑oriented approach that balances preservation with renewal. Our objective is to extend the life and relevance of existing buildings, so they continue to serve their owners and communities for decades to come.