Construction Highlights

22. December 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Construction Update

As we approach the end of 2011, the Red Antiquities Building Project nears the end of it’s third phase. We wish to extend our appreciation to our sponsors and share some of the construction milestones reached over the last six months:

The old roof on the rear addition had deteriorated beyond repair and was structurally unsound. Our crew built a new roof, raising it 8” to accommodate 6’ of headroom, thus increasing the usable space on the third floor.

The red siding and exterior trim is complete. The original wide boards of eastern white pine were in poor repair and required replacement.  The new boards are an exact replica of the original wide boards.  The original window frames, trim and dentils (decorative trim near the roof) were in good shape and able to be restored by the team.

Hydro, gas, water and sanitary services were installed.

The basement is framed to provide more office space. The majority of the framing on the main and upper floor is completed.  Work on the flooring began on the main and second levels.

The elegant front entrance on the residence side of the building was restored by a skilled craftsman and is being installed.  New basement windows and window boxes are installed.

Masons restored the exterior chimneys. The flues of both chimneys were unusable and had to be replaced. The masons did exceptional work rebuilding the chimneys off a platform secured to the roof. The brick work around the foundation is finished and rare bricks with maker’s marks now highlight the corners on the south and west side of the building.

The re-engineering of the roof trusses is complete.  Structural supports were added to meet current codes. The rotted boards of the original roof were replaced and a stone covered steel roof is being installed.  The roofing material has the look of traditional wood shake with the durability of steel.

In November, we were honoured by Architectural Conservatory of Ontario with the AK Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy. This award recognizes an individual, an informal group or an established non-profit organization that, at a critical point, achieved exemplary success in solving a significant heritage crisis.

The next phase will involve the installation of heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. This will be followed by insulation, drywalling, and interior restorations. In the spring, landscaping will be completed. We hope to have the building ready for occupancy in April 2012 as our fundraising continues in order to raise money to finance the final phases.

To follow our progress more closely, follow us on Facebook at “Back from the Brink.”

We are very thankful for all the support we receive. It is through the generosity of our community that this project continues to be a great success!

The Red Antiquities Building: From Ruins To Renewal

15. December 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Announcements

When: January 17-21, noon – 5:00 pm

Where: The Arts Project, 203 Dundas Street, London ON

This photo exhibition is a rare opportunity to view this historic structure through an artistic and contemporary medium. Each photographic print represents the 139 year old building with a unique, creative perspective and an artistic edge. Featuring the work of local photographer Mike Wood and others, this is an opportunity to experience London’s past as well as the pathway to its future.

Each print is available for purchase, the proceeds of which will go towards the effort to save, preserve and revitalize this significant heritage property.

The RAB Receives a New DECRA Roof!

02. December 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Construction Update

The Red Antiquities Building (RAB) would like to thank DECRA® Stone Coated Steel Roofing Systems and their regional distributor, Copp’s Buildall. DECRA has donated 25 squares of DECRA Shake XD®, to restore our roof. 

DECRA Shake XD, will give the RAB roof the look of hand-split shake, without the worry or maintenance that traditional wood shake requires.  This roofing product will offer protection from freeze/thaw conditions, high winds, and hail damage. DECRA’s products are lightweight and will not cause strain or damage to existing roof beams, retaining the historical components original to the structure when it was first built.  Shake XD® has a unique hidden fastening system and is installed direct to the deck and requires no special tools. Shake XD® provides the durability and longevity of stone coated steel and is backed by a 50-year warranty.  The panels will not crack, split, curl or break like traditional wood shakes.

We’re in the process of installing the Shake XD now, and it looks fantastic!

 

 

5th Annual Heritage Awards Programme: Call for Nominations

21. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Announcements

Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (London Region Branch) and Heritage London Foundation

This awards programme seeks to recognize individuals and organizations from either the private or public sector who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the preservation ofLondon’s built heritage. Nominees may be proposed for their long-term dedication to the cause, for a single outstanding effort that made a notable difference, for strong leadership and vision in educating the public, or for actions that have brought about a positive outcome for built heritage in our City. The awards also seek to honour projects that have actually preserved part of our built heritage.  The awards will therefore be given in two broad categories:

  1.   To individuals in the fields of education, awareness or advocacy.
  2.   Projects that have preserved built heritage.

The number of awards given each year will be at the discretion of the Awards Committee.

Any person may make a nomination. To do so, please submit (via surface mail, fax, or email), the name and address of the individual, project or organization you are nominating, a description of their achievements no more than one page in length, and contact information including phone numbers for the nominator and for two further supporters of the nomination. Nominators and supporters may be contacted by the Awards Committee.

Deadline for nominations is Monday, January 9th 2012

 Send nominations by mail to ACO – HLF Awards Committee

Grosvenor Lodge, 1017,Western Road,London,OntarioN6G 1G5

By Fax to 519-645-0981 or by email to info@grosvenorlodge.com

In order that members of the public may get an idea of what sort of person or project to nominate, it is possible to view the evaluation criteria that the Committee will be using by going to the ACO or HLF websites.

www.acolondon.ca    or     www.heritagelondonfoundation.org

The awards will be presented at a Gala reception to be held at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate during Heritage Week on Tuesday, February 21st 2012 at 7.30p.m.

Paul Hubert and Pathways Skill Development Receives ACO Award

14. November 2011 · Write a comment · Categories: Announcements

from left to right: Paul Hubert, Executive Director, Pathways Skill Development; Susan Ratcliffe, President of the ACO; Frank Pal, Vice President of Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, the Host Sponsor.

The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) awarded Paul Hubertand the Board of Directors of Pathways Skill Development & Placement Centre with the 2011 A.K. Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy for their role in the restoration of the Red Antiquities Building.

“Pathways is deserving of this award because they, for the very first time, embraced a built heritage project and in so doing helped create a template for possible future projects both in London and elsewhere,” says Genet Hodder, President of the ACO London Chapter. “Paul Hubert and his organization should be commended for promoting heritage restoration in the community and for providing a point of pride for the approximately 60 workers engaged in the project.”   

 Paul Hubert received the award at the ACO Annual Awards Dinner held Friday, November 11th at the Arts and Letters Club inToronto.

 The A.K. Sculthorpe Award for Advocacy recognizes an individual, an informal group or an established non-profit organization that, at a critical point, achieved exemplary success in solving a significant heritage crisis. The people involved have demonstrated leadership in the field, integrity and the ability to be inclusive and communicate the value of heritage conservation to others.

For more information on the 2011 ACO award winners, click here

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