Exterior Cladding Restoration – Wentworth Condominium Corporation no. 228

KEY STAFF
Kevin Shaw, Building Science Lead

SUB-CONSULTANTS
The Restorers Group

CLIENT REFERENCE
Stan Dulberg, Wilson Blanchard Management

Cion Corp. was retained to advise on the repairs needed for the Sun Life Building (built circa 1905) and the Pigott Building (circa 1929), by WCC 228, that had stewardship of these two architecturally significant properties representing an important era of Hamilton history.  As both buildings are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, there are strict approaches that are necessary to the preservation of these properties which had to be adopted in the design of the building envelope restoration.

Based upon swing stage access to key elevations of the buildings, there were a number of issues, including: deteriorated caulking at windows, damaged/deteriorated terra cotta, cracked brick masonry and limestone blocks, rusted shelf angles supporting masonry over the windows, deteriorated/cracked/open mortar joints at the brick, limestone and terra cotta, and deteriorated/rotted wood trim and window frames. Of particular importance was the restoration of brick, limestone and terra cotta. 

Working with the client and City (Community Planning and Design Section), a set of comprehensive repair specifications and drawings were prepared as part of the Heritage Permit process.  The scope of work had to address the building envelope issues specific to materials compatibility for the vintage of the buildings in terms of the new mortar and terra cotta repairs. A requirement for project mockups was an integral aspect of the quality assurance program in this regard. Whole building replacement costs and facility condition indexes (FCIs) were calculated for each facility, as well as prioritized capital repair and replacement plans were provided for each facility.

The team approach between Owner, Property Manager, Engineer, City, and Contractor, each understanding and respecting each member’s input to the process and the overall project goal, facilitated a successful completion of the restoration.