Heritage Window and Roof Restoration – Town of St. Marys

KEY STAFF
Chun Lim, Project Manager
Philip Brearton P.Eng., Senior Review

SUB-CONSULTANTS
PJ Materials, GPR Masonry Survey
Reveal Environmental, Designated Substance Survey

CLIENT REFERENCE
Ray Cousineau, Facilities Supervisor
Town of St Marys

Cion Corp. was retained in to conduct a detailed and intrusive investigation of the iconic Carnegie Library and Town Hall, which were built in circa 1891. Both buildings are heritage designated and have been in continuous use as originally intended. Ongoing water damage and occupant comfort issues were the main drivers of the project. 

A thorough site review and window inventory was completed including a drone review for difficult to access windows. Interviews were held with various stakeholders, including: the nonprofit stage company (third floor occupant), town administrative staff (first and second floors occupant) and the local police (lower-level occupant). A report was issued highlighting the historically significant aspects of the windows, altered features, reported occupant comfort issues and deficiencies including ongoing water damage. Restoration of the original single-glazed wood framed windows was explored; however, it was decided to replace the windows with the approval of the local heritage board.

The configuration of the windows was retained, and the new wood framed window design included the original dental details and period consistent hardware. Past alterations to the original windows were ignored such that the new window configurations were consistent with the as-built design. Stained glass and cut-glass transoms were restored, along with the interior wood casement and millwork being preserved.  A tender package including drawings and specifications was prepared in 2018 and the project was awarded through a competitive public tender.   

Cion conducted the pre-construction kick-off meeting, site inspections with field reports, provided contract management services including progress payments, holdback release and substantial performance certificate.

Although not in the original scope of work, Cion oversaw the restoration of badly damaged roof fascia details and copper rain goods, including custom curved gutters, decorative collection boxes and rainwater leaders. The project was completed in the fully occupied building with no issue or complaints from the police occupants or municipal employee occupants or the general public.