A heritage 1914 building in Vancouver has been given renewed life thanks to an extensive exterior restoration.
The Heritage Hall, an iconic landmark in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, is a three-storey building known for its elegant architecture and clock tower. The successful roof replacement and envelope seismic upgrade by Scott Construction ensures the building will continue to serve the community for many years.
Work began in August 2020 with the project awarded as part of a Master Service Agreement (MSA) between Scott Special Projects and City of Vancouver.
The scope of work included removal of existing asbestos tile roof; extensive upgrades on underlying wood frame; and installation of a new slate roof to match original construction. Original copper finials, roof tops, curbs and gutters were replaced with new copper flashing custom-made to replicate the original installation. Brick and stone masonry work was anchored, re-pointed, and repaired to achieve seismic requirements. The project was substantially completed in March 2022.
“The project is a piece of history and we strive on the challenge to bring these structures back to life. We are honoured to be recognized for this project because of many different factors,” says Darin Hughes, president, Scott Construction. “First off is the innovative delivery model under our MSA agreement with the City Vancouver which helped us work through the early design related sequencing and value engineering. Through the commitments of our subtrade partners, who are true experts at their craft, this great project was able to be realized.”
Victoria’s Grist Slate & Tile removed asbestos-containing shingles and copper flashings from the circa-1914 roof and replaced them with new North Country natural quarried slates installed in a diamond pattern to replicate the original roof. Additional scope included replacement of the three tower caps with decorative and ornate 20-ounce copper anthemion leaves and finials, as well as replacement of the two main decorative copper finials.
Challenges included pandemic related labour and supply chain issues; ensuring scaffold safety; managing hazardous building materials and a tight site.
The project received two VRCA Gold Awards and two Heritage Awards for both Scott Construction and Grist Slate & Tile.
“We would like to thank the VRCA, City of Vancouver, and our entire subtrade teams for the Gold Awards and look forward to continuing to bring back these great buildings,” says Hughes.
Cheryl Mah is managing editor of Construction Business. Read about more VRCA members in the Nov/Dec issue of Construction Business.
