The restoration and expansion of University of Toronto Schools (UTS) is underway as development on the project kicked off on Dec. 12, 2018. The renewed school will serve 670 students.

According to a press release, the design by Diamond Schmitt Architects will restore the heritage central and east wings built for the school by Darling and Pearson Architects in 1910 and 1924. Transformation of these wings includes conversion of the former gym into a Black Box Theatre –  a new double gym is tucked under the park to conserve site area. The school program area is expanded by 40 per cent with a new wing that includes a 700-seat auditorium lifted above grade to allow the school library  – conceived as a learning crossroads – to overlook the community and neighbourhood park. The former 25-yard pool will be converted into a music teaching space, while a parking lot will be transformed as a vertical forum and meeting place connecting the UTS community and all learning levels.

“UTS strengthens its historic alliance with the University of Toronto and with this compact plan enables the university to redevelop and expand on this gateway block of the St George campus,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The project is expected to be completed by September 2021.