On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me … eight restoration projects!
MTE’s building engineering team provides a variety of services from heritage buildings to renovations, and more! We ensure your buildings stand strong, perform at their best, and stay in top shape for years to come.
In addition to improving building performance, MTE can provide expert advice on compliance with health and safety regulations related to renovation, demolition, and occupancy.
See some of MTE’s favourite restoration projects below:
Elora Mill
MTE began working on the Elora Mill in 2012, assisting our client and the design team in overcoming several challenges associated with redeveloping heritage buildings along a waterway.
Our surveyors conducted an extensive topographical survey requiring in-stream water work that provided information for the design and construction of a new erosion wall, power plant and pedestrian bridge.
Our civil team completed detailed grading, servicing and stormwater management design, including realignment of the storm sewer through the site. Our structural engineering team provided the structural design for the development on the north side of the Grand River consisting of five buildings: the Granary, the Coach House, the James Ross House, the Stable Spa and the Mill.
Our team completed the grading design and layout of the foundation for the new location of the structure. Working with the project team, we also coordinated a lidar scan of the ruin in its original location to aid in the reconstruction.
In recognizing the value and importance of this preservation project, the Heritage Centre Wellington has awarded the project team with the Heritage Professionals award.
Tapestry Hall
Located in the Gaslight District of West Galt and originally constructed in 1800s, the building known today as Tapestry Hall is a heritage building reinvented into a premier event venue.
The 250,000-ft2 building was restored by the new owners who instead of tearing down the existing structure and re-building, saw value and opportunity in restoring the existing structure and maintaining its industrial character. MTE was retained to provide structural engineering services throughout the revival. Our team’s work involved extensive repairs and renovations of the original structure, as well as the design of several new elements that would modernize the building. As a result of our work, we were recognized with an ACEC Grand River Chapter Award of Merit.
Hart House
The Hart House, a historic heritage building on the University of Toronto University campus, presented unique challenges when it came to integrating modern structural connections. Our structural team provided structural engineering services by replacing select interior stonework with concrete, while preserving the exterior stone facade. For the connection of the steel frame, our team employed advanced bolting technology designed specifically for this purpose.
Additionally, we reinforced the building’s sloped wood trusses on the roof to accommodate the installation of new HVAC equipment. A comprehensive survey of the existing framework was conducted, followed by detailed calculations that incorporated wind loads and compliance with current building codes.
Simcoe Hall
Simcoe Hall, a distinguished heritage building within the University of Toronto campus, required significant updates to enhance its functionality while preserving its historical significance. To modernize the facility and support ongoing use by staff, new structural elements were introduced, including the installation of an elevator and skylights.
MTE is proud to have provided structural engineering services for the elevator and skylight development in Simcoe Hall.
This project involved the complex installation of a 4-stop elevator and the construction of an intermediate floor at Simcoe Hall, a Toronto heritage building in 1924. Our structural team also designed structural support to accommodate installing new skylights above Room 240 in Simcoe Hall. Our team also designed a temporary platform to facilitate the construction work, including reinforcement of the existing roof trusses.
Carl Zehr Square
Located in the heart of Downtown Kitchener, City Hall is fortunate to be surrounded by two public squares. The space is in the heart of the City and is used to host festivals and markets throughout the year. Both spaces are located over City Hall’s parking garage. After 27 years of use, these areas and structures beneath them are in need of restoration and new protection systems.
Our building engineering team was engaged to address wear and tear in heavily used areas, as well as to assess the structural and protection systems of the podium deck supporting the spaces and the granite and terra cotta cladding systems.
The goal was to restore the structure and provide a new waterproofing system that will last the life of the new concrete surfaces being placed above it, while using low-odor products to minimize disruption to City Hall.
The Sanderson Centre
The Sanderson Centre was constructed in 1919 and was named “Brantford’s supreme playhouse” by its patrons. The Sanderson Centre received the Theatre Preservation Award presented by the League of Historic American Theatres. The building structure and interior plaster finishes are original. The plaster ceiling is dome-shaped and has four decorative plaster lattices, which previously served as return air plenum grilles. As the lattices have shown signs of deterioration, the City retained MTE to provide construction review and contract administration services for the lattice repair option selected by the Brantford Heritage Committee.
The Dundas Town Hall
The Dundas Town Hall was completed in 1849 and is one of the very few municipal buildings in the province surviving from the pre-1850 period. Though the building has received interior renovations, the exterior remains largely unchanged. A clock tower stands at the top of the roof which had begun leaking into the attic of the building. MTE was retained by the city to complete an investigation to identify the source of the leakage and remedial strategies. MTE was further involved in providing design specifications, construction review and contract administration for the repairs.
The Government Office Building
The Government Office Building is a recognized Heritage Building and was built between 1913 and 1914. In November 1983, the building was classified due to its architectural significance and landmark in the Town of Collingwood. A previous cladding safety report identified areas of repair which included mortar repointing and brick replacement. MTE was retained by BGIS to complete design specifications, construction review and contract administration for specific repair recommendations outlined in the report. MTE was actively involved in ensuring the brick-and-mortar materials used in the repairs were compatible and matched with the existing materials. Additionally, specified cleaning procedures were provided to refresh the marble cladding façade and prevent damage.