Hamilton POA Courthouse
+VG Architects served as the Prime Consultant, in association with Invizij Architects, to deliver all consulting services required for the design and construction of this renovation and energy modernization project which was performed through a Construction Management model.
The project includes the integration of a heating and cooling retrofit through the Hamilton Utility Corporation (“HUC”) designed independently by H.H. Angus and Associates Consulting Engineers. The design conforms to the City’s Barrier Free Design Guidelines.
The Art Deco building was previously occupied by McMaster University as a tenant. The project intent was to convert the heritage building to provide a functional space for the Provincial Offences Administration (POA) offices, as well as all necessary courtrooms and ancillary spaces for both staff and the public, and additional administrative offices for the Ontario Municipal Board and City of Hamilton staff, and to accommodate future growth.
Work to protect and preserve the historic elements of the building was guided by City of Hamilton Heritage Resource Management. The majority of the work focused on the interior renovation of the facility, but some exterior work was required to comply with accessibility and police vehicular turning radius requirements.
LOCATION
Hamilton, Ontario
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
112,000 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Energy Modernization
PRESS
+VG Architects restores midcentury-modern courthouse in Hamilton
Canadian Architect
Hamilton to open provincial offences administration in former Wentworth County Courthouse in August
Hamilton News
Hamilton’s ‘new’ provincial offences court balancing history with $32M renovation
Hamilton Spectator
BlueBlood Steakhouse, Casa Loma
In 2014, Liberty Entertainment Group entered into a lease agreement with the City of Toronto to operate Casa Loma, one of Toronto’s most prominent heritage tourist attractions.
+VG assisted Liberty in securing Heritage Preservation Services approval for several important programming initiatives. One such initiative is the design of a new fine-dining steakhouse within the historically significant Billiard Room, Smoking Room and Oak Room.
The project entailed restoration of significant components of the rooms, new ‘reversible’ installations including a cocktail bar and ice bar as well as a new finishing kitchen, LULA Elevator serving the kitchen from the basement, new kitchen exhaust with economizer and washroom renovations. While the client provided the theming and interior design of the restaurant, +VG prepared Heritage Impact Assessment Statement, prepared permit drawings and coordinated with the client’s engineering team.
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
2,800 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Restoration
Royal Canadian Yacht Club Island Club
+VG were retained by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club to carry out renovations to the clubs’ two clubhouses, the City Club located downtown Toronto and the Island Club, located on Toronto Island.
The historic Island clubhouse (circa 1919) is the home base for the sailing members of the club and is heavily used during the summer months. The clubhouse is predominantly used by members for ‘apres’ sailing dining and socializing. The upper floor banquet space is booked extensively for weddings and receptions. The project involved the restoration of the building exterior, provision of a new elevator serving the inaccessible upper floor, new main floor member washroom facilities and the creation of a new city-facing bar/bistro/dining area. The renovated areas comprised approximately 10,350 ft² not including outdoor verandah areas that were also restored.
LOCATION
Toronto Island, Ontario
COMPLETED
2018
SIZE
10,350 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation
237 Sherbourne Senior’s Residences Adaptive Re-Use
The renovation and expansion of 237 Sherbourne Street transforms a 19th-century duplex mansion into a thoughtfully designed seniors’ residence within TCHC’s William Dennison community.
The project delivers 11 one-bedroom rental suites and two shared amenity spaces, combining heritage character with contemporary upgrades. Original features—such as brick detailing and high ceilings—are complemented by a refreshed material palette to create warm, dignified living environments within a tight-knit urban setting.
Originally conceived as an interior retrofit, the scope evolved into a more comprehensive intervention, including an expansion and the redesign of the adjacent courtyard at 310 Dundas Street. The project required close collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including tenants, accessibility advocates, and construction teams, to ensure the design responds to community needs.
Situated within a Heritage Conservation District, the design carefully preserves the Sherbourne façade while integrating modern performance and accessibility standards. Barrier-free design is central, with gentle entrance slopes, generous landings, and equitable circulation routes.
Enhanced sustainability measures include a high-performance building envelope and a target air-tightness of 1.5 ACH. Individual VRF systems provide efficient climate control, improving comfort and indoor air quality while reducing environmental impact.
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
DESIGNATED
Heritage Conservation District
COMPLETED
2025
SIZE
965 m² (11 1-Bedroom Suites & 2 Amenity Rooms)
SERVICES
Heritage Consulting
