Institutional

In September 2016, +VG Architects completed the 5 ½ year rehabilitation of the Nave of St. Michael’s Cathedral. The Nave of the Cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Archdiocese of Toronto, a place of beauty and significance for a thriving and diverse Roman Catholic community.

The project aims to re-establish the integrity of the original 1848 Gothic Revival design vision of architect William Thomas, while completing a complete upgrade of the facility in terms of building performance, accessibility and code requirements. +VG was the lead consultant in a collaborative team consisting of a Construction Manager, sub-consultants, sub-trades, artists and craftspeople who completed the work.

New washrooms, barrier-free accessibility (including new barrier-free elevator), environmental HVAC and lighting controls, fire and life safety, and audio/visual and broadcast capabilities have been integrated into the 165 year old Cathedral, ensuring the client’s changing needs are well served into the future.

Painting of the Cathedral ceiling, hand-carved Gothic Revival white oak millwork and statuary, in-situ historic plaster conservation, installation of intricately patterned stone flooring and wainscoting, conservation of existing stained glass windows, and introduction of new stained glass designs, and a hand built custom pipe organ (“Opus-3907”) are all examples of the work completed. The project was recognized with the William Greer Award for Craftsmanship at the Heritage Toronto awards in 2017.

Between 2010 and 2017, +VG Architects undertook a comprehensive, phased building envelope conservation program as part of the broader Master Plan for St. Michael’s Cathedral, a landmark 1847 Gothic Revival building in Toronto.

The work addressed all exterior systems, including slate roofing, brick and sandstone masonry, metalwork, wood windows, and structural elements.

Beginning with the West Façade and Tower, the project progressed methodically around the building. Initial investigations included detailed surveying, testing, and analysis to define the scope of conservation. As work advanced, further assessments from scaffolding informed case-by-case decisions for appropriate repair and intervention strategies. Particular care was taken in the conservation of intricate carved sandstone elements, which required fine cleaning, consolidation, and localized repair.

Structural stabilization was a key component, including reinforcement of original timber framing and high-level masonry features such as pinnacles, crosses, and cornice stones. Where necessary, lost or severely deteriorated elements were restored, including portions of the Upper Tower and the reintroduction of historically appropriate slate roofing patterns.

The project required close collaboration with conservators, engineers, and specialized trades to address unforeseen conditions while maintaining rigorous conservation standards. The work aligns with Parks Canada guidelines and has received multiple heritage awards, recognizing its contribution to the long-term preservation of this significant cultural landmark.