Project

FitzGerald Building Revitalization

- Toronto, Canada

The FitzGerald Building at the University of Toronto has been transformed into a high-performance office space, emphasizing sustainability and adaptive reuse.

Historic brick building with large windows and central entrance, bicycles parked in front.

Front view of a historic brick building with large windows and a central entrance. Bicycles are parked in front, and there are stairs leading up to the entrance.

Story

FitzGerald Building Revitalization

Transforming a Heritage Landmark into a Sustainable Office Space

Located at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, the FitzGerald Building, originally constructed in 1927, has undergone a significant transformation. This historic structure, designated under the Heritage Act, was reimagined from an outdated laboratory into a modern office environment for the Office of the President and the University’s Central Administration.

The revitalization project, targeting LEED Silver certification, involved comprehensive updates to the building's mechanical and electrical systems, integrating advanced controls technologies to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. This adaptive reuse project preserves the building's historical essence while meeting contemporary performance standards.

Design Highlights

  • Complete renovation of a heritage building into a high-performance office.

  • Integration of new mechanical and electrical systems.

  • Emphasis on sustainability with LEED Silver targeted certification.

  • Adaptive reuse preserving historical architecture.

Key Facts

Fact Detail
Location Toronto, Canada
Architects OMA New York, RDH Architects
Year Completed 2026
Certification LEED Silver Targeted
Original Construction 1927

The FitzGerald Building Revitalization stands as a testament to the potential of contemporary architecture to breathe new life into historic structures, balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality.

Technical summary

Updated 2/1/2026

Finishes

  • Exterior: The exterior features a combination of historic brick and modern glass extensions.
  • Interior: The interior includes exposed brick walls and modern finishes such as blue flooring and contemporary furniture.

Materials

  • Brick — Used extensively on the exterior facade and interior walls.
  • Glass — Used for large windows and modern extensions.
  • Wood — Used for interior walkways and some furniture.

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Combination of historic brick and modern glass extensions.
  • Structural System: Retained historic structure with modern additions.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Brick red, Glass transparency, Blue
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows and modern lighting fixtures.

Images

Historic brick building with large windows and central entrance, bicycles parked in front.
Historic brick building with modern glass extension and courtyard with garden and bicycle racks.
Historic brick building with modern glass extension and greenery.
Glass extension on historic brick building with outdoor seating and plants.
Front view of a historic building with large windows and brick facade, surrounded by trees.
Historic brick building with large windows and stone detailing, surrounded by greenery and a paved walkway.
Historic brick building with large windows and classical architecture, surrounded by greenery and modern buildings.
Person sitting on a chair in front of a brick building with large windows and a green door.
Interior view showing a brick wall with a green door and windows, alongside two chairs and a table on a patterned floor.
Historic brick building with large windows viewed through trees, with people walking and sitting on benches in a landscaped area.
Historic building facade with large windows and central entrance.
Interior hallway with hanging lanterns, decorative columns, and patterned floor.
Interior of a building with a glass ceiling, brick walls, and modern seating area.
Interior view of a modern walkway with glass walls and ceiling, leading to a brick building with arched windows.
Interior of a revitalized building with glass ceiling and walls, brick facade, wooden walkway, and seating areas.
Interior of a building with large glass windows, a wooden walkway, and people at tables.
Interior space with blue tiered seating, people sitting, and linear ceiling lights.
Interior of a renovated building with exposed brick walls, blue flooring, and modern furniture, featuring large windows and a corridor.

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