This comprehensive project addressed issues with deteriorating mortar and damaged stone elements. Mortar is designed to be sacrificial, requiring periodic replacement to maintain the beauty and integrity of the structure. With the help of advanced scanning technology, P3A conducted a thorough analysis of the building’s exterior, ensuring precise rehabilitation. Additionally, damaged stone was repaired where possible and otherwise replaced. New stone was meticulously hand carved by the masons to match the original shape and profile of the original elements. The stones were then discreetly pinned and epoxied in place to maintain and extend the structural integrity of the entrance arches, window quoining, and stringcourses, enhancing both strength and aesthetics of the facade.
Darke Hall was constructed in 1929 as a “temple for the arts”. Project objectives focused on restoring the building through rehabilitating and preserving the exterior envelope, improving patron and performer experiences, enhancing theatrical systems, and providing accessibility throughout the building. The project involved a full exterior envelope restoration and the revitalization of the interior prioritized historic restoration of character defining elements.
The overarching goal was to bring Darke Hall “back to life” and return the theatre to its rightful place as an iconic and beloved heritage landmark.
2023 Premier’s Award of Excellence in Architecture
2023 Heritage Award
2022 CAHP / ACECP Award of Merit in Conservation in Architecture
Regina’s College Avenue Campus is an exceptionally intact and highly-refined collection of Collegiate Gothic buildings. The complex was a Methodist College built between 1912 and 1929, and later served as the original University of Regina campus. P3A, in association with heritage expert Donald Luxton and Associates, was selected by the University of Regina to lead the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project.
The renewal involved an extensive renovation of the original College Building and Tower and provided west and east additions which serve as bookends to the campus. The design adhered rigorously to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.
2019 Lieutenant Governor Heritage Award for Physical Heritage Conservation
2019 Premier’s Awards of Excellence in Design for Architecture
The Moose Jaw Court House has significant historical importance as the oldest functioning building of its kind in Saskatchewan and is designated a National Historic Site and a Provincial Heritage Property.
Following the collapse of the second floor that destroyed most of the building’s interiors, the original goal was to return the building to its pre-collapsed state but quickly evolved into restoring the building to its historical noble intent. Wherever possible original features have been respected and restored, ensuring the beauty and quality of the building remains.
2016 Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Architecture Excellence Award for Architectural Renovation
The Regina Court House underwent an extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of its façade to stabilize the exterior stone which had become unstable and unsafe.
The property has heritage designation, so great care was taken with design initiatives and construction processes. Ultimately much of the exterior stone and portions of the backup wall were removed and rebuilt minimizing damage to the interior while improving the building’s performance and safety.
2015 Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Architecture Excellence Award for Conservation
As one of the oldest-functioning theatres in Saskatchewan, the Lyric Theatre in Swift Current is a designated municipal heritage building. It was originally conceived as a vaudeville theatre, and remains a vibrant cultural facility.
Beginning in 2012, work began to restore the 100 year old theatre to its original grandeur through a multi-phased revitalization effort. The upgrades will ensure the theatre remains true to its original intent, highlight its character-defining elements, and create new multi-purpose space.
To date, the structural rehabilitation has been completed, the brick facade of the iconic Stag mural has been repaired, and the upper street side windows have been replaced. Future phases will focus on restoring interior and exterior heritage features, while also introducing modern elements.
The rehabilitation of the Walter Scott Building included extensive improvements and upgrades to the interior and exterior, including an accessible front entrance addition. Throughout the project, P3A worked diligently to preserve the existing character of the building and to minimize disruption to existing terrazzo, marble and stone surfaces.
2014 City of Regina Municipal Heritage Award