Fort York/Blue Barracks

Fort York contains the largest single collection of buildings surviving from the war of 1812 and in their original location. This long term project began with the preparation of an Architectural and Engineering study of the site. An implementation plan for the work was developed, which prioritized the issues, and established preliminary budget projections.

The execution of extensive new site servicing and building repairs in this extremely sensitive historic environment required careful planning, coordination, and sensitivity to philosophical, physical and user issues. In addition to preservation activity, the ongoing work has included; exterior restoration and interior improvements of staff facilities and washrooms at the South Soldiers Barracks, exterior and interior restoration for improved interpretation of the Officers Quarters and exterior and interior restoration of the Brick Magazine.

Philip Goldsmith was the Principal responsible for this project undertaken by Quadrangle Architects Limited between 1986 to 1994, GBCA continued the work from 1995.

As part of the ongoing restoration of the site, the Blue Barracks was identified as the best on site opportunity to create a new museum interior. The project included for the building exterior to be a restoration of the original in form and detail. Existing interior rooms were restored, more in keeping with the original layout, modified for new uses and traffic flow. The fireplaces, originals of 1814 construction, were repaired and showcased as artifacts in the work.

The reconstruction of building provided an opportunity for an uninterrupted interior space for functions and exhibits and to create, beneath a lower level, an archaeologist's workshop. The new interior was purposefully modern in distinction to the historic wing, with references in its proportions, materials and details to the historic layout of the space.