The City of Windsor annually recognizes excellence in the long-term stewardship and rehabilitation of heritage buildings at the annual Built Heritage Awards. GBCA was honoured to accept an award at the Built Heritage Awards presentation on February 24 for the restoration of Willistead Manor. The project won in the Heritage Conservation Category which recognizes properties that demonstrate extraordinary or exemplary conservation of built heritage resources.
GBCA, with local partner studio g+G architect, provided expert consultancy services to the City of Windsor Facilities Department for this $1.95 million-dollar restoration project. The restoration scope included cleaning and repairing the masonry and woodwork, replacing failing roof and rainwater systems, and extensive window repairs. As cited in the nomination: The restoration project at Willistead preserves the high quality of craftsmanship in the building, and showcases high degree of adherence to heritage standards, which would allow Willistead Manor to continue as one of the most significant heritage properties in the City and remain for generations to enjoy.
Christopher Borgal was also recognized for the heritage expertise he provided to a team of consultants, led by Jason Grossi of g+G architect, for the adaptive reuse of the John Muir Branch of the Windsor Public Library (the former Sandwich Fire Hall and Stable), which won in the Heritage Conservation, Adaptive Reuse category.