The development of this downtown urban site into high-rise condominium use included the retention of the existing heritage building, albeit in a slightly different location. GBCA was the consulting heritage architect on the newsworthy move of the Cooper Mansion, which was coordinated by Laurie McCullock Movers. On September 25, 2008 the building made Canadian history as the heaviest building ever moved in its entirety. Estimated at well over 900 tonnes, the 126-year-old building was moved 20 feet to the east to make way for the excavation of the parking garage and the Mansion’s permanent foundation slab. The second move, shifting the building 5 feet to the south, took place on December 11, 2008.

Following the restoration of interior and exterior heritage elements, the James Cooper Mansion has been adaptively reused as the amenity space for the condominium.