Building Heritage

It had been a 12-month search for the ideal spot to build my new dream practice when my wife Helene showed me the most beautiful red brick house. A quick call to the real estate agent was made, followed by another to the accountant. I told him that I had just found my new practice location … he said: “Buy it!!!”

And so the journey began to restore our historic property. Helene made numerous calls and received great support from Mr. Mark Warrack, at the City of Mississauga, on the proper protocol for an historical renovation. After months of architectural plans and permits, the six-month construction process began (sorry everyone!).

For those who have never visited 1556 Dundas Street West (St. Peter’s Anglican Church Rectory, circa 1861), I can tell you that the place has undergone a transformation of which we are extremely proud. The restoration designs were completed with personal care and attention to detail. Our “design team” included myself, my wife Helene, and her father Zelko, who also is the general contractor who lovingly transformed the drawings into reality, to restore this beautiful pre-confederation landmark to glory.

Originally, the building had but a dirt crawl space, so we dug out and finished this to a full basement. This excavation led us to a fortunate discovery: the south foundation wall was crumbling due to frost damage, and it might have given way within a few years. The basement was subsequently underpinned and restored to last another 150 years! You will also note the careful replacement of all the stonework along the foundation of the southwest corner, where the old dilapidated porch was replaced, identically with a board-and-baton extension and period windows.

Inside, the centre hall staircase was magnificently preserved and the interior walls removed to create an open concept design. The exposed original brick was lovingly sandblasted and preserved, along with all the original window casings, mantles, and front door. The restoration was designed to preserve, keep true to the era, and yet provide a safe, warm clinical environment for the high-tech nuances of our practice.

We invite you to drop in to visit the practice and experience the warmth of our restoration. We are very happy to be part of Erindale Village. We are proud of this heritage building and I have named my practice in its honour.

Our practice has been awarded the 25th Annual Mississauga Urban Design Award of Merit and the Mississauga Heritage Society Members Choice Award.