In 2019, mcCallumSather led the heritage restoration of the soaring chimneys, carved millwork, and a wooden bay window at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Oakham House. Built in 1848, it is a significant historic property on the campus. The project expanded as we uncovered more information about its conditions, growing to include the replacement of its timber frame roof, addition of heat tracing systems, and sheet metal flashing to address water shedding at key locations.

Originally built in the Gothic Revival style as a house for architect William Thomas, Oakham House has more recently been used as a hub for Toronto Metropolitan University’s student body, complete with a campus pub, meeting rooms, offices and link to the adjacent Student Union building. The building itself is a load bearing, brick masonry structure with a timber frame roof with cedar shingles and a wood bay window on the north façade.

With structural consultant, J.G. Cooke Associates, our team faced several unforeseen challenges. We found termites, uncovered foundation challenges at the bay window, and deterioration on the chimneys and masonry lintel conditions.

We worked closely with the Heritage Preservation Services of Toronto to obtain heritage approval, including the modifications to address these newly uncovered challenges. With the building improvements and carefully restored features, Oakham House is better prepared to continue its prominent place in Toronto’s roster of heritage buildings and to serve the students of Toronto Metropolitan University.