13 Bernard Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
This existing designated heritage residence had been renovated a number of times over the past century. It is located in a Designated Heritage District adjacent to Yorkville in Toronto. For the new owner of this semi-detached residence, the basement required underpinning to accommodate a 5000 bottle wine cellar and entertaining space, as well as functional areas. The entire interior and exterior required restoration and major reconstruction while preserving historic components. The third floor required reconstruction and addition, including zoning approval, removal and replacement of rear portion of roof, to accommodate a visitor apartment suite on the third floor, master ensuite on second floor, and an orangerie overlooking a small formal rear garden on the main floor, plus verandah and wine cellar below. A grant was received from Toronto Heritage Preservation Services to restore the front façade. Negotiation with the neighbouring semi was required to achieve a harmonious result and accommodate underpinning of a common element demising wall. Work with various consultant team members: Trianon (interior design), The Wine Establishment (wine cellar), Command Performance (electronic controls/audio visual); John Lloyd & Associates (landscape); CP Donnell Consulting Ltd. (construction project management) and other heritage restoration construction contractors plus a very involved owner resulted in complete, very high end restoration of this important building.
