Updating and preserving a historic gathering place nestled in Canada’s most easterly province

The Colonial Building Restoration

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador approached our design team to undertake a renovation and restoration of this historic government building. A neoclassical structure, the Colonial Building was home to the Newfoundland Government and House of Assembly from 1850-1959. The use and occupancy of the building has been altered to house office and administrative space on the ground floor, and public interpretive space on the main building and upper levels.

We first needed to complete a historic structures assessment and report on the building. Once the report was approved, we proceeded with the renovation and restoration. This involved the restoration of the exterior stone masonry, the design and installation of a period correct slate roof, replacement of wood doors and windows, and the reinstatement of the front courtyard and wrought iron fencing. Interior restorations included finished carpentry, plaster. and historic paint schemes.

While the project involved introducing contemporary mechanical electrical, and life safety infrastructure, it was predominately a restoration. As such, we made decisions regarding the design and execution of new and restored building elements in reference to, and under the recommendations set out in, the Parks Canada Publication “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.”

The restored Colonial Building can continue to be a functioning, healthy cultural asset for the province and the county for years to come.