The Spadina Transformation

What was the challenge?

The clients wanted to convert a 3-storey century rooming house with 12 rooms and 3 kitchens to make the home more comfortable and much more functional for their growing family. They wanted to create both private sanctuaries for each family member and overnight visitors as well as public gathering spaces or common areas for welcoming and entertaining guests.  

The homeowners wished to keep their massive project on schedule and avoid any undue delays that involving the Committee of Adjustments might entail. They were adamant that they work within the 100-year-old house’s existing footprint and not alter any exterior walls, to comply with the City’s zoning bylaws. 

This directive was particularly challenging, not only for the build and design teams, but also for the trade crews who had to bring all outdated plumbing, HVAC and electrical wiring safely up to code. However, by working well and closely together, and by communicating regularly within the teams and with the homeowners, they succeeded in achieving all objectives on schedule and to our clients’ delight. 

What was delivered?

MGB Building Group had strict regulations to work within the 100-year-old house’s existing footprint and not alter any exterior walls. All three floors were renovated from top to bottom, including all new plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. They were able to tie in the home’s history, charm, and character by bringing in elements of natural stone and wood.

Given the home’s previous purpose as a boarding house, each floor was highly compartmentalized. They needed to remove all non-load-bearing interior walls and gut the entire structure on all three levels.  Although a daunting prospect, this large-scale demolition provided them with a clean canvas to completely reimagine the space for the clients in terms of functionality as well as cohesive design aesthetic from floor to floor.  

Removing nearly all the walls on the ground floor created an open concept living space. They relocated the kitchen to the centre of the new wall space, merged it with the living and dining room spaces yet clearly defined its functional footprint by adding an island/breakfast bar and then extended it with the addition of banquette seating and a freestanding table on the opposite wall. 

The original floor plan had an enclosed front room with a commanding street view. They kept its walls but redesigned the space to provide a cozy, quiet retreat from the new main floor’s activities. The kitchen and three bedrooms originally on the second floor had their walls removed to make way for a master bedroom with ensuite, walk-in closet and built-in study plus a practical upper floor laundry and a kids’ room with ensuite bath. 

The third floor’s original kitchen and two bedrooms were gutted, and their walls reconfigured to enlarge the two existing bedrooms for overnight guests, each with its own ensuite bathroom. All bedrooms on both upper floors were enlarged enough to accommodate a relaxing sitting area or a baby crib without taking comfort and personal space away from its occupants. All in all, this whole home renovation has left the homeowners speechless and it’s easy to see why.