Gillian's Place

St. Catharines, Ontario 

Completed in 2007, the project involved renovating this former elementary school into a fully functional and secure women's shelter. This former elementary school, was featured in the film A Christmas Story, and is an example of historic preservation. The client purchased the property with the intention of exhibiting community stewardship through preservation and re-use. The over 100 year old building is a landmark and thus apart of the historic urban fabric of St. Catharines. The project scope consisted of a complete gut-renovation; with only the exterior shell of the building remaining. The facility contains 18 bedrooms with shared accommodations and a capacity of 35 beds as well as individual shared washrooms. The shelter contains a full kitchen, dining room, living room, activity rooms for adults and teens, TV rooms, a quiet room, gymnasium for children and laundry room. Separated from the living area are office spaces and counselling rooms. A new full elevator was installed to provide handicap access to all levels. Added elements include new HVAC, lighting, finishes, windows and roofing and a new parking lot and private fenced areas and exterior lounge.