Phoenix Restoration acted as the prime contractor for the historical restoration phase of the extensive, multi-year Union Station rehabilitation project. Originally built in 1858, Union Station is a designated heritage site that required specialized restoration techniques to preserve its architectural and cultural significance while keeping it fully operational for over a million daily commuters.
Key elements of our work included the complete restoration of the Great Hall interior and Maple Room, and a complete exterior masonry restoration of the East Wing. We undertook in-house restoration and fabrication of replicate millwork, including replicating and repairing original solid oak doors and windows, at our facility. As well as restored historic cathedral windows and original steel, ironwork, bronze fixtures, and historical hardware.
Throughout the process, we managed a team of subcontractors and tradespeople, including masons, carpenters, glaziers, and mechanical and electrical technicians, with multi-trade scaffolding to facilitate efficient workflow.
The project included but was not limited to the following:
- Completely restored the Great Hall’s interior including masonry and plaster cleaning and repairs and preserving original historical light fixtures.
- Completed exterior stone restoration on the East Wing, including crack repairs, injection grouting, helical tie installation, and extensive re-pointing.
- Lifted and installed 1600 lb exterior stones, safely, in a busy downtown location.
- Used specialized masonry cleaning techniques using Arte-Mundit (becoming the first contractor in Canada to use this technique).
- Performed Zumbro stone cleaning, fabrication, installation, and repairs under the guidance of a conservator, following heritage conservation standards.
- Removed, catalogued, and tagged heritage masonry units for repair at our warehouse.
- Restored and fabricated millwork, including windows and doors, at our in-house plant.
- Restored and fabricated historic cathedral windows and original steel elements to ensure authenticity and durability.
- Repaired and conserved terra cotta elements and conducted plaster restoration on interior ceilings.
- Used proprietary repair mortars and Dutchman repair methods on Queenstown limestone blocks, selectively rebuilding limestone assemblies as needed.
- Restored ironwork, bronze fixtures, and historical hardware, including replicating heritage cast iron elements.
- Refurbished original oak doors and access panels, carefully matching stains to preserve their authentic appearance.
Special Considerations
This project presented several challenges, including limited space for equipment storage and managing Union Station’s high daily foot traffic. Ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions were paramount, given the station’s role as a major transit hub.
To address these challenges, Phoenix Restoration utilized off-site storage for tools, equipment, and materials, coordinating just-in-time deliveries to reduce on-site clutter. We scheduled night shifts for hazardous material removal, allowing day shifts to proceed uninterrupted, and added weekend shifts for timely completion.
Phoenix Restoration worked closely with building staff and to keep work areas securely blocked off from the public. Regular inspections were conducted to ensure all safety protocols were met, allowing Union Station to remain fully operational and accessible to commuters.
We also held weekly site meetings with heritage consultants and city officials to monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with heritage conservation standards. Under the guidance of a conservator, we followed stringent conservation procedures for delicate tasks like Zumbro stone cleaning and window restoration.
Please note that this project summary offers just a brief look at the work and challenges undertaken; for a more detailed scope of the project, please reach out to us.
