Constructed in 1911, the Jones Avenue School was devastated by a fire that caused widespread collapse of its roof and floor structure.

Although disastrously damaged, the bones of the building were good, and the characteristic large well-lit classrooms, high ceilings and excellent plan organization made retention and rebuilding the choice for its next stage of life.

THA prepared documents for the school renovation and retrofit that took the project from basement to third floor for modern educational use. Working with Board architects and staff we provided new space within the structure with new accessible entries and an elevator, exits, corridors, fire separations, and classrooms and washrooms designed to meet current Code requirements.

Additions were made to the west side of the building to create a dynamic new entrance and play area, linked to the adjacent grounds of the Earl Grey Senior Public School (TDSB).

THA and its engineers successfully met the requirements of the building upgrade, and provided a facility that had new HVAC, fire and life safety, electrical, building automation, and IT infrastructure, all designed with the long-term performance of the original building in mind.

THA understood the importance of this building not only for its client the TDSB, but the wider community, which had lost an important place of learning. The new light-filled classrooms are filled with colours, allowing for dynamic learning, and corridors and stairs are broad and welcoming.