Atwill-Morin has been nominated for the Heritage Toronto Awards for the restoration of the IMMIX Clock Tower, highlighting the excellence of our heritage work.
An Iconic Landmark
Built in 1872 as Fire Hall No.3, the tower stood out for its height and remarkable architectural details. Decommissioned in the 1950s, it later housed the St. Charles Tavern, an iconic venue for Toronto’s queer community in the 1960s and 1970s. After the closure of the St. Charles in 1987, the site hosted various businesses until the launch of the Halo project and the full restoration of the tower.
The Victorian clock tower on Yonge Street is now part of the Halo Residences, a project of 423 condominiums completed in 2024 that incorporates a contemporary reinterpretation in engraved glass of the former fire hall. A row of adjacent Victorian commercial façades was also restored with historically inspired wooden storefronts.
Atwill-Morin expertise in historic building envelopes
Atwill-Morin restored the heritage envelope including masonry cleaning, repointing, brick replacement, precise reproduction of windows and dormers, restoration of heritage woodwork, slate roof refurbishment with copper finishes, and the restoration of the historic clock including disassembly, sandblasting, painting, and reinstallation. Coordination was essential to harmonize work on the masonry, roof, foundations, and woodwork.
A Prestigious Nomination
The project was nominated in the Built Heritage category of the Heritage Toronto Awards, a distinction that recognizes the exemplary quality of work in built heritage conservation. This recognition reflects Atwill-Morin’s commitment to preserving iconic places and passing their history on to future generations.
Congratulations to our partners for this achievement: ERA Architects Inc., QuadReal Property Group, SKYGRiD, Heritage Grade et The Verdin Company.
