THUNDER BAY — Transforming a 92-year old former high school into modern condominiums is a task that comes with some built-in obstacles, but the third and final stage of converting Hillcrest High School is now well underway.
The developer expects to see the first tenants moving into Phase 3 – which includes the largest and oldest part of the building – by Christmas.
"There's always a challenge on any construction job. Some of ours are a little tougher," says Project Manager Brady Scavarelli.
He noted the difficulty of installing new windows and doors, saying "They don't build buildings like this anymore. It takes a little more engineering and a little more effort from our team."
Phase 3 will eventually accommodate 52 condos. There are already 34 completed units in Phases 1 and 2.
Hillcrest was built by C.D. Howe and Co. in 1928, and closed by the Lakehead District School Board in 2009.
During a recent tour, Scavarelli noted that care is being taken to preserve some of the original elements of the main structure.
"We're trying not to disrupt the look of the school. The 1928 is an Edwardian design, so we've modified our balconies from Phase 1 and 2. We'll do more glass railings so it doesn't interrupt the whole look of the building. We'll leave the original stairwell and refinish the doors. That will all stay," he said.
At the time it was closed, Hillcrest had three gymnasiums and an auditorium.
The 1928 gym will now become the tenants' gym, the 1961 gym will be split in two for condos, and the 1970 gym will be converted to townhouses with parking below them.
Scavarelli said a large part of the auditorium, including part of the original stage, will be retained as a party room.
Demolition for Phase 3 is almost complete, with framing, electrical work, HVAC and plumbing installations already going in.
Work will initially be concentrated on the two upper floors.
The completed project will also include a rooftop patio with a panoramic view of the city.
Scavarelli said the work is currently a little behind schedule because of COVID-19.
"Some of the sub-trades are behind because of restrictions. Materials are a little harder to get in, with trucks not moving as frequently and supplies not being replenished," he said, but added "it's still going well."
One employee's sole job during the pandemic is non-stop cleaning in work areas.
