Spencer R. Higgins, Architect Incorporated

Spencer R. Higgins, Architect Incorporated
Practice	Projects		arconTEST	Expertise	Contacts



John Bales House, Toronto
North Verandah and Windows Restoration Projects

John Bales House is the oldest house in North York standing on its original site. Built in 1824 in the Neo-Georgian vernacular style, this gabled farmhouse is located in Earl Bales Park. SHA was retained by the Toronto Museums and Heritage Services in 2018 to carry out repairs and stabilization of the North Verandah structure and roof. The verandah faces an adjacent ravine, which through site erosion resulted in the separation of the verandah roof and original plaster ceiling from the house. A subsequent project to evaluate and cost the repair the 18 original windows and provide new storms commenced in 2020. The windows consist of mixture of assemblages with and without parting stops, and many have unique iron hold-open latches. The frames have wide architraves and robust wood sills. Our initial work included the assessment, stabilization, repair and upgrade of the North Verandah floor, structure, roof and original plaster ceiling. The project included preparation of detailed as-found condition drawings. It was the intent to retain as much of the original wood structure, roof and ceiling in-situ while shoring and returning the verandah to a stable position, reinforcing and securing the roof to the original wall of the house. We designed and prepared detailed Tender Documents for repair and shoring of the verandah roof, replacement of rotted floor beams and posts, improvements to roofing shingle details and localized stabilization of random rubble stone foundation. The second phase of the work consisted of survey and specification for the repair of the original wood windows and trim, as well as design and installation of new wood storm windows to protect the 1824 windows. Each window was carefully scheduled with detailed instructions for repair and conservation. The windows were adjusted to fit the irregular frames and discreetly weatherstripped with bronze foil. Traditional linseed oil-based paints were used which required long cure time to ensure durability. We provided comprehensive field review and Contract Administration, and the contractors completed the work in late 2024.			John Bales House, Toronto 2017 (Photo:SHA)