University of Toronto Schools (UTS)

A Revitalized Learning Space

Property Owner: University of Toronto

Project Date of Completion: September 6, 2022

The revitalization of the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) is grounded in its 110-year history and includes the restoration of 60,000 square feet of the east half of the heritage building, while introducing a 60,000-square-foot expansion of new learning spaces on the south.

The merit-based secondary school affiliated with the University of Toronto (UofT) is situated on a large urban block on UofT’s St. George campus. It occupies a three-storey neo-gothic building fronting Bloor Street, designed by Darling and Pearson Architects (1910), who expanded the school with the Huron St. Wing in 1924.

The heritage wings have been preserved and rehabilitated. They accommodate a myriad of programs, including music and art classrooms, science labs and the conversion of a former gymnasium into a black box theatre.

The addition includes a double gymnasium located below grade, beneath the Huron-Washington Parkette. At grade, the new library overlooks the park and is suffused with natural light. The parkette is enhanced with a plaza which provides shelter from inclement weather for students and local residents.