Art Deco 'scores a hat trick' at 2010 Heritage Toronto Awards

Tim (far right) and Catherine (to Tim's right)
receive their awards on stage at Koerner Hall
in this rather blurry smartphone photo.

Tim Morawetz is proud and delighted to announce that his book, Art Deco Architecture in Toronto: A guide to the city's buildings from the Roaring Twenties and the Depression, which was previously named a 'Finalist' in the 2010 Heritage Toronto Awards, ended up winning an 'Award of Merit' at the event earlier this evening. (The book was one of three Merit Award recipients, from a field of 10 worthy contenders.) A full listing of all the winners and finalists in all categories is available here.

Tim eagerly shared the recognition with the book's graphic designer, his colleague and friend Catherine Hamill of Norton Hamill Design.

In addition, the Deco era was celebrated, in part, when the 'Award of Excellence' was very deservedly presented to A Passionate Traditionalist: John M. Lyle, Architect (Coach House Books, 2009) by Glenn McArthur.  This book is the definitive work on the life and work of John Lyle – a man who many would say was the premier architect of the first half of the 20th century in English-Canada, and a master and promoter of 'Canadian-themed' Deco architecture at one point in his illustrious career.

Finally, the revitalization of the Automotive Building, 105 Princes' Boulevard on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition – arguably Toronto's best example of the Stripped Classical variant of Art Deco architecture – now the Allstream Centre, was also recognized with an Award of Merit in the 'William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship' category.

Automotive Building – BEFORE

Allstream Centre – AFTER

Thanks to the vision of heritage consultants Andre Scheinman; E.R.A. Architects Inc., James Bailey Architect, together with the work of Vanbots Construction Corp. and Clifford Restoration Ltd., the 1929 building was restored and rehabilitated into a conference centre. The original Art Deco style building envelope and north and south lobbies were restored and new conference rooms and support spaces inserted into the original open exhibit hall. Restoration work included repairing exterior cast stone and masonry, reintroducing multi-pane windows to match the originals, cleaning and repairing terrazzo floors and refurbishing or recreating original light fixtures.