James Cooper Mansion Relocation

Since 2004, GBCA has been entrusted with the preservation of the James Cooper Mansion, located on Sherbourne Street, just south of Bloor Street. Initially retained by the long-time owners, the Knights of Columbus, to prepare a condition report and building assessment, GBCA went on to become the heritage consultant for the redevelopment of the site by Tridel.

GBCA was also the consulting heritage architect on the newsworthy move of the James Cooper Mansion. On September 25, 2008 the Mansion made Canadian history as the heaviest building ever moved in its entirety. Estimated at well over 900 tonnes, the 126-year-old building was moved 20 feet to the east to make way for the excavation of the parking garage and the Mansion’s permanent foundation slab. The second move, shifting the building 5 feet to the south, took place on December 11, 2008. To read Philip Goldsmith’s comments on the moving process, see:
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/09/25/historic-1881-mansion-moved-very-slowly-to-make-room-for-condos.aspx

For video clips of the move, which was coordinated by Laurie McCullock Movers Ltd, see:
http://tridel.com/jamescoopermansion/videos.php
To see the project in progress, see:
http://tridel.com/jamescoopermansion/construction.php