Gould Estate
The Gould Estate is a historic residence in Uxbridge, Ontario, whose future use continues to be residential. As part of a larger residential redevelopment, the project involved the careful relocation of the designated heritage building within its property while preserving its cultural heritage value, a rare conservation strategy undertaken only after detailed study demonstrated that the building’s significance could be retained through relocation and restoration.
The brick dwelling is a fine example of the Ontario Cottage, a distinctly Canadian variation of the Gothic Revival style that was widely promoted in the Canadian Farmer during the 1860s. As part of a larger residential redevelopment, Giaimo developed the conservation strategy for the careful relocation and restoration of the designated heritage building. Our scope included preparing a Conservation Plan, conservation drawings, heritage permit applications, and liaising with the Town’s Heritage Department.
The conservation approach balanced the site’s continued residential development with the long-term preservation of one of Uxbridge’s most significant nineteenth-century residences, ensuring that the building remains a visible landmark within its evolving context.
Client
Bazil Development
Location
Uxbridge, Ontario
Start Date
2019
Status
In Progress
Type
Heritage Conservation
Team
Cassidy & Company – Architects
Giaimo – Heritage Architect
Planning – KLM
Civil Engineers – Counterpoint Engineering
Landscape Architects – John Lloyd + Associates
Relocation Engineers– Facet
Image Credits
Rendering: Cassidy + Company
Photos: Giaimo
Relocation and Stabilization of the historic home.
Process
Window at principal elevation as seen from the interior
The conservation strategy for the Gould Estate was guided by the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada and Ontario’s heritage conservation best practices. To ensure the long-term preservation of the property while accommodating new residential development, the designated heritage dwelling was carefully relocated to a more prominent location on the site, where it will maintain a strong presence along Mill Street.
The rehabilitation program includes restoration of the masonry, historic wood windows, front entrance, porch, and foundation, as well as the repair and conservation of significant interior features including doors, wood trim, panelling, the staircase, and original mouldings. The project demonstrates how thoughtful conservation can preserve the character and craftsmanship of a historic building while enabling its continued use within a changing context.
Archival Image of Gould Estate (Uxbridge Historic Homes Book)
Sustainability
As part of the redevelopment, a non-contributing driveshed was carefully removed using a deconstruction approach rather than conventional demolition. By dismantling the structure piece by piece, the original timber was salvaged and preserved for future use, significantly reducing construction waste and diverting valuable materials from landfill.
The reclaimed wood will be repurposed on site as part of the project’s heritage commemoration strategy, allowing elements of the driveshed to remain part of the site’s story even after the building itself has been removed. This approach extends the life of historic materials while reducing the environmental impacts associated with demolition and new material production.
An example of sustainable conservation through deconstruction, this part of the project demonstrates how conservation and sustainability can work together. By prioritizing material reuse alongside the preservation of the designated heritage residence, the redevelopment celebrates the site’s history while embracing a more circular and environmentally responsible approach to building.
Shed before deconstruction
Deconstruction Process
