Originally built in 1932 as the Bank of Montreal, the Sir John A. Macdonald Building was transformed into a new conference and meeting facility for Canada’s House of Commons in Ottawa, ON.
Challenge
Transforming a historic landmark into a contemporary parliamentary facility required balancing the preservation of significant heritage features with evolving functional, safety, security, and performance requirements. The project also needed to accommodate new uses while respecting the building’s prominent setting across from Parliament Hill.
Solution
Our design restored the building’s art deco façade and ornamented interior, transforming the former grand banking hall into a ceremonial space for events of state. A contemporary addition supports the conference facility and completes the streetscape, while infrastructure systems were modernized to improve energy efficiency, safety, security, and seismic performance.
Outcome
The renewed building successfully combines historic character with contemporary functionality, creating a new home for parliamentary events and gatherings. Its adaptive reuse contributes to the long-term revitalization of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct while preserving an important piece of the nation’s architectural heritage.
The former grand banking hall was transformed into a ceremonial venue for events of state while preserving its historic architectural character.
The restoration carefully preserved the building’s Art Deco façade and richly ornamented interior, recognized as among Canada’s foremost heritage structures.
Modern infrastructure upgrades improved energy efficiency, life safety, security, and seismic performance while preserving the building’s heritage fabric.
