Fairmont Medical Building

Thoughtful, targeted renovations and retrofits to the exterior envelope, lobby, and building systems of the Fairmont Medical Building have significantly improved occupant well-being and revitalized this important modernist structure along the vital Broadway corridor.

Ph5 completely modernized the Fairmont Medical Building, a 14-storey, 33,000 square-foot modernist structure initially designed by McCarter Nairne in 1959.

In the 1990s, its mosaic-tile facade was covered with Exterior Insulated Finishing System (EIFS) panels to improve energy efficiency. The present-day retrofit retains these panels while introducing a tri-colour paint pattern that recaptures the visual interest of the original mosaic tiles and highlights the building’s modernist geometry. Coloured accents at the window edges add extra detail as one approaches the building. The bold, geometric design of the exterior façade interacts with the urban context, addressing the skyline, street, and pedestrian perspectives.

The street-level façades are clad in dark basalt stone. A new canopy along Broadway accentuates the prominent street corner. The entry courtyard and lobby design create a strong connection between the lobby and the street, with an open mezzanine introducing natural light and materials. A wood screen extends from the lobby to the mezzanine, creating an inviting atmosphere and drawing people toward the elevators.

A new entry vestibule, upgraded windows, and improvements to the mechanical systems improve the thermal comfort of visitors who often gather in the lobby. Improvements to accessibility features have made the building more welcoming and accommodating to various occupants.

A critical challenge of this renovation was managing construction in a fully occupied, operational building. With approximately 300-400 people visiting the over 100 medical offices daily, a robust and meticulously planned construction management strategy was essential to ensure uninterrupted access for all visitors.