Victoria College Chapel
Repurposing
RTM completed the repurposing of the Victoria College Chapel for Victoria University in Toronto. The project transformed the existing second-floor chapel into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose room while preserving the character of the historic interior through meticulous selective demolition and the careful integration of modern architectural systems.
Project Scope
RTM was retained to complete the adaptive repurposing of the existing Victoria College Chapel into a flexible new multi-purpose room for Victoria University. The comprehensive scope included selective demolition, architectural renovations, structural work, mechanical upgrades, electrical and lighting work, fire protection, and advanced telecommunications and A/V system improvements.
Interior restoration and fit-out trades were heavily utilized, engaging scopes across unit masonry, cold-formed metal framing, rough and finish carpentry, architectural woodwork, wood window restoration, glazing, and intricate plaster and gypsum board assemblies.
Notable Details
The primary scope involved renovating the existing historic chapel on the second floor of the Victoria College building alongside its adjacent storage room to fully support the new programming functions.
The drawings required detailed interior modifications, starting with the careful demolition of fixed seating and the removal of existing stage components. Paramount to the project was the protection of the existing historic stained glass windows. Hardwood flooring was selectively removed and salvaged, making way for new engineered hardwood flooring coupled with high-performance acoustic underlayment.
Modern finishes were integrated seamlessly into the heritage space, including acoustic ceiling and wall panels, complex feature wall assemblies, delicate plaster repairs, the refinishing of existing wood elements, new roller shades, and sophisticated lighting integration.
Final Result
The completed work successfully repurposed the historic chapel into a highly flexible, state-of-the-art multi-purpose space while preserving and protecting the structure's most important heritage features—most notably the ornate stained glass windows and classic wood elements.
By expertly coordinating specialty interior restoration, acoustic upgrades, bespoke flooring, and modern building system integrations (including mechanical, electrical, and advanced A/V), RTM delivered a renewed, highly functional interior within an active, prestigious university building.
