The City of Kingston has won a 2019 George Muirhead Heritage Award for its renovation of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library's Central Branch. The awards, previously known as the Heritage Week Awards, are presented annually by Downtown Kingston to honour the best historically sensitive renovations and new-builds in Kingston's downtown core.
"This award demonstrates the impact that the renovation at the library has had on the community," says Speros Kanellos, director of facilities management and construction services at the City of Kingston. "We're proud to have been a part of this work and to help rejuvenate an important part of the downtown's landscape and community fabric."
Designed by local architects, Lily Inglis and Wilfred Sorenson, the Central Branch was constructed between 1976 and 1978 and incorporates one of the oldest buildings in Kingston, the limestone Parish House built in 1822.
"Library staff and Library Board members are very proud of the newly renovated Central Branch," says Monica Stewart, chair of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board and the Central Branch Renovation Committee. "We are grateful to all involved for transforming the space into a modern and efficient library space that will serve the community for years to come, while also honouring the history of the building and the vision of the original architects. "
The award was formally presented at the Downtown Kingston's Spring General Meeting. Both Kanellos and Stewart were present to accept the award, along with representatives from the architectural designer and contracting team.
