Dalhousie House

 

Client: City of St. Catharines

Project Completion: 2011

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The Dalhousie House in St. Catharines, originally constructed around 1850 by Alexander Muir as part of the Muir Brothers Dry Docks and Shipyard, later served as a community hall and seniors’ centre before being vacated due to structural concerns. Over time, accumulated earth against the rear wall caused significant buckling.
In 2010, George Robb Architect was commissioned to restore and conserve the building. Structural stabilization was achieved through the installation of gabion baskets to support the earth and relieve lateral pressure on the wall. Additional work included upgrading energy efficiency with a new mechanical system, repairing historic windows and doors, and removing a non‑historic addition. The building shell was fully restored, with interiors left unfinished for future tenancy.