
THE STORY:
Restoration & adaptive re-use of the 1863 Baptist church in Elora. This pre-confederation brick church was designated as a heritage building for its design, contextual & historic significance. It is an early example of Regency Gothic church architecture with diachromatic soft local brick and beautiful proportions.
The building will be carefully restored to it’s original appearance including the 14′ coved ceiling and cornices. The long lost orientation towards the original Elora Village Commons to the South (now Hoffer Park) will be reinstated. A small addition to the north (rear of the original church) will allow for an accessible at grade entrance and universally accessible washroom.
The historic church and a re-built adjacent barn will be available for rent to local artisans and business. Eventually, a larger 2-storey addition to the north will allow the church to become part of a new single family residence for the Owners.
GREEN FEATURES:
- Adaptive reuse of a 155 year old building
- Intensification of downtown Elora
- Native landscaping
- On-site stormwater infiltration
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Natural, local materials
HERITAGE FEATURES:
- Adaptive re-use of Designated Heritage Building
- Restoration of the original masonry
- Re-instate the historically and culturally significant orientation towards the former Village Commons) (Now Hoffer Park)
- Interior restoration of the coved decorative ceiling
- Original interior parged walls
- Original brick full-immersion baptistry font