Then-And-Now: Richmond apartments reborn

The 1950s-era 798-800 Richmond Apartments in Toronto were derelict, rodent-infested and a haven for drug addicts and dealers. The unkempt complex was purchased by Toronto-based Westdale Properties, and Kneider Architects was retained to rejuvenate and revitalize the buildings and the surrounding courtyard.

There were 543 apartment units in three structures of 13, seven and six floors that were totally gutted and renovated, according to architect George Kneider, as well as 12 neighbouring Garden Court townhouses that were then tied into the total complex.

The scope of two-year project included an expanded lobby entrance, converting over 200 bachelor units to one-bedroom units, new roofs, new mechanical systems, added exhaust for kitchens, new elevators, completely new kitchens, washrooms, flooring and windows throughout, and interior design, upgraded the exterior of the buildings, and replacing all the single glazed windows with double glazed thermal efficient units. The courtyard became a living space by removing the surface parking and totally landscaping it.

“The exterior was all done with precast stone, grass and concrete,” said architect George Kneider. “On the interior we used wood clic flooring, porcelain tile, a lot of ceramic tile — especially in the bathroom and the walls, as well as throughout all of the corridors. We used patterned designs and different sizes, then all of the stairwells were done in porcelain tile.”

Prior to the renovation, apartment interiors included “vinyl tile, beat up carpet,” as well as corridors that were all vinyl tile — “I think some of it hadn’t been cleaned in 10 years.

“I love the porcelain tile because it may cost a bit more at the beginning but its cheapest in the long run because it only takes a damp mop to clean it. You can also get the non-slip porcelains that work quite well. I like them both because of the texture, colour and what I can do with them in design with patterns.”

It is important to understand while all the renovations and additions were taking place the complex was occupied by tenants, Kneider explained.

As areas were renovated, tenants were given the opportunity to move into the newly upgraded units.

“We couldn’t close down the complex,” said architect George Kneider. “People were offered the opportunity to stay or to leave. A lot of them stayed once they saw what was happening on the interior finishes of the units. They like it and there is not a vacancy in the place.”