HartHouseAnnualReport-2017-18
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
BUILDING<br />
Above (from left): Hart House exterior architecture,<br />
Andrea Blackler testing the ALDs<br />
Above: Hart House interior staircase<br />
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE<br />
RENEWAL<br />
Hart House continues to invest in and<br />
steward its first and largest gift ever: the<br />
building itself, donated to the university<br />
in 1919 by the Massey Foundation.<br />
Consistent with Hart House’s programmatic<br />
focus on belonging and inclusion, physical<br />
accessibility is a driving imperative for<br />
capital renewal. Hart House is committed<br />
to being a leader in physical accessibility<br />
for heritage buildings.<br />
In <strong>2017</strong>–20<strong>18</strong>, key infrastructure renewal<br />
projects included:<br />
• Design and preparation of a<br />
transformed Arbor Room, which,<br />
when it re-opens in early 2019,<br />
will include restoration of its<br />
two fireplaces, installation of an<br />
accessible ramp, and a permanent<br />
solution to its sinking floor.<br />
• Re-organization of the CIUT offices<br />
on the third floor of Hart House,<br />
which resulted in the creation of<br />
three new offices and meeting spaces<br />
for Hart House.<br />
Hart House is also working with<br />
its university partners to develop a<br />
comprehensive critical infrastructure<br />
renewal plan. The objective is nothing<br />
less than the complete renewal of Hart<br />
House’s main mechanical, electrical,<br />
HVAC, and plumbing systems, in addition<br />
to major accessibility enhancements<br />
within the Fitness Centre and Gallery<br />
Grill. This renewal will be driven by the<br />
desire to preserve the building’s heritage,<br />
and reduce physical barriers to student<br />
participation in the life of the House. The<br />
objective is to sustain and enhance the<br />
building so that Hart House’s educational<br />
mission can continue to inspire students<br />
for another 100 years.<br />
HART HOUSE THEATRE<br />
IMPROVEMENTS<br />
Hart House Theatre has been an<br />
invaluable part of Hart House since<br />
it opened to the University in 1919.<br />
The theatre is steeped in history and<br />
proudly so, but strategic investments to<br />
improve its accessibility are essential.<br />
The theatre was built in an era when<br />
our understanding of “accessibility” was<br />
profoundly different from that of today.<br />
Hart House is committed to serving all<br />
students. From its strategic plan, Delight<br />
in Discovery, the House’s highest priority<br />
is to provide students of all backgrounds,<br />
identities and abilities an exemplary,<br />
inclusive and welcoming experience of<br />
exploration and discovery essential to their<br />
personal and professional development.<br />
In <strong>2017</strong>, based on this priority, the<br />
theatre planned a series of accessibility<br />
enhancements to improve audience<br />
experience in Hart House Theatre, which<br />
included:<br />
Improved accessible access to the theatre<br />
• Founders’ Prayer East Ramp (Aug<br />
<strong>2017</strong>)<br />
Improved in-theatre experience<br />
• Permanent wheelchair seating area,<br />
including companion seating.<br />
• Installation of hearing-assist<br />
technology.<br />
• Renovation of lobby washrooms<br />
to create fully AODA accessible<br />
washroom, without losing any lobby<br />
washroom fixtures.<br />
This project was launched by a $127,950<br />
grant from Canada 150 Community<br />
Infrastructure Program/Programme<br />
d’infrastructure communautaire de<br />
Canada 150. In addition, it was also<br />
substantially supported by two major<br />
donations, totaling $45,000, from the<br />
William and Nona Heaslip Foundation and<br />
the Audrey S. Hellyer Foundation. This<br />
accessibility project is a prime example<br />
of how donors and government partners<br />
are helping Hart House pursue its highest<br />
priorities.<br />
OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS<br />
COMPLETED IN <strong>2017</strong>-<strong>18</strong><br />
• Great Hall Doors (May <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• NSA Garden Irrigation (Jun <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Space Configuration: Staff Lunch<br />
Room (Jun <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Art Gallery HVAC (Jul <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Pool Filter Room Ventilation (Aug<br />
<strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Pool Filter Room Tank Replacement<br />
(Aug <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Main Elevator Hydraulic Cylinder<br />
Replacement (Aug <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Fire Panel Upgrade (Aug <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• Farm Equipment Shed (Sep <strong>2017</strong>)<br />
• North Lane Resurfacing (Apr 20<strong>18</strong>)<br />
32 HARTHOUSE.CA<br />
33