HartHouseAnnualReport-2017-18

BUILDING
Above (from left): Hart House exterior architecture,
Andrea Blackler testing the ALDs
Above: Hart House interior staircase
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
RENEWAL
Hart House continues to invest in and
steward its first and largest gift ever: the
building itself, donated to the university
in 1919 by the Massey Foundation.
Consistent with Hart House’s programmatic
focus on belonging and inclusion, physical
accessibility is a driving imperative for
capital renewal. Hart House is committed
to being a leader in physical accessibility
for heritage buildings.
In 2017–2018, key infrastructure renewal
projects included:
• Design and preparation of a
transformed Arbor Room, which,
when it re-opens in early 2019,
will include restoration of its
two fireplaces, installation of an
accessible ramp, and a permanent
solution to its sinking floor.
• Re-organization of the CIUT offices
on the third floor of Hart House,
which resulted in the creation of
three new offices and meeting spaces
for Hart House.
Hart House is also working with
its university partners to develop a
comprehensive critical infrastructure
renewal plan. The objective is nothing
less than the complete renewal of Hart
House’s main mechanical, electrical,
HVAC, and plumbing systems, in addition
to major accessibility enhancements
within the Fitness Centre and Gallery
Grill. This renewal will be driven by the
desire to preserve the building’s heritage,
and reduce physical barriers to student
participation in the life of the House. The
objective is to sustain and enhance the
building so that Hart House’s educational
mission can continue to inspire students
for another 100 years.
HART HOUSE THEATRE
IMPROVEMENTS
Hart House Theatre has been an
invaluable part of Hart House since
it opened to the University in 1919.
The theatre is steeped in history and
proudly so, but strategic investments to
improve its accessibility are essential.
The theatre was built in an era when
our understanding of “accessibility” was
profoundly different from that of today.
Hart House is committed to serving all
students. From its strategic plan, Delight
in Discovery, the House’s highest priority
is to provide students of all backgrounds,
identities and abilities an exemplary,
inclusive and welcoming experience of
exploration and discovery essential to their
personal and professional development.
In 2017, based on this priority, the
theatre planned a series of accessibility
enhancements to improve audience
experience in Hart House Theatre, which
included:
Improved accessible access to the theatre
• Founders’ Prayer East Ramp (Aug
2017)
Improved in-theatre experience
• Permanent wheelchair seating area,
including companion seating.
• Installation of hearing-assist
technology.
• Renovation of lobby washrooms
to create fully AODA accessible
washroom, without losing any lobby
washroom fixtures.
This project was launched by a $127,950
grant from Canada 150 Community
Infrastructure Program/Programme
d’infrastructure communautaire de
Canada 150. In addition, it was also
substantially supported by two major
donations, totaling $45,000, from the
William and Nona Heaslip Foundation and
the Audrey S. Hellyer Foundation. This
accessibility project is a prime example
of how donors and government partners
are helping Hart House pursue its highest
priorities.
OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS
COMPLETED IN 2017-18
• Great Hall Doors (May 2017)
• NSA Garden Irrigation (Jun 2017)
• Space Configuration: Staff Lunch
Room (Jun 2017)
• Art Gallery HVAC (Jul 2017)
• Pool Filter Room Ventilation (Aug
2017)
• Pool Filter Room Tank Replacement
(Aug 2017)
• Main Elevator Hydraulic Cylinder
Replacement (Aug 2017)
• Fire Panel Upgrade (Aug 2017)
• Farm Equipment Shed (Sep 2017)
• North Lane Resurfacing (Apr 2018)
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