- Project
River Heights, Winnipeg, Manitoba
This project involved the full restoration of a classic early 20th-century heritage home located in Winnipeg’s River Heights neighbourhood. The property represents a well-preserved example of Edwardian-era residential architecture, featuring original windows, woodwork, and defining architectural elements characteristic of the period.
Project Location
River Heights, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Project Year
2025
Project Status
Completed
Brief Project Description
This project consisted of a comprehensive interior and exterior heritage restoration, with a focus on preserving all original character-defining architectural features while sensitively upgrading key living spaces.
The objective was to retain the home’s historic integrity while enhancing functionality through carefully considered updates to the kitchen and bathrooms. Special attention was given to maintaining original materials and integrating period-appropriate Edwardian-era lighting and finishes throughout the home.
The scope of work covered the entire property, ensuring consistency between interior and exterior restoration efforts.
- Conservation and repair of original plaster walls and ceilings
- Restoration of original casings, baseboards, doors, windows, staircases, and hardware
- Profile matching and replication of missing millwork
- Sanding and refinishing of original maple and oak flooring using oil-based varnishes
- Sourcing and reinstallation of period-appropriate Edwardian lighting throughout
- Full roof decking and shingle replacement using custom materials replicating early 1920s strip shingles
- Installation of a new metal gutter system
- Cladding of third-floor surfaces with cedar shingles to match original materials
- Repair, stripping, priming, and painting of original wood soffit, fascia, ledger boards, and eave brackets using traditional linseed oil paint
- Restoration of stucco and front portico
- Retention and replication (where required) of original window sashes in old-growth fir
Project Progress
A key challenge in this project was maintaining the home’s architectural authenticity while addressing deterioration and correcting previous renovation work.
- Sourcing historically accurate Edwardian-era lighting for the entire home
- Replicating missing or damaged architectural elements with precision
- Restoring deteriorated double-hung window sashes
- Correcting poorly executed prior renovations that compromised original features
- Retention of original materials wherever possible
- Use of traditional restoration techniques
- Integration of compatible materials for long-term durability
- Careful alignment of new work with the home’s original design intent
Outcome / Final Result
The completed project represents a comprehensive and historically sensitive restoration that preserves the home’s architectural integrity while improving functionality for modern living.
- Retention and restoration of all major character-defining architectural elements
- Successful integration of period-appropriate lighting and finishes throughout the home
- Restoration of both interior and exterior elements to reflect the original design
- Correction of past alterations to reinstate architectural consistency
The result is a cohesive and enduring heritage restoration that balances historical authenticity with contemporary livability, ensuring the home remains a strong example of Winnipeg’s architectural heritage.
Planning a Heritage Restoration Project?
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