Cornwall Arts & Culture Centre

Owner
City of Cornwall
Location
Cornwall, ON
Project Sector
Public/Cultural
Contract Type
Construction Management
Project Size
8,000 sq. ft.
Completion Date
2025

The renovation respects and preserves the building’s heritage character while upgrading it to serve as a modern, functional space for arts and cultural programming.

The Cornwall Arts & Culture Centre is an exciting and transformative project that will breathe new life into a historically significant building at the heart of the community. Originally built as a public landmark, the structure is being reimagined as a vibrant hub for theatre, music, and the performing arts, providing a dedicated space for cultural expression, community programming, and local events.

Laurin is managing the renovation of this two-storey steel structure, bringing both construction expertise and a deep respect for heritage conservation to the project. The scope includes the careful demolition of interior components while maintaining the structural integrity of the building throughout construction. Interior heritage masonry walls are being temporarily shored and protected, preserving the craftsmanship and character that reflect the building’s original era. One of the most defining elements, the historic pre-cast exterior façade, will remain fully intact and preserved, serving as a striking architectural feature that ties the past to the future.

This renovation involves a high level of technical precision, requiring the coordination of structural reinforcement, integration of modern building systems, and careful sequencing to protect heritage elements. Once complete, the renewed Cornwall Arts & Culture Centre will offer accessible, purpose-built performance and gallery spaces designed to support a wide range of cultural programming. The project not only safeguards a piece of Cornwall’s architectural history but also delivers a meaningful enhancement to the city’s cultural infrastructure, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for artists, audiences, and the broader community to gather, create, and connect.

Photo of construction in progress at the Arts & Culture Centre from directly overhead
Bird's eye front corner view of the Arts & Culture Centre under construction
Bird's eye photo of the under construction arts centre
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Interested in partnering with Laurin as a subcontractor, or seeking information about our expertise?