Historic 1890 High Park Home Renovation: A Complete Structural & Design Transformation
Preserving the classic architectural charm of a historic High Park property while implementing modern structural integrity requires a specialized general contracting team. Procon General Contractors Ltd. recently completed a comprehensive, top-to-bottom restoration of a classic three-story 1890 residential home near High Park, Toronto.
Operating under our strict "one project at a time" philosophy, our master builders dedicated their full daily attention to this property. We managed the entire project seamlessly—from architectural planning and navigating City of Toronto heritage guidelines to final structural inspections.
Project Overview: The 1890 High Park Gut Remodel
The homeowners loved their historic location but faced failing utility systems, structural settling, and a heavily closed-off layout typical of Victorian-era builds. Procon completely gutted the entire three-story structure down to the original brick studs, systematically updating every major element while preserving the home's historic exterior charm.
Structural Engineering & Open-Concept Modifications
Load-Bearing Wall Removal:
Removed interior dividing walls on the main floor to establish a spacious, modern open-concept living and dining area.
Engineered Steel Beams:
Strategically integrated structural steel flush-beams to support the upper floors, eliminating sagging joists without sacrificing ceiling height.
Foundation Assessment:
Levelled original subfloors across all three stories to ensure complete stability prior to finishing work.
Full Mechanical & Utility Modernization
Knob-and-Tube Electrical Abatement:
Completely removed hazardous, uninsurable 1890s knob-and-tube wiring. Installed a new 200-amp electrical panel with modern arc-fault protection, smart switches, and energy-efficient LED pot lights.
Complete Plumbing Overhaul:
Stripped out old, corroded lead and cast-iron drain lines. Replumbed the entire three-story house with durable PEX supply lines and modern PVC drainage systems.
Zoned Hydronic Heating Pipes:
Maintained the comfortable radiant heat of the historic home by running dedicated, independent heating lines from a high-efficiency boiler directly to individual cast-iron radiators on all three floors.
Multi-Zone Air Conditioning:
Installed a space-saving, high-velocity ductless air conditioning system with independent zone climate controls dedicated to each floor.
Interior Finishes: Merging Modern Luxury with Old-World Charm
Custom Hardwood Flooring:
Laid premium, site-finished hardwood flooring across all three levels, choosing plank widths that seamlessly mirror the home's original 19th-century character.
Three New Luxury Bathrooms:
Designed and constructed three full bathrooms, including a luxury master ensuite on the second floor featuring custom tile waterproofing, walk-in glass showers, and high-end fixtures.
Preserving Historic Details:
Carefully salvaged, replicated, or restored original deep baseboards, crown plaster profiles, and window trims to maintain the timeless High Park aesthetic.
Serving High Park & West End Toronto Neighborhoods
We deploy our dedicated building crews strictly within our core West End operational loop, ensuring Frank is on-site every single day to manage your build.
High Park Core & Swansea
Roncesvalles & Bloor West Village
The Junction & The Kingsway
Why High Park Homeowners Trust Procon
"Renovating my home built in 1890 seemed terrifying because of the structural risks. Frank and the Procon crew were on-site every single day. They handled my renovation with ease, completely replaced our old knob-and-tube wiring, and gave us a beautiful open main floor while keeping our beautiful original trim look. Having their undivided focus made all the difference."
— Joe & Brinda M., High Park
Ready to Restore Your Historic Toronto Home?
Do not trust a century-old structural asset to volume builders who split attention across multiple job sites. Partner with an experienced, heavily insured local general contractor who stands entirely behind their craftsmanship.
Book Your On-Site High Park Estimate Now
Phone: (416) 543-6840
Operational Address: 39 Hawkedon Crescent, Etobicoke, ON M9W 3L6
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Online Requests: Fill out our Online Contact Form to receive a call within 24 hours.
Company Info
Based locally out of Etobicoke, Procon General Contractors Ltd. proudly serves homeowners across the West End. Our primary service areas include Etobicoke (Rexdale, Richview, The Kingsway, Mimico) and the High Park region (Swansea, Roncesvalles, Bloor West Village, The Junction).