Central Branch Library Renovation Receives Heritage Award

Published on: 2019/05/30 - in News

A 2019 George Muirhead Heritage Award has been presented to the City of Kingston for its renovation of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Central Branch.

Previously known as the Heritage Week Awards, they are presented each year by Downtown Kingston to recognize the ‘best historically sensitive renovations and new-builds’ in the city’s downtown core.

“This award demonstrates the impact that the renovation at the library has had on the community. We’re proud to have been a part of this work and to help rejuvenate an important part of the downtown’s landscape and community fabric,” said Speros Kanellos, director of facilities management and construction services at the City of Kingston.


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The Central Branch was constructed between 1976 and 1978 and designed by local architects, Lily Inglis and Wilfred Sorenson. It incorporates one of the city’s oldest buildings – the limestone Parish House built in 1822. It reopened in March of 2019 following the three year renovation.

“Library staff and Library Board members are very proud of the newly renovated Central Branch,” said Monica Stewart, chair of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board and the Central Branch Renovation Committee. “We are grateful to all involved for transforming the space into a modern and efficient library space that will serve the community for years to come, while also honouring the history of the building and the vision of the original architects. ”

Kanellos and Stewart accepted the award at Downtown Kingston’s Spring General Meeting Wednesday night, along with representatives from the architectural designer and contracting team.

Learn more about the Kingston Public Library and its branches at www.kfpl.ca.


Photo: Geralt | Pixabay (cc)