An industrial landmark, still evolving.
Constructed between 1929 and 1931 as a Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive repair facility, the John Street Roundhouse is one of Toronto’s most significant surviving industrial landmarks. Since 2000, Steam Whistle Brewing has given the building new life as a working brewery and public destination rooted in its industrial history.
Challenges
As Steam Whistle’s needs continue to evolve, the Roundhouse is transitioning from a primarily production-focused facility into a broader hospitality, dining and event destination. This transformation must unfold within an active business and a nationally significant heritage building, where every intervention must respect the structure’s industrial character, historic fabric and relationship to Roundhouse Park.
Solution
Boldera provides ongoing architectural and heritage conservation services to guide the Roundhouse through its next chapter. Rather than approaching the building as a completed conversion, the work recognizes adaptive reuse as a continuing process—one that allows historic places to respond to changing needs without losing what makes them distinctive.
Through carefully phased alterations, production and service areas are being reimagined as welcoming public spaces supporting dining, events and cultural programming. New circulation, building services, glazing and interior interventions are thoughtfully integrated with the Roundhouse’s original materials, generous volumes and unmistakable industrial rhythm.
The result is a landmark that continues to evolve alongside Steam Whistle: expanding its role as a public destination while remaining authentic to the history, architecture and working character of the Roundhouse.
Project Facts
Project Year: 2025
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Client: Steam Whistle Brewing Inc.
Status: Completed & Ongoing
Budget: $5 Million (CAD)
Services Provided
Heritage Impact Assessment
Heritage Conservation Plan & Drawings
Heritage Permit Application
Architectural Services
Bidding & Negotiation
Contract Administration
Project Team
Heritage Architect: Boldera Architects Inc.
The Roundhouse was built for movement and industry, and that spirit still gives the building its energy today.
Our work was about finding new uses for these spaces while keeping the structure, material character, and industrial history clearly present.
eRIC RODRIGUES, ARCHITECT
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