At the northwest corner of Yonge and Queen Streets, a once-faded Renaissance Revival gem now stands renewed. The restoration of 2 Queen Street West, led by Zeidler Architecture in collaboration with ERA Architects, Clifford Group, and a skilled consultant and construction team, has been recognized with nominations from both Heritage Toronto and the Architectural Conservancy Ontario (ACO).

Commissioned by Cadillac Fairview, one of Canada’s most visionary real-estate developers, the project continues a decades-long partnership that has shaped much of Toronto’s downtown core. From the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Rudy Adlaf Bridge and BMO Place and Urban Campus to the ongoing Galleria Skylight Revitalization, Zeidler’s work with CF reflects a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and the thoughtful renewal of urban landmarks.

Originally completed in 1896 as the Philip Jamieson Building, 2 Queen Street West had endured decades of alteration that concealed its historic beauty. Through a meticulous process, the façade was reconstructed using over 40,000 replica bricks, stone, and terra cotta pieces, while a curved glass addition reinterprets the building’s iconic corner with contemporary clarity. The revitalized seven-storey structure now integrates seamlessly with the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern performance to house vibrant retail, office, and hospitality uses.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Heritage Toronto Awards, celebrating five decades of design leadership and heritage stewardship. Zeidler is proud not only to be nominated but also to serve as a sponsor of the 2025 Awards, reinforcing our ongoing role in preserving Toronto’s architectural legacy for future generations.

Winners of the ACO Heritage Awards will be announced on October 16, 2025.

Learn more about the ACO Heritage Award nominees here.

Winners of the Heritage Toronto Awards will be announced on October 20, 2025

Learn more about the Heritage Toronto Awards, 2025 Built Heritage nominees here.

Project Team:

The Cadillac Fairview Corp, Zeidler Architecture (Design and Executive Architect), ERA Architects (Heritage Architect), PCL Construction, Clifford Group, Walters Group, RJC Engineers, The HIDI Group