At the heart of Toronto’s Allan Gardens, the Palm House has stood as a sanctuary of glass and greenery since 1910. Designed by City Architect Robert McCallum, this Edwardian-era conservatory is believed to be the last of its kind in Canada, a rare example of early ingenuity in glass and steel construction that has shaped the city’s architectural and cultural landscape for over a century.

Led by Zeidler in collaboration with Architects Rasch Eckler Associates Ltd. (AREA) and commissioned by the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation department, the restoration carefully balances heritage conservation with modern performance. Guided by extensive engagement with stakeholders, the team reinstated the building’s central portico entrance, restored its sandstone façade, decorative finials, and 1909 entablature, and upgraded its glazing, mechanical, and electrical systems to meet current standards for accessibility, comfort, and sustainability.

Executed while the conservatory remained open to the public, the project exemplifies Zeidler’s collaborative and disciplined approach. We listened to the needs of our clients, consultants, and the community to deliver design excellence that honours the past while strengthening the city’s civic future. With its renewed systems and inclusive access, the Palm House continues to thrive as a beacon of green in Toronto’s urban centre.

This nomination for the Peter Stokes Restoration Award celebrates not only the Palm House’s enduring legacy but also Zeidler’s commitment to advancing heritage architecture through thoughtful renewal that connects people, place, and history.

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

Learn more about the awards and nominees at acoheritageawards.ca.

Project Team
City of Toronto – Parks, Forestry & Recreation, Zeidler Architecture (Design and Executive Architects), Architects Rasch Eckler Associates Ltd (Heritage Architect), RJC Engineers, HIDI Group, HRI Group.
Community Partner: Friends of Allan Gardens