The Grimsby Heritage House
Designing Within History. Building for the Next 100 Years
When people think about architectural design, they often imagine bold forms, clean lines, and striking spaces. But some of the most meaningful architecture happens quietly, within constraints, history, and responsibility.
The Grimsby Heritage House was one of those projects.
This wasn’t just a renovation. It was a conversation with history.
Respecting the Past While Designing the Future
This home is a recognized heritage property in Grimsby, and like many historic houses, it had evolved over time. A second floor technically existed, however, in reality, it was unusable attic space, accessed for storage rather than living. Low ceiling heights, limited headroom, and outdated layouts made it impractical for modern life.
The client’s goal was clear:
Transform the attic into a fully usable second floor
Create a primary bedroom retreat
Add a walk-in closet and ensuite
Improve the existing upstairs bathroom so children wouldn’t need to rely on the main floor
Simple in intent. Complex in execution.
Because any demolition or structural modification on a heritage building triggers heritage and committee approvals, we knew from day one this would be a long-term, collaborative process.
We were upfront with the client:
This would take time.
This would require patience.
And it would require precision.
A Heritage-Sensitive Design Approach
Our design philosophy on heritage projects is simple:
Preserve what matters. Improve what’s necessary. Never erase history.
From the start, the architecture was carefully shaped to remain visually and materially consistent with the existing home:
Existing wood windows were retained
Original siding language was respected
Rooflines were carefully controlled, no excessive height increases
No aggressive massing or modern gestures that would disrupt the streetscape
Key heritage elements, including the front dormer, were preserved and integrated into the final design. Where adjustments were required, they were pushed toward the rear of the home, maintaining the historical presence from the public realm.
Every move was intentional.
Collaboration With the Town of Grimsby
This project required extensive coordination with:
The Town of Grimsby Heritage Department
The Heritage Committee
Municipal planning staff
We conducted historical research, reviewed archival information provided by the town, and refined the design through multiple rounds of feedback. Adjustments were made not as compromises, but as refinements, ensuring the final proposal was both architecturally sound and historically respectful.
After careful review and collaboration, heritage approval was granted.
When Design Meets Reality: Structural Assessment
With heritage approvals in place, the project advanced to the building permit phase.
Because of the home’s age and heritage designation, the town required a comprehensive structural assessment, not only of the new addition, but of the existing structure as a whole.
This is where SODA’s integrated approach matters.
We brought in our structural engineer, who reviewed:
Existing framing conditions
Load paths old and new
Foundation and bearing capacities
The assessment confirmed that the design was fundamentally sound, but recommended the addition of two supplemental LVL beams to reinforce the structure and ensure long-term performance.
The goal wasn’t just approval.
The goal was longevity.
A heritage home doesn’t just need to stand tomorrow, it needs to stand for the next century.
A Fully Coordinated, Permit-Ready Design
Beyond structure, the project was fully coordinated across disciplines:
Architectural design
Structural engineering
Mechanical review
Electrical assessment, including panel capacity and load considerations
Even though some of these reviews exceeded minimum requirements, they ensured the home could support modern living safely and responsibly.
Ultimately, building permits were issued.
The project was technically ready to be built.
The Hard Part of Architecture
Despite approvals, coordination, and a carefully developed design, the project did not move forward.
As often happens with heritage homes, the additional requirements, structural reinforcement, engineering assessments, and specialized construction, pushed the project beyond the client’s anticipated budget.
It was a difficult but honest decision.
The design remains approved.
The permits are in place.
And if circumstances change, the project is ready to proceed.
What This Project Represents
The Grimsby Heritage House is a reminder that architecture isn’t just about drawings.
It’s about:
Navigating regulations
Balancing vision with reality
Protecting history while enabling modern life
Making hard calls with transparency and integrity
At SODA, we don’t shy away from complexity, especially when it matters.
Because doing things properly isn’t always easy. But it’s always worth it.
Thinking About a Heritage Renovation?
Heritage projects require experience, patience, and a deep understanding of both design and process. If you’re considering renovating or expanding a historic home in Grimsby, Hamilton, or the surrounding region, we’d be happy to guide you through it honestly and strategically.
Inside SODA is where we share the real stories behind the work.
Not just what gets built — but what it takes to get there.