McDonald Brothers Construction coordinated with CSV Architects to renovate the Old Sisters of Jeanne D’Arc Institute “mother house” into a new housing initiative for the Cornerstone Housing for Women. The renovated building consists of 42 units for at-risk women. Situated in the beautiful, well-established neighborhood of Westboro, the new centre is not only a safe place to call home, but serves as a thriving, healing community for the women who are transitioning out of crisis. The building includes a Lifelong Learning Centre where women can upgrade their educational qualifications and learn new skills.
The interior renovation consisted of drywall, flooring, painting, and mill-work. The main entrance to the building houses a rotunda that forms a welcoming reception area. During renovations, a small addition was added that will give residents direct access to the future gardens. The addition is part of a greater objective to make the building feel like home to its occupants. Previously, the garden area could only be accessed by taking a circuitous route.