The Aurora Cultural Centre is the result of an 8-year consultation process for our firm. It transformed the historic 1886 Church Street School building located in the heart of Aurora into a new downtown cultural anchor facility. The design respects the architectural significance of the school while providing a progressive multi-purpose facility to attract a broad audience in and beyond Aurora. The renovated facility now offers beautiful galleries, administrative offices, curatorial workspaces, temperature-controlled archives, and entertainment venues.
The core architectural elements of the building were restored to their original beauty, while new design features are distinctly modern and minimal. The building is Ontario Heritage Designated, therefore in particular lighting and windows were carefully designed to maintain the heritage integrity.
The design process initially was commissioned by the not-for-profit Aurora Historical Society who brought in community organizers to involve a cross-section of the public to take part in design charrettes and brain-storming sessions which were co-led by Lynch + Comisso. Through a series of grant awards and presentations, the project garnered attention and the Town realizing its unique value, assumed stewardship and enabled the project to be completed. It has continued to spur redevelopment in the downtown core of Aurora.
