Macdonald Harrington - McGill University

The Macdonald-Harrington Building, designed between 1896 and 1897 by architect Andrew Taylor, stands as an iconic example of late-19th-century architecture on McGill University's campus. Featuring load-bearing masonry walls and intricate limestone details, the building’s hip-style slate roof was originally adorned with copper ridges, cresting, and elaborately decorated dormers. Over time, various roof repair efforts altered its appearance, leaving only the copper-clad dormer sides and some original decorative copper elements intact. Mandated to restore the building’s historical character and durability, EVOQ approached the masonry rehabilitation and roof restoration project with a methodology guided by the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. This included in-kind replacements of copper detailing and a reinterpretation of lost decorative features, and the restoration of the masonry across the entire building. Modern brass snow guards and anchors for life-lines were integrated to enhance safety, selected for their compatibility with copper and long-term resilience. EVOQ’s careful approach preserved the building’s architectural integrity while ensuring it remains a lasting heritage landmark for future generations.