All of the 72 windows at Prince Albert Court of Queen's Bench are to be replaced. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

A view into the past

P.A. heritage building to get $1 million renovation

Jun 13, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The Prince Albert Court of Queen’s Bench is getting a $1 million face lift, but to the untrained eye, it won’t look any different. And that’s the point.

“It’s critical to us that we protect and preserve the look and feel of these kinds of facilities,” Nancy Cherney with the provincial government told paNOW. “And that’s a key part of how we approach all the refurbishment work that we do.”

All of the courthouse’s 72 windows will be replaced with energy efficient triple-pane glass over the course of the next two years. Over half of the current windows date back to the building’s construction in 1927, said Cherney.

“Old windows are not nearly as well-sealed, particularly with the ravages of time,” she explained. “So we are wanting to restore them to the historical look and design of the original windows, but use much more energy efficient products.”

Sometimes, Cherney said, that requires some creative thinking.

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Special considerations have been made for this south-facing rose window. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

In the case of the large rose window on the south side of the building, government staff have determined the window’s rare style would be too difficult to replicate. Instead, the original glasswork will be left in place, while a triple-pane glass sheet will be installed behind it.

A call for tenders for a company to make the frames for the 72 windows closed earlier this month. The contract has not yet been awarded.

Cherney said the plan is to install half the windows this summer, with the remainder being completed next year by August 2021.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom