A venerable institution founded in 1811, the Seminary of Saint-Hyacinthe has stood proudly in the middle of a vast wooded area, not far from the heart of the city, since 1849. The monumental complex, articulated around a central courtyard, was built progressively as the institution grew, following two major fires. The most recent of these led to the reconstruction of the central body in 1963. Supported by a concrete framework and clad in limestone, the Girouard wing stands out for its modernism tinged with classicism.
The rehabilitation project worked on in consortium with Boulianne Charpentier Architectes presents the redevelopment of the Girouard wing, formerly used for residential purposes, into classrooms and laboratories, following its acquisition by Centre de services scolaires de Saint-Hyacinthe to accommodate the growing number of students at Casavant high school, which has been located in the eastern part of the complex since 2015. The aim is to provide a stimulating living environment, while preserving the building’s monumental character.
The intervention includes complete interior cleaning, upgrading to standards, a new stairwell wrapped in a handcrafted assembly of patinated copper foil set against the limestone façade, and refurbishment of the envelope. The mandate included consultation with municipal and government heritage authorities. The City of Saint-Hyacinthe played an important role, acquiring ownership of the large garden at the foot of the main facade, in order to turn it into a place for public relaxation.
