79-81 Murray St., Amherstburg (Architect Mean Studio, Contractor RTP Construction, Owner Adam Rossetto)

Recipient of the Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse: Small-Scale/Individual/Small Business

This project was a complex reimagining, restoration, conservation, and alteration of an existing building at 79-81 Murray Street, built in 1883 in the original historic downtown core of Amherstburg. The building originally existed as a Milliner’s shop and underwent a number of uses and alterations in the 125+ years of its lifespan. The design team for this project was the Windsor architecture firm, Mean Studio. Mean Studio consists of Crystal Waddell (project lead, designer), Nicole Baillargeon (project lead, designer), and Siniša Simić (architect). Mean Studio worked closely with the owner and developer, Adam Rossetto and the general contractor, RTP Construction to make this project a reality. Beyond this dedicated team, there were many engaged interactions with the Heritage Committee and town Council of Amherstburg that enabled a path forward for this Municipal Property of Interest (POI).

Prior to this latest renovation, the building was in a very poor state, with even Mayor Michael Prue commenting “They said it was going to be saved. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it could be saved.” It was saved though and with this project being fully completed in 2024, today it hosts two businesses on the ground floor, Bucket List Coffee Roastery and Beauty & Co. By Bretton, a residential unit on the second floor, and an outdoor patio space. This project brings new business to the downtown core, it brings accessibility to a previously inaccessible space, it keeps the longstanding heritage character flourishing into the building’s future and helps to preserve the history that is so deeply ingrained within its walls.

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