Renovations Gallery
Renewal projects present an opportunity to both revitalize as well as modernize our existing campus facilities and infrastructure. The following goals underpin this work:
- Improving the quality of space and functionality of teaching and research facilities.
- Increasing efficiencies and reducing waste through sustainable systems, technologies and materials.
- Enhancing capacity for incubation, commercialization and fabrication spaces that foster collaborative and experiential learning.
Oakham House is a heritage building constructed in 1848. The building has been a part of Toronto Metropolitan University since the 1950s, serving early on as a student residence, student union offices and event space. It is now a part of the Student Campus Centre (SCC) — the central hub and heart of student life on campus.
Serving the Oakham Café, The Met pub and all catering for the event spaces in the building and around campus, the Oakham House kitchen facility was hard pressed to meet the demands with its modest layout. The kitchen, café and dining areas were redesigned to make the space more efficient. The renovated kitchen and seating area will provide an enhanced guest experience and better support for the popular menu.
What’s new for café visitors
When you next visit Oakham Café for one of Toronto’s best all-day breakfasts, you will find that the grab-and-go counter has had a makeover and the original brick fireplace has been uncovered after many years hidden behind drywall and a slate façade.
The familiar ceramic tiles were carefully matched to make sure the vivid design continues in the the new layout of the seating area and vintage lighting fixtures were added as an accent in the space.
About Oakham House
Oakham House and the TMU Student Campus Centre (external link) are operated by the Palin Foundation. The Palin Foundation is an independent not-for-profit corporation and its Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the Toronto Metropolitan University Students’ Union, the Continuing Education Students’ Association at Toronto Metropolitan Univesity, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Click on the thumbnails to explore the "before and after" images of renovation projects that demonstrate modernization and sustainability upgrades that were completed for research and teaching labs, and other student and office spaces.