Hurtubise House June 2011 – Before the restoration – click to enlarge Phase II of the restoration project began in August 2011 and was completed in late summer 2012. Planning work required preliminary comprehensive studies to effectively coordinate the entire project. Based on these studies conducted by CHQ in collaboration with the Centre de conservation du Québec and Mr. François Varin, architect, it was decided to preserve the finishes of the entire ground floor and to establish specific conservation guidelines which include respecting the physical integrity of the house and applying minimal and reversible intervention. This project, funded mostly by CHQ, received financial support from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec (MCC) and the City of Montreal.

Hurtubise House June 2012 – After the restoration – click to enlarge CHQ and architects DMA coordinated the project which required hiring several professionals specializing in restoration: masons, curators and archaeologists. CHQ also benefited from the expertise of an architect of the MCC, as well as a structural engineer, a mechanical engineer and two conservation experts. Throughout the work, special attention was paid to the protection of interior finishes and building security.

Outside the house, the work consisted of repairing cracks in the west stone wall as well as restoring the front galleries, its support structures and stairs. Archaeological excavations were also necessary which led to the discovery of an old well.

The Kitchen – click to enlarge On the ground floor, interior finishes (plaster and woodwork) of the walls, floors and ceilings have been restored. The restoration work was done carefully to preserve the traces of time. The curator used only a dry sponge for cleaning. Cracks on the walls were also filled and remain visible. Previously, tapestry dating from around 1900 had been removed, revealing the location of an old armoire (cupboard) inserted in the wall.

In the kitchen, we proceeded to clean the different layers of flooring to revitalize the floor. We also cut much of the damaged parts which allowed us to discover a very old carpet, another remnant of the past. Plexiglas and a carpet now protect parts of these coatings for the benefit of visitors.

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To preserve and capture the spirit of the house, modern elements were removed from the ground floor. The floor structure has been solidified through the basement and the former floor openings (registers) are now again used for the heating and ventilation system. In the basement, the humidity was reduced by covering the ground with plastic sheeting and stone dust. A new heating system (thermo pump) with ducts has also been installed.

On the second floor, the kitchen and bathroom have been upgraded. This work is reversible so as to preserve the integrity of the house. The electrical system has also been upgraded and a new lighting system, installed throughout the house, reveals the vestiges and treasures of this magnificent property built in 1739.

Outside, two major interventions were carried out:

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1. The roof was restored with a combination composed mainly of “tôle à la canadienne” and ” tôle à baguettes” for flatter parts including the roof of the gallery. Thus, the house will be better protected against strong winds from the river and from water infiltration. The roofs of several other houses located in the area were also built in the past according to this mixed model.

2. The badly damaged front porch floor, made of cement, was completely rebuilt in wood and decorated according to its original state in 1950. Having gone through various changes over the decades, this model seemed the most appropriate. Finally, the exterior of the Manor has been repainted, and the plaster of the three chimneys redone.

The ground floor kitchen and bathroom were improved and retrofitted for the benefit of visitors without affecting their integrity. The electrical system and plumbing have also been improved. Finally, this project has led to several interesting new discoveries. See our four pictures below.

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During the summer of 2012, CHQ proceeded with the restoration of the front roof, dormers and wall of the Les Éboulements Mill. The two side walls were also restored and the chimney has been limed. In 2009, the rear (south) part of the roof was restored and in both cases, white cedar shingles were used.

Once again, we called upon the expertise of Mr. François Varin, architect, with whom we jointly planned and supervised the project. This restoration project was funded by CHQ and the MCC.

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Once the project was completed, the mill looked more refreshed than changed. This is indeed the objective of all our restoration projects which aims to maintain the integrity of heritage buildings. The roof ladder was also restored.

The general contractor selected following a call for tenders, lives in Les Éboulements. He worked with a professional in carpentry and masonry in accordance with traditional techniques. Mr. Jean-Guy Tremblay, our miller, a descendant of the original family, was also closely involved in this project for his knowledge and expertise. Mr. Tremblay has ensured the maintenance and good operation of the mill for more than 25 years.

During all stages of the project, CHQ used the best available knowledge and restoration techniques.

For example, to maximize the life of the shingles, in accordance with best practices, a matrix of wooden battens was mounted under the shingle roof and dormers. In addition, a special “support” was placed on top of the roof and dormers. Along the eaves, an opening was protected against insects by a wire netting. This system allows natural ventilation from the bottom to the top under the shingles and will prevent their deterioration. A sealant was also applied on the shingles.