News

The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) celebrated its 17th annual Heritage awards on October 12. Rod Stewart was the 2023 recipient of the James D. Stachan Award for Craft for his outstanding craftsmanship and expertise in conservation and restoration.

Early in his career, after transitioning to restoration, Rod concentrated on the unique challenges of historic plaster conservation, dedicating his life to prolonging the useful service life of plaster in historic buildings. Over his long career, Rod emerged as North America’s premier expert in conserving historic plaster. He developed products and techniques for specialized plaster conservation, and he ultimately established the North American standard for plaster conservation. All the while, back home in Port Hope, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the town’s heritage, notably restoring the St. Lawrence Hotel on Walton St., establishing Furby House Books, and helping transform The Capitol Theatre into a renowned cultural hub. Rod has been an influential figure in heritage organizations and is currently involved in restoring Port Hope’s former Royal Bank building.

Visit the ACO Heritage Awards site to read more about Rod’s award and the other 2023 award recipients:

https://acoheritageawards.ca/james-d-strachan-award-for-craft-2/

https://acoheritageawards.ca

Bellevue House NHS Rehabilitation Project receives Award of Merit from Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals – The Kingston Whig Standard, October 2020

Interior Restoration work set to begin on historic Assumption Church in Windsor – HPCS is consolidating the plaster ceilings as part of a larger restoration project – Windsor Star, March 2020

John Canning Co. to Use HPCS Plaster Conservation Methods and Products – HPCS news release, October 24, 2019

Consolidated Plaster Ceiling in Colonial Building Passes Strength Test After Serious Water Infiltration – HPCS news release, March 15, 2016

Walls & Ceilings article on The Master of Plaster Conservation (Part 2), December 1, 2015 – A small-town residential contractor in Canada acted upon a thesis of the father of architectural conservation.

Walls & Ceilings article on The Master of Plaster Conservation, November 2, 2015 – A small-town residential contractor in Canada acted upon a thesis of the father of architectural conservation.

New York Times article on Woolworth Building, September 28, 2014 – Describes HPCS’s role in designing and supervising the removal, reinforcement and relocation of the fibrous plaster coffered ceiling from Frank Woolworth’s office on the 40th floor to the main floor lobby.

Consolidating Plaster in St. Stephen’s Church in New York City – Article written by Rod Stewart’s HPCS colleague, Neal Mednick, published in the June 2013 issue of Traditional Building magazine.

Ancaster Hall Facelift Preserves the Past – Article in the September 27, 2012 issue of Daily Commercial News

Glanmore National Historic Site – Article in the spring 2012 issue of County and Quinte Living magazine

Glanmore Restoration Underway – Article about the use of HPCS TRI Funori at Glanmore National Historic Site – Belleville Intelligencer newspaper, February 24, 2012

Newfoundland’s Historic Colonial Building to Undergo Restoration – Article in the January 20, 2010 issue of Daily Commercial News

Red Room Ceiling Restored – Government of Nova Scotia Department of Transportation/Public Works news release, September 30, 1997