Larkin Architect Limited was originally commissioned to complete a building condition survey of the 1980’s Our Lady of Grace church located on Yonge Street in Aurora, Ontario. A long list of deferred maintenance identified in the report prompted further discussions by the parish to provide much needed improvements to the worship experience, site planning, building systems, and barrier-free accessibility within the building.
What followed was a series of strategic insertions, repairs, renovations, and selective removals that carefully adapted and transformed the existing structure. The outcome is, in effect, a renewed church facility — one that will serve the parish community for generations to come.
Church prior to renovation
Church after renovation and addition
Two major challenges shaped the design response. The first stemmed from the church’s original construction using residential methods as a cost-saving measure. This resulted in an unusually low ceiling in the worship space and a diminished sense of sacred transcendence, further constrained by small, residential-style windows and light fixtures.
Larkin’s response was to introduce large dormers at each window location, giving new definition to the roofline while dramatically increasing the perceived height of the interior. These interventions more than doubled the natural light entering the space and reconnected the liturgy with views of the surrounding landscape, restoring a sense of openness, dignity, and sacred presence.
Nave before renovation
New dormer windows within the nave more than double the natural light
The second challenge was the undersized narthex, which could not adequately support its hospitality and liturgical functions and failed to provide a safe, graceful barrier-free transition from grade to the worship level. A new, expanded narthex was added to create welcoming, fully accessible entrances from both the north and south parking areas, while also improving circulation to the parish hall and meeting rooms below.
Narthex prior to renovation
The narthex addition provided barrier free access
The addition also introduced a bell tower and spire — recognizable symbols of Catholic identity — strengthening the church’s presence along the main street and expressing its role as a visible and welcoming spiritual home within the community.
View of church from Yonge Street
Through thoughtful, targeted interventions rather than wholesale replacement, the existing building has been transformed into a renewed and enduring place of worship — one that reflects both the practical needs and the spiritual aspirations of the parish.
Basement prior to renovation