Thomson House, formerly known as Maison Charles-Édouard Gravel (Gravel House), was built in 1934 by architects Jean-Julien Perrault and Joseph-Roméo Gadbois[1]. It was part of the Golden Square Mile, which, at the beginning of the 20th century, was the richest district in Canada[2].
![](https://www.mcgill.ca/procurement/files/procurement/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/news_thompson-house_tamim-sujat_web.jpg?itok=z7SkX0CN)
Today, Thomson House is a well-frequented and attractive gathering place for graduate students as it offers everything from study lounges, conference rooms, a restaurant, bars and the newly acquired patio (summer 2010) to its members.
Since its acquisition by the University, Thomson House serves as the PGSS headquarters.
Project Description:
This project consists in increasing the exterior accessibility of the Thomson House. The scope includes the installation of automatic door openers at the south entrance, the improvement of the cobblestone path around the building, and the reconstruction of the accessibility ramp at the south entrance.
Project Context:
Since at least the 2015-2016 school year, there has been an interest in making the Thomson House building accessible to all students. The current design of the building creates barriers to some visitor. The current project aims to reduce the barriers in accessing the building. The current situation was further exacerbated during the construction of McTavish Street and highlighted access deficiencies.
Project Scope:
Included in the project scope is the installation of automatic door openers and card access reader in the south entrance of the building, the improvement of the cobblestone path around Thomson House building and from Peel street to the building to make it accessible, as well as the improvement of the existing ramp connecting the parking to the south entrance of the building. The installation of a new path connecting Peel street and the south entrance might be included in the project scope.
Excluded from the scope of works is any modification in the interior of the building, except those directly related to the installation of the automatic door openers and card reader in the South entrance of Thomson House.
Below are three visual renderings of the preliminary designs for the necessary, functional improvements.
![](https://www.mcgill.ca/procurement/files/procurement/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/18-016_rendus_preliminaires_1_page_1.jpg?itok=d3-ydhSc)
![](https://www.mcgill.ca/procurement/files/procurement/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/18-016_rendus_preliminaires_1_page_2.jpg?itok=dqKTyIhy)
![](https://www.mcgill.ca/procurement/files/procurement/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/18-016_rendus_preliminaires_1_page_3.jpg?itok=Lc3l922j)
Project Details:
Status | Design |
Est. Project Start Date | 2024 -2026 |
Est. Budget Range | $500,000 - $800,000 |
Location | Thomson House, Building 188 |
Project Number | 18-016 |
Contact | map.procurement [at] mcgill.ca |
Please read the following information carefully :
Sustainable Procurement
The businesses with which the University will conclude a contract with in the course of this project will have to respect the McGill Supplier Code of Conduct.
Other requirements may apply, such as (for example): the quantification and limiting of GHG emissions over the contract or asset lifecycle, sustainable construction/product certifications, involvement of indigenous businesses or of social economy businesses, design for circularity, and so on.
Notice :Information in this document is not to be interpreted as a commitment to conduct any solicitation in any particular market (or to fulfill any particular need) within any timeframe. This document is based on preliminary assessments which may be modified and needs may consequently be increased, partially fulfilled or cancelled. The needs of the client units may fluctuate according to their capabilities and priorities. Moreover, this acquisition plan is subject to various risk factors that have an influence on the operations of McGill University, such as available revenue, inflation, changes in: provincial and federal policies, technologies, human resources, social movements and trends, demographic aspects of the student population and the academic personnel. |