Located in the heart of Toronto, the iconic 1 Bloor mixed-use skyscraper recently underwent a major retrofit to restore its Building Maintenance Unit (BMU). Originally installed in 2016, the CoxGomyl-designed BMU had fallen into disrepair due to years of inadequate service by a third-party provider. CoxGomyl, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), was tasked with leading the refurbishment project to bring the system back to full operation.
At 257 metres tall, and featuring a striking curved facade by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the building presented a series of logistical and structural challenges. The refurbishment involved replacing key components including the cradle, jib cable reelers, pedestal cylinders, wire ropes, and a full PLC system upgrade. With limited rooftop space and no service elevator, every move required precision and planning.
Transporting heavy components was a major hurdle. While smaller items were scheduled through the passenger lift, the 800-kg, 4.35-metre-long pedestal cylinders needed an inventive solution. The team repurposed the BMU’s own counterweighted crossbar which was originally designed to reach recessed facade areas to hoist the cylinders up the exterior. Once at roof level, scaffold structures and rigging straps helped complete the lift safely.
The building’s undulating facade required not only technical knowledge but a deep understanding of the original BMU system. CoxGomyl’s OEM advantage ensured fast parts sourcing, precise integration, and confident execution. Operating in a constrained, urban environment meant close coordination across teams, detailed logistics, and strict adherence to building guidelines.
The BMU is now ready to deliver safe and reliable facade access again. This retrofit shows how CoxGomyl can recover and futureproof high value assets, even those overlooked or abandoned by others
