After considering the long-term cost of leasing new offices, The Colborne Architectural Group settled on purchasing their own building and renovating to suit. In July of 1989 a pair of derelict semi-detached, two-storey residential buildings on the east side of Toronto's downtown core presented this opportunity. A striking feature of these otherwise unremarkable brick buildings was a long, narrow, full-height light-well running ¾ of the building length with a south orientation.

The buildings were entirely gutted except for wood floor platforms. New partitions, doors and frames, windows and mechanical - electrical systems were added. The light well was converted to a sky lit 'atrium' space visually connecting the basement, main and upper floors. This striking feature added substantial natural lighting to studio areas as the former load-bearing masonry partition walls were replaced with steel columns and beams. A full array of meeting rooms, principle's offices, open work stations, layout and support space including library, kitchen, washrooms and storage was accommodated in the 5500 sq. ft. building. Finishes were kept simple but with strong 'corporate' colours, slate flooring, various natural wood veneers and exposed steel detailing to heighten design impact. Construction cost, $420K, 1990.