Nestled in a wooded park, the Saint-Hyacinthe Seminary presents a group of historic religious buildings arranged around a
central courtyard. The central Girouard Wing was built in 1853. Destroyed by fire in 1963, the Girouard Wing was rebuilt in 1965 as a dormitory and introduced a central wing distinctly Modern in its architectural expression.

In 2015, the Saint-Hyacinthe School Service Center (CSSSH) acquired the Eastern Wing to establish Casavant Secondary School. With rising enrollment, CSSSH purchased the central, Modernist Girouard Wing in 2019, opting to expand on site rather than to relocate. The adaptive re-use of the former dormitory spaces of the Modernist Girouard Wing to house a dynamic educational facility is an essay in Modern restoration that harmonizes heritage, modernity, and environmental sustainability.

Addressing building code compliance, seismic reinforcement, and accessibility, the redesigned Girouard Wing balances tradition with innovation. Sustainability was central, with significant reductions in carbon emissions, waste, and pollutants. Geothermal heating and cooling, natural lighting, and an upgraded building envelope enhance performance while respecting the historic components of the building. Inside, the original concrete structure has been exposed, and the former dormitory has been reconfigured to offer flexible, collaborative spaces that support evolving educational needs.