In December 2009, Kearns Mancini Architects and Patkau Architects won a National Competition to design and construct a new Visitor Centre at the Fort York National Historic Site, located in downtown Toronto. Considered the ‘birthplace of Toronto,’ the Fort is home to one of the oldest collection of fortifications in Canada, dating back to the War of 1812. The winning design provides an opportunity for visitors to be immersed into the profound history of the site as they ascend to the Fort Commons to a final prospect overlooking the site and the city beyond.