The existing 740 Bel-Air Street complex was built between 1851 and 1950 on a 10,400m2 lot near downtown Montreal, and served as a storage facility for several government agencies for 15 years. As part of the PWGSC’s regional investment strategy, the objective of this project is to build a new multi-client Government of Canada building at this site. The combined future occupied space requirements of the tenants were estimated to be 15,696m2 of combined warehouse and office space. This new building will meet the future armoury housing and storage requirements of the Donnacona Naval Reserve of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) and provide 19,470m2 of parking. The St. Henri district of Montreal has been undergoing revitalization for some time. The new armoury will provide an activity hub and visible federal government presence in the neighbourhood. This new investment is consonant with the government objective of promoting investments that help rehabilitate communities. The design focuses on providing maximum flexibility in the immediate and future use of space. A building grid with column spacing, fenestration and service runs suited to the most flexible interior space arrangements is used. The character, massing, scale and materials of this project are all designed to be simple, yet high quality and compatible with the surrounding context. The project will use the most sustainable building methods possible and special attention will be paid to the recovery of construction materials and energy conservation. Approximately 50% to 95% of waste in the project will be recycled, reduced or reused. Following the demolition phase, some parts of the existing buildings will be left intact and integrated into the new complex. Operating costs of the facility will be kept as low as possible by strict adherence to energy conservation principles.
• from: Busby + Associates • document: 740 Bel Air • in detail XlnkS5FD XlnkC1786