It’s hard to believe that it has been almost ten years since a core group of dedicated, community-minded individuals banded together in 2008 to save this beautiful light filled building situated on the Lakeshore Rd, Mississauga. By a hair’s breadth, literally, the historic WWll Small Arms Building in Lakeview was saved from demolition. The number of individuals, associations, students, artists, colleges, businesses, activists, volunteers and organizations that have stepped forward in arms (pun intended) to help reimagine this building into a Creative Hub is truly remarkable. The building and site, now owned by the City of Mississauga, has been undergoing remediation and is slated to open in mid 2018. It is exciting to experience the vision become reality.
Here’s an update of of the construction work, pictures and captions courtesy of Michael Tunney, City of Mississauga. Photographs taken November 16, 2017.
The contractors have restored the existing steel window frames which involved removing asbestos putty and lead paint, repairing any corrosion, applying new paint and primer, and installing new glass with improved thermal efficiency. New roof top mechanical systems will provide air conditioning in summer, while perimeter radiators will keep the space warm in winter. New lighting, fire sprinklers, electrical outlets, and wireless internet are being installed throughout the main space and lobby.
Electrical conduit and hot water pipes make their way from the boiler room into the rear section of the building. A new set of temporary hallway doors will be installed to separate the south section that will be open to the public from the front of the building that will be developed in a future phase.
The skylights, which will be replaced, (will allow much natural light to fill the building). Fresh paint and new lighting will provide a blank canvas for a variety of programming. To the left of the skylights, contractors are building new washrooms and a servery space. The walls of the washroom blocks will have gallery lighting to support exhibitions and interpretive displays.
The historic decommissioned furnace shadows over the new modern systems that will provide heat to the building. A glass window in the door will allow visitors to view down into the boiler room as they enter the building from the east courtyard.
A new fire access route, entrance walkways, and accessible parking spaces are being constructed. A significant portion of the work required to rehabilitate the building is all underground. New site servicing, including sewers, water, gas, and fibre optic network all had to be installed.
Anticipation is great and the excitement palpable. Stay tuned and we will keep you posted on the coming plans for 2018.