Transforming an abandoned school into a modern law enforcement complex
The residents living around the Carleton Village School made it clear at town hall meetings that they did not want to see the cornerstone of their community bulldozed and replaced with a hyper-modern policing fortress.
In an example of the community service ethos modern policing demands, the three stakeholders worked together to develop an adaptive re-use strategy that retains the Edwardian Neo-Classical building—characterized by tall orange brick walls with ashlar limestone belt courses, window and door surrounds—and pairs it with a contemporary addition. The result is a cost-effective, sustainable and community-focused law enforcement facility.
A transparent link between the new and old provides the public entrance lobby and access to the main reception desk and community room, situated in the former school’s library. The old school hosts public meetings and open houses, while police train in refurbished classrooms. The new addition, which slides behind the heritage building, handles the more demanding security needs of modern policing.
By working alongside residents, Stantec was able to design a building that police needed and residents wanted in their community.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Partners
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- Heritage Architect - ERA Architects
- Blog
- Justice Facility as Urban Citizen
- Award
- RAIC National Urban Design Award (2014)
- Award
- AIA AAJ Justice Facility Award of Merit (2012)
Michael Moxam, Vice President, Architecture
Every intervention impacts the public realm and contributes to community building. This is both our opportunity and our responsibility.
Tom Kyle, Principal
We need to understand the world objectively, and train ourselves on how to be helpful even if we are on the outside looking in.
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