Another downtown Trail property is slated for demo, clearing way for a larger library/museum footprint.
The city purchased the former Trail Trophies & Engraving site for $190,000 and plans for a mid-July tear down with the lot providing additional space in the development of the Trail Riverfront Centre.
“Council is looking at this as a 50-year decision when we make this kind of commitment,” says Coun. Robert Cacchioni, the building committee’s chair. “We’ll only get the chance to do this once so we better do it right.”
As planning the new facility’s size and layout progressed, Cacchioni says it became evident the existing structure at 1537 Bay Avenue would be greatly impacted by the proposed construction design.
“Rather than spending a considerable amount of money to modify the structural integrity and reinstate the power and gas lines to the privately-owned structure on 1537 Bay Avenue,” he explained. “We realized it would be cost effective to purchase the property and proceed with the demolition of the structure.”
The extra space will also allow the new facility to be shifted slightly to the south, says Cacchioni.
This will create an outdoor plaza opportunity for the north side and will greatly enhance the overall appeal of the building.
“The integration between the building and the use of outdoor space is considered to be an important aspect of the facility,” Cacchioni added. “This concept also complements the revitalization recommendations outlined in the Downtown Plan; and, the additional space provides much greater opportunity to maximize the potential of the site as council continues to focus on the redevelopment of the Esplanade lands.”
Design work continues to advance and a schematic blueprint is now complete. The current timeline includes a target date to tender the project in July and to have the facility open in October 2017. To give the public an appreciation for the current design, which has changed considerably from the original concept, the city plans to release the drawings to the public during Silver City Days.
The updated construction budget will also be released along with other cost associated details.