© GBCA 2024
85 Laird Drive
Former Locomotive Shop
Completed in 2012 after years of public consultation, this project illustrates how creative planning approaches can turn a formerly derelict heritage structure and an entire industrial site into a dynamic, commercial environment. As heritage consultant for First Capital Realty and working with the prime architect, Scoler Lee + Associates, GBCA assisted with the planning and heritage approvals for the development.
The Outcome
The anchor of the complex is the 1918-1919 Canadian Northern Railway Eastern Lines Locomotive Shop, a 48,000 square foot steel-frame and brick building that was one of a number of structures that once made up an expansive repair facility. Railways play a significant role in the history of Leaside and the rehabilitation of this prominent landmark preserves the neighbourhood’s heritage.
Adaptively reusing the building as a grocery store, best capitalized on the existing resource, while requiring very few alterations—for example, the open interior space of the former shop floor was inherently useful for the layout of a food market. A minimal contemporary layer was introduced on the exterior allowing the original building fabric (a simple design of brick piers defining window and door bays) to remain. Heritage specifications included extensive masonry repairs and replacement and restoration and re-glazing of the original large industrial steel windows.