Stratford Cooper Site Adaptive Reuse Proposal

Stratford Cooper Site Design Proposal Almeida x El-Shayeb x Lee x Rong x Stokke

Contents

1 2 4 5 7 10 12 14 16 17

Introduction & Design Brief Goals & Objectives Constraints Precedence Concept Site Plan Engineering Plan Planting Plan Summary Reference

“it is our opinion that this site is of heritage value and worthy of preservation or commemoration�

-Goldsmith Borgal & Co., 2012

Introduction & Design Brief

This report has been prepared by a group of students in collaboration with the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning for the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. It outlines a plan for the adaptive reuse of the historic Stratford Cooper Site that has been prepared between September and December of 2014.

repurposing materials (e.g. steel beams) which are not suitable to be used during construction for gateway features, seating and the like.

The plan aims to realize the site’s potential as a pedestrian destination, while also preserving its heritage to recognize its historic significance to the city of Stratford. A tertiary aim of the plan is to better incorporate the site with its natural environment, thereby contrasting its previously industrial nature.

-December 2014

The report will introduce the goals and objectives, constraints, precedence, and design concept of the proposal at hand.

The plan proposes to restore as much of the original building on site as possible,

Adam Lee - 20458480

Brandon Almeida - 20462085

Harrison Rong - 20474715

Hadi El-Shayeb - 20472448

Samantha Stokke - 20436783

Introduction & Design Brief // 1

Goals & Objectives

The primary goal for this vision of the Stratford Cooper site is to maintain the heritage of the site in such a way that is both economically and socially sustainable while improving the connectivity of the site to the downtown core and providing a unique pedestrian experience.

2. Economic Sustainability

By planning for the predominantly commercial (office and retail) use of the site, this proposal aims to supplement the local economy in Stratford, providing new jobs and inciting spending. This objective also aims to ensure that

This is to be achieved through the creation the site will continue to be used well into the future, of several objectives: thereby avoid the perpetual state of vacancy it has been in since 1989 (MGP, 2012).

1. Heritage Preservation

These uses will also be able to support

There is a strong desire among the authors the maintenance costs of the building, ensuring a to preserve and/or restore the original façade of the level of upkeep that has not always been present building, wherever possible. It is acknowledged on the site. that the complete preservation of the building may not be fiscally feasible, in response to which it has 3. Social Sustainability been proposed that such areas be designed and built to reflect their original appearance as closely Another important aim of the proposal is as possible (MGP, 2012) to design the site in such a way that Stratford residents feel attached to it. If they feel some kind

It is further proposed that any of the original of ownership of the site, it is highly likely that the beam structure that must be replaced be reused uses within the site will be much more successful on the site - for uses such as gateway features at and that the site in general will become a the entrances of the site to improve the visibility and destination, for both residents and visitors. character of the site. To combine these measures with interactive educational features, with respect This is again aimed at ensuring the future to the historical value of the site, would provide use of the site does not degrade - the Cooper Site the newly designed site with an exuberant sense played such an important role in Stratford’s growth of its heritage. that it should be a key aim to keep it around as long as possible.

2 // Goals & Objectives

4. Downtown Connectivity

One of the current weaknesses of the site is its seeming disconnect from Stratford’s downtown core, to which it is adjacent. The site faces the back of many of the buildings in this downtown, and acts more as a barrier to it than an extension of it.

In order to address this, it is proposed that Cooper Street be extended onto St. David Street so that residents living behind the site will be able to walk through it to access the downtown core. It is predicted that this usage of Cooper Street will lend itself well to, at the very least, cursory use of the site from those who might not normally use it.

5. Pedestrian Experience

The diverging and converging set of paths provided throughout the landscape aim to increase the overall walkability of the downtown core by providing both direct and indirect paths across the site to create a visually and physically interesting experience.

It is hoped that these paths will provide better access to desired parts of the community and inspire residents to walk more, both serving to reduce the automobile dependency of Stratford.

Goals & Objectives // 3

Constraints

Any candidate for adaptive reuse, will feature inherent difficulties in redeveloping the site with minimal destruction, and the Cooper Site is no exception to this. Some of these constraints have been briefly discussed earlier in this report, but will be examined in more detail below.

1. Visibility

As it currently stands, the site is physically separated from Stratford’s downtown core. Facing the backs of many of the downtown’s buildings and being located behind facilities owned by the University of Waterloo and the YMCA, the site is to some extent hidden from the view and access of residents in the downtown area.

In order to address this, it is proposed that the site include iconic gateway features at all entrances which visually describe the nature of the site. These could be constructed from repurposed steel support beams which are taken from the structurally weak areas of the building currently on site.

4 // Constraints

2. Contamination

Certain parts of the existing concrete on site could expose contaminated soils if destroyed in construction, potentially raising costs by requiring additional environmental assessments to be undertaken on the site.

In order to address this, the proposed landscape is built at varying elevations throughout the site; acting to subtly hide areas where higher elevations are needed to build over existing features.

3. Light/Noise Pollution

Considering the nature of the proposed commercial uses and the fact that the site abuts a residential neighbourhood, noise and light pollution by-laws represent a particular concern for the use of the site. Future tenants will no doubt have to consider this while operating their businesses out of the Cooper Site.

Precedence

Sheridan College Park Mississauga, ON

Peres Center for Peace Jaffa, Israel

Sheridan College Park largely inspired the converging and diverging paths which define this proposal for the Cooper Site. In order to make the site a destination within the community, it was necessary to provide an interesting an unique experience - two things made possible by the network of paths designed on the site.

The landscape at the Peres Center for Peace heavily influenced the sloping nature of the paths designed on the site, again in an effort to provide a more interesting experience, both visually and physically.

Precedence // 5

Red Ribbon Park Qinhuangdao, China

The High Line New York City, NY

Red Ribbon Park inspired the design of the pathways throughout the site with its use of unconventional seating options and natural materials. This site managed to connect people to the environment in area which was previously avoided by most by creating a visually appealing conception of the natural landscape.

The High Line is a standout example of the ability to reconnnect nature with areas which were previously of the industrial persuasion.

It successfully accomplished many of the objectives set out in this report including heritage preservation, connectivity and pedestrian experience; making it a natural sight of inspiration.

6 // Precedence

Concept

This plan aims to create a pedestrian destination out of the Stratford Cooper Site through the implementation of a number of features intended to improve the sense of place and connection that resident have in regards to it. The most important of these features will be outlined below.

Water Features

Bioswales

The inclusion of large bioswales in the proposed plan also serves to connect the landscape with the environment. Much like the water features, these bioswales will provide a microclimate and sense of atmosphere; but perhaps most importantly, they will work to minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with the large parking allocation on the site.

The landscape is composed of triangular spaces around which running streams create a microclimate and a sense of atmosphere. These The swales will also act as a natural habitat are intended to complement the rest of the for smaller animals in the region, even further landscape - improving its connection to nature acting to contrast the heritage of the site. and further contrasting the previously industrial nature of the site.

These also serve to make the landscape a more desirable place to be. The sound of slow running water will incite a sense of tranquility throughout the landscape, making it the perfect place to relax with friends and family.

Concept // 7

Amphitheatre

Pedestrian Network

The amphitheatre is designed as a means of contextually connecting the site and the city in a historically relevant manner. An homage to the role that the GTR shops played in the beginning of the now famous Stratford festival’s past, it serves as a gathering place for residents where they can enjoy pre-arranged entertainment or even ply their own trade.

The complex network of paths designed on site intends to provide a pedestrian experience that is unparalleled in Stratford. These will foster a sense of place among visitors to the site due to their unique nature and visual appeal.

The paths also provide connections between opposing ends of the site, meaning that it will no longer be a barrier to walking in the city.

The amphitheatre is a space for the In fact, there is hope that this could encourage residents. It could perhaps be managed by a walking by making it a more attractive experience. resident group to ensure equity of use and full community involvement.

8 // Concept

Locomotive Memorial

Food Carts

The locomotive memorial was inspired by the Aids Memorial in New York City - providing a modern take on rail platform design. This acts as an attraction to a part of the site that might otherwise be non-descript, and aims to subtly contribute to the sense of the site’s heritage.

The site will also provide a new take on food trucks - instead having the vendors serve out of repurposed train carts, with seating made out of vintage train related objects. This approach - inspired by the street food on Papirøen (Paper Island) in Copenhagen, Denmark - aims to further add to the sense of heritage on the site

The memorial provides shade in a large by connecting residents with the history of their field area which makes it an ideal spot for picnics community. and facilitates the relaxation of visitors while also providing space for activities such as pick-up sports.

Concept // 9

Site Plan

PLAN 309 Final Site Plan: GTR Cooper Site N

Engineering Plan

PLAN 309 Engineering Plan: GTR Cooper Site N

Planting Plan

PLAN 309 Planting Plan: GTR Cooper Site N

Symbol Quantity Botanical Name

Plant Spacing Ultimate Height Flower color

Flower time

ALC

56

Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica 'Compacta' Compact Corkbark Fir

Common Name

2.5m

4m

Blue/Grey

All year

Notes

AC

15

Acer palmatum 'Purple Ghost'

Japanese Maple Purple Ghost

4.0m

4.0m

Purple/Red; Red/Orange

Spring/Summer; Fall

AT

2

Acer truncatum

Shantung maple

7.0m

10m

Green/Yellow; Red/Green; Yellow/Red

Spring; Summer; Fall

AL

29

Amelanchier laevis

Snowcloud Serviceberry

4.0m

9m

Red; Blue/Green; Orange/Red

Spring; Summer; Fall

BP

30

Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'

Dakota Pinnacle Birch

3.0m

10m

Dark green; Yellow

Spring- Summer; Fall

CC

4

Carpinus caroliniana

American Hornbeam

8.0m

12m

Red/Green; Green; Yellow-Red

Spring; Summer; Fall

CCL

5

Cercis canadensis L.

Eastern Redbud

6.0m

4.5m-9m

Pink/Purple; Green

Spring; Summer

CK

8

Cornus kousa

Kousa Dogwood

4.5m

4.5m-6m

White; Maroon

Spring/Summer; Fall

Red Berries; edible

CO

14

Cotinus obovatus

American Smoke Tree

6.0m

6-9m

Green; Yellow/Orange/Red

Spring/Summer; Fall

Purple Flowers

CL

115

Cupressocyparis leylandii

Leyland Cypress

3.0m

12m-18m

Green

All year

JS

145

Juniperus scopulorum

Rocky Mountain Juniper 'Skyrocket' 1.0m

4-8m

Blue/Green

All year

MPF

7

Malus 'Prairie Fire'

Prairie Fire Crabapple

6.0m

6.0m

Pink; Purple/Red; Red/Orange; Red Fruit Sping; Summer; Fall; Winter

PSW

9

Pinus Strobus

Eatern White Pine

9.0m

15m-24m

Green

All year

PS

19

Prunus 'Spire'

Cherry 'Spire'

2.0m

2.4-3.6m

Pink

Spring

Edible berries; black/red/purple

Summary

The proposal for the Cooper Site above is one which places an emphasis on the local community. Features such as the amphitheatre centre on this principle, providing spaces explicitly designed for residents.

well into the future so that its historical value will not ever come as close to be lost again as it was in recent years.

Further, by maintaining the original faรงade of the building, and repurposing old materials

The plan aims to provide a unique from it where possible, a visual sense of heritage pedestrian experience, making it a destination for will ensure that the importance of the site to the residents and visitors alike in Downtown Stratford. growth of Stratford will not be forgotten, This will allow the site to remain financially viable

16 // Summary

References

Goldsmith Borgal & Company Ltd. (2012). The

Cooper Site (Locomotive Repair Sheds

Public Consultation Report. Stratford Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (2012). City of

Stratford Cooper Site Building Community

Workshop and Recommendations.

Stratford

References // 17