Old school becomes new school

The Victoria School Village, located near downtown Kitchener, Ontario, is a hub for school, play and housing. Over the years, water to the residential building and below-grade parking garage had disrupted the resident’s enjoyment of the site. The challenge for the RJC team was to implement major renovations of the building's parking facility, central courtyard and exterior while interior spaces remain occupied.

Extended exposure to moisture had lead to ongoing deterioration of building components.  RJC undertook a comprehensive condition survey to determine the cause of the persistent water penetration. Our solution was to install metal overcladding to the entire stucco exterior wall areas, also replacing balcony doors and balcony roofing. 

The parking garage, located beneath the interior courtyard and communal play area, had also sustained extensive damage from water infiltration. To address the leakage, the team removed the podium deck landscaping and performed concrete repairs and crack injection at the foundation walls. An improved courtyard landscaping was reinstalled, beautifying the space for the tenants.

During these two major projects, RJC implemented guidelines based on successful experience in maintaining occupancy while performing renovations. Our expertise told us to:

• Enlist the right team for the renovation project. 
• Make ongoing communication and community involvement goals for the duration of the building's renovation. 
• Coordinate schedules to specific construction labour, use schedules to lessen the inconveniences to tenants and ensure timely, on budget deliveries. 

It is a formidable challenge to implement a major renovation of a building's facilities and exterior while imposing minimal disruption to its tenants. With careful planning, proactive communication and a collaborative spirit among team members, RJC was able meet the challenge successfully.