12
view . summer 2012
VISION UNVEILED FOR DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
Excitement about the University’s downtown
campus continues to build with the April 18
presentation of preliminary renderings at the
Windsor Armouries.
“The University of Windsor is creating new spaces
where our students, faculty and staff can be engaged in
innovative teaching, learning and discovery, and where
they can more effectively partner with the arts community
and social agencies to make a difference,” said Dr. Alan
Wildeman.
“Our downtown campus will create an important
cultural hub for our community, providing access to
services and new ideas that speak to the quality of life,
when it opens in the fall of 2014.”
The renderings were created by CS&P Architects Inc.,
the firm that will work on all three historic projects: the
Windsor Armouries, the Greyhound bus depot and
The
Windsor Star
building.
Craig Goodman, managing principal for CS&P said,
“This exciting new downtown university precinct, based on
a collection of three remarkable heritage buildings, is truly
inspirational. Each of the buildings harbour a wonderful
and unique character that speaks to the history of the city,
and offers dynamic synergies for these new, exemplary
state-of-the-art student environments.”
The Windsor Armouries will be transformed to become
the home of the newly merged Schools of Music and
Visual Arts.
The Film Production program will be relocated to
the former bus depot, located directly across the street
from the Armouries. The original art-deco façade will be
restored and a new, one-storey addition will stretch the
entire block north to Chatham Street.
The School of Social Work and the Centre for
Professional and Executive Education will move into
The
Windsor Star
building which will undergo a renovation
unlike any other architectural design in Windsor.
“
The Windsor Star
building will receive a dramatic
transformation that will leave the historic façade intact,
but completely rebuild the structure into new teaching and
learning spaces with convenient access for the community,”
said Wildeman.
In addition to a provincial government investment of
$15 million, the City of Windsor donated the Armouries
and the depot, as well as $10 million in funding. The
remaining funding for these capital projects, which are
expected to total approximately $70 million, is separate
from the University’s operating budget, and will be
supported through program revenues and fundraising.
Architect’s rendering of the re-imagined
The Windsor Star
building.
Interior courtyard of
The Windsor Star
building.
Birds-eye view of the armouries, the bus depot and the parkette.
