493 Lancaster Street W., Waterloo, ON

This project is an urban infill and redevelopment of two properties at the corner of Lancaster and Bridgeport Streets in Waterloo. Formerly comprising a gas station and strip mall, the first building was partially reused to create a small retail front for City Café, a convenience store and a sandwich shop. The second building was demolished and replaced with a two-storey office building with retail/offices addressing the street, office space on the second floor, and parking at the rear of the building. This redevelopment activated the corner site with animated façades and pedestrian- and automobile-directed services at a busy intersection at the western gateway to Kitchener. The colourful façade, inspired by the City Café brand, animates the building with reflections that vary throughout the day and blend into the array of commercial signs and landscaping treatments.