M.L. McConaghy Seniors Centre

1998
Richmond Hill, ON
Client: Town of Richmond Hill

The conversion of the historic Richmond Hill Public School into a Seniors Recreation Centre was embraced by the community. Extensive stakeholder input resulted in programmatic innovations such as the creation of a 'Town Square'; a multi-functional lounge which became the heart of the project, where one could spend a minute or the entire day. The expansion / renovation program accommodated a Multi-Purpose Gymnasium with stage, Cafe, Kitchen, Arts and Crafts Programme Rooms, and Administrative Offices. A focus on universal accessibility and sustainable design presented a great challenge in the historic building and was realized though design features including integrated access, recycled materials and the creation of a hierarchy of micro-climates which could extend the shoulder seasons for outdoor recreational use. Completed with Associate Historical Restoration Architect, Taylor Hazel Architects. Sustainable Design Principles were employed through the creation of outdoor microclimates and planting gardens.