Ontario Construction News staff writer
Guelph’s new Central Library is nearing completion, with the existing Main Library scheduled to close Feb. 1 and the building at 1 Baker St. is targeted to open in April 2027. The library board approved a transition strategy Sept. 29 that will allow staff to move collections, install technology, train employees and prepare the building for opening.
The three-storey Central Library is the anchor of the Baker District redevelopment, a major mixed-use project that also includes an underground parking garage and two public squares.
The city’s approved budget for the library is about $62.1 million. Melloul Blamey Construction is the construction manager for the library, underground parkade and public-square components of the project.
Diamond Schmitt Architects is leading the library design, with RJC Engineers, Smith + Andersen, Stantec and other consultants involved in the project.
The new library includes a large glazed atrium, community and meeting spaces, makerspaces, an archive, children’s and youth areas and a rooftop terrace.
Construction of Library Square is also underway and the square is expected to be functional in 2027. Some elements, including decorative planters, benches, tiered seating, stairs, ramps and pedestrian connections to the future residential buildings, will be completed as the next phase of construction progresses.
The residential portion of the Baker District is expected to begin construction in 2027. Windmill Development Group, through Baker Street Development Inc., is proposing two mixed-use towers at 55 Baker St. and 152 and 160 Wyndham St. N.
The current proposal includes a 17-storey north tower and a 19-storey south tower containing a combined 401 residential units, along with ground-floor commercial space, parking and other amenities.
DTAH is the architect for the residential development and GSP Group is providing planning services.
The planned construction sequence calls for the underground parking structure to be built first, followed by the podium levels, an interconnecting bridge structure and the two towers.
The residential development is expected to be built in phases, with the north tower expected to lead slightly.
Wyndham Square will be constructed after the residential towers are completed. The city expects the remaining Library Square work and Wyndham Square to be fully completed by 2030.
The Baker District is intended to create new housing and public space in downtown Guelph while improving pedestrian connections between the Central Library, the surrounding streets and the new residential development.
The move to the new library will also free up the existing Main Library site at 100 Norfolk St. The city recently acquired that property for $3.69 million and plans to explore future housing development on the site, including below-market affordable housing.
