Working with project partner EllisDon Corporation, WalterFedy architects completed the design process for the Oakville Metrolinx Garage. The garage is comprised of six floors, 1400 parking spaces, a 3-lane kiss-and-ride, four elevators, and a tunnel extension to the platform structure. The scope also included rehabilitation of the existing tunnel and platform elevator.
The design process included preparation of schematic design documents based on the Metrolinx Design Guidelines. This stage included a site plan, principal floor plans, building sections, elevations, and outline specifications. Following approval of the schematic design, WalterFedy then prepared the Design Development Documents, which included the site plan, principal floor plans, building sections, elevations, door schedule, curtain wall sections and details, elevator plans, outline specifications, and a code review of applicable statues, regulations codes, and by-laws. WalterFedy is familiar with the Metrolinx DRM standards and has an understanding of the submission process at each stage of the design.
Our contribution to the successful completion of the parking garage also included assistance in the tender/submission review process, a review of shop drawings during construction, coordination of sample and material selections with the precast contractor, and a field review for the architectural scope of services during contract administration. The design follows the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to create ‘passive security’ on the property. For instance, the stairwells are enclosed in glass for 24-hour two-way visibility and the elevators have glass fronts and backs.
Although the parking structure could not formally be LEED certified, the Design Build team incorporated sustainable practices and methodologies wherever possible, including recycled content in the precast, photovoltaic array on the roof, and daylight sensors with variable light lighting controls.
The project followed a fast-track process, one of which we have extensive experience in completing. In fact, GO trains tracks were only 30 feet from the construction site, so scheduling during both design and construction had to be carefully timed to avoid the trains.
This project was featured in AWARD Magazine in October 2012.