One Young Street Inc.

WalterFedy provided architecture and mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering design services for a $13 million mixed-use commercial building located at 1 Young Street, Kitchener. This five-storey building will include retail on the ground floor, and office buildings on the remaining four-storeys. This building is the first modern building in Waterloo Region with a mass timber structural system, and is unique in its homage to the historic building that used to stand in its place. The building features exposed glulam columns and beams and a nail-laminated timber (NLT) floor system with polished concrete topping.   
The success for our team was our ability to assess various structural, mechanical and electrical systems and how they work together for an efficient and aesthetically pleasing building. We were able to find substantial cost savings through our design approach while bringing in a Mass Timber building and providing premium office space for the client to lease. Constructions savings were found in various aspects of the design approach but significant in the foundation and shoring approach utilizing micropiles as well as a collaborative approach with the construction manager to reduce the construction schedule.

One Young was recognized in 2021 with an Ontario Wood Design Award for Mid-Rise Development. The award was presented by The Canadian Wood Council’s Ontario Wood WORKS! in partnership with the Ontario Forest Industries Association.