St Johns Catholic School

Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Size: 48,500 Sf | Value: $7.9 Million | Completion: 2012

Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Cost Estimating, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering

WalterFedy provided architectural, engineering, and construction-management services for an $7.9-million reconstruction of St. John’s Catholic Elementary School, which was opened in 1929 and expanded in 1946, 1954, 1962, and 1967. 


In the first phase of the project we analyzed the costs and benefits of retaining portions of the existing facility (while demolishing the remainder) or redesigning from the ground up, seeking the best balance between heritage aspects and the long-term viability of the school. Working with a large stakeholder group, we arrived at a solution that opened up the cramped interior and introduce barrier-free access throughout, while retaining the original 1929 façade. We demolished 15,500 sq.ft. of the building, completed an addition of 24,000 sq.ft., and a renovation of 24,500 sq.ft for a final gross floor area of 48,500 sq.ft. Construction took place over 13 months, and St. John’s reopened at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

   

NOTEWORTHY
DESIGN ELEMENTS

While St. John’s is not a designated heritage building, the façade of the original building is considered culturally significant within the Kitchener community. WalterFedy’s close attention to the original elements of the building not only ensured that the project was completed cost-effectively, but also served to maintain the current atmosphere of St. John’s and preserve its historical connection to the surrounding area.

 

WalterFedy Opens Office in Calgary, Alberta
March 01, 2023 | by: Katie McQuaid
WalterFedy is happy to announce we have opened an office in Calgary – our first in Alberta.   As WalterFedy has continued to thrive in the Ontario market, we have been looking for ...
Read more >>
WalterFedy Earns Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employer Award
April 05, 2022 | by: Business Development
  It is with great pleasure that WalterFedy announces the company has achieved Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employer (SME) status for the fourth consecutive year. Administered by Me...
Read more >>
WalterFedy Earns Waterloo Area’s Top Employers Award For Fourth Consecutive Year
January 27, 2022 | by: Business Development
  WalterFedy was among 25 local businesses recognized as one of Waterloo Area’s Top Employers today. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the firm has made the list, carefully...
Read more >>