AEC provided construction management services for a new employee recreational and office space in Mississauga. This design-build project involved close collaboration between AEC and WalterFedy (AEC’s consulting sister company), enabling an integrated design approach between architects, engineers, builders, and the client.
We began working with the client in 2019, supporting feasibility studies for additions or replacements to their existing facilities, as well as the potential of developing a new building on Meadowvale Boulevard. Together with WalterFedy, our team at AEC provided in-depth analysis to help this client identify the solution best suited to their long-term goals and unique needs, resulting in the new facilities today.
The space serves as a private union recreational space and a home for their offices. The building is situated on a 3-hectare site, where landscape architecture plays a key role in enhancing the overall experience. In addition to boardrooms, offices, and a gym, much of the programming in the 22,200 SF building is focused on indoor and outdoor event and gathering spaces, supported by two commercial kitchens and two bars.
The most notable feature inside the building is the 5,300 SF multi-purpose banquet hall on the first floor. Designed to host a variety of events, from wedding receptions to award ceremonies and annual meetings, the space is supported by a commercial kitchen designed for large-scale catering and food preparation. This 420 SF kitchen has direct access to the building’s loading area, providing seamless back-of-house access during major events. It also includes ample preparation and refrigeration space for third-party caterers. The banquet hall is further enhanced by a fully functioning bar, professionally designed to serve both the hall’s interior and the large atrium outside, which opens to the exterior event spaces.
On the second floor, “The Barn” offers a more casual eatery. This 1,442 SF space serves as a cafeteria where team members can purchase food and beverages prepared in the commercial kitchen and bar attached to the space. Designed for the day-to-day comfort of members, the space features TV screens broadcasting various programming as requested. The eatery also opens to an exterior second-floor patio, offering views of and access to the surrounding landscape.
Given the nature of our client’s membership, health, safety, and security were key considerations in the design of the space. To address these, our team of architects and electrical engineers collaborated closely with the client’s Building Committee, as well as their security and IT teams, to ensure the necessary services and spaces were included.
Although most of the design process occurred during the Covid-19 lockdowns, working closely with the organization’s Building Committee enabled our team to effectively navigate decision-making, risk management, and approvals from various authorities over the course of two years.