Ontario Construction News staff writer
Work is underway on two significant projects at Trent University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough that will create 1,400 student beds and around 134,000 sq. ft. of space for academics, social activities, and administration.
The Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence are being built through a collaboration between Trent University, Knightstone Capital Management, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), and the Building Ontario Fund (BOF).
These projects are getting $100 million from BOF and are set to be finished by fall 2029.
FRAM Building Group is handling the construction. Knightstone Capital Management is the development partner, while Diamond Schmitt Architects and Two Row Architect are responsible for the design.
Two Row Architect is a fully Indigenous-owned company located at Six Nations of the Grand River. The firm focuses on integrating Indigenous cultural insights into modern architectural design.
Gidigaa Migizi College, which is Trent’s latest college addition, will feature large lecture halls, a hub for student services, a rooftop event area, and an outdoor pavilion with views overlooking both the campus and Otonabee River.
The new Otonabee College residence will provide housing for students along with shared spaces. Both buildings will be designed to be fully accessible.
A Project Steering Committee from Trent is overseeing this development, including members from finance, facilities management, project management, housing services, and various colleges within the university. A dedicated Design Committee is collaborating with Knightstone Capital Management and Diamond Schmitt Architects on architectural aspects.
This increase in residence capacity aims to offer more on-campus living options while alleviating some pressure on Peterborough’s rental market.
The $100 million financing from BOF will be repaid through a refinancing plan once construction wraps up and the residences start generating income after occupancy.
The anticipated completion date for construction is fall 2029.
Source link
