Gaslight District (HIP Developments)
Nominated for the Paul Oberman Award for Adaptive Reuse: Large-Scale/Team/Corporate for revitalizing the 19th century industrial site in Cambridge into a mixed use community hub
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The transformation of the Gaslight District has injected life into downtown Galt. The adaptive re-use of the former 19th century industrial site constitutes the second largest private investment in the City of Cambridge, exceeded only by Toyota. The site has recently been revitalized and adaptively reused for mixed-use commercial/office space and condos, known as the Gaslight District. The project included the retention and conservation of the majority of the 19th century stone industrial buildings and converting them to a mix of retail, office, food & service, public open space, and venue space. The project included the construction of two contemporary condominium towers north of the industrial buildings.
The strength of the project lies in its commitment to the conservation of authentic 19th century industrial built fabric, which is important to the character of the area. Downtown Galt is unique due to its prolific use of limestone throughout the 19th century and in the presence of industrial buildings. The adaptive re-use of the stone industrial complex is therefore quintessential to the unique sense of place of the community. The vision for the development included making as few alterations to authentic heritage resources as possible. For example, the majority of transformed industrial spaces have retained the original masonry, wood floors, blast furnaces, and belts and pulley systems. The former stone industrial building at the centre of the site in the public square is now a band stand.
The Gaslight District development successfully combines sympathetic alterations to suit adaptive re-use with contemporary new design. The quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design work together to create a vibrant community hub and Regional destination spot.
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