The City of Greater Sudbury has chosen world-renowned firm WZMH Architects of Toronto as the consultant for the design of Junction East, the city’s new downtown library and art gallery.
A Request for Proposal was issued in November 2019, and the contract was awarded to WZMH after a thorough evaluation of 13 submissions.
“We are pleased the procurement process is complete, and we look forward to working with WZMH to move this project forward,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger in an Oct, 15 statement.
“This brings us one step closer to creating a cultural hub in the downtown, a space where people can connect, learn and be creative. This firm has a history of designing buildings that become civic landmarks, and I’m confident our Library/Art Gallery will be no different.”
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WZMH has 60 years of experience in the design and delivery of large, iconic, complex projects, including landmark public libraries, art museums, skyscrapers, bridges and hotels. The firm designed the world-renowned CN Tower and the Canadian Space Agency building in Toronto, among many other projects.
“We are very excited to be part of this project,” said Nicola Casciato, a principal at WZMH Architects.
“We have assembled a top-notch team of award-winning architects and specialty planners to fully realize this project, which will revitalize downtown Sudbury. Our team will create an anchor institution for Greater Sudbury, offering a unique experience for residents and attracting visitors from around the world.”
Expected to open in 2024, Junction East will be a 61,800-square-foot building and will include the Greater Sudbury Public Library Main Branch and the Art Gallery of Sudbury, located on the east side of Shaughnessy Street in the downtown.
The Junction complex also includes a proposed convention and performance centre.
The proposed development was selected by city council in early 2018 as site replacement for the existing 1950s-era Sudbury Community Arena. A new main hockey arena – the Kingsway Entertainment District – will be built on the east side of the city.
The city and WZMH will be working closely in the coming weeks to integrate the Sudbury Theatre Centre and Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association into the project.
“We are pleased to see this project move ahead,” said Michael Bellmore, Chair, Greater Sudbury Public Library Board. “This space, created by citizens for citizens, will better serve the community and will be transformative for the downtown.”
“The Library/Art Gallery will foster lifelong learning and creativity,” said Janik Guy, Co-chair, Art Gallery of Sudbury Board of Directors. “It will allow people to enjoy and appreciate the arts, technology and innovation in one bigger, better and inclusive space. This will truly enrich the lives of residents.”
The city and WZMH will hold public consultation sessions in the fall of 2020 to gain input into the development of a design for the building. The type of engagements will depend on physical distancing directives. Efforts will be made to ensure all residents may participate.
A more formal public introduction of WZMH will take place at a media event later this fall.
– Sudbury.com
