At the end of the project, scheduled for early 2023, the MRC team will have a modern environment perfectly suited to its needs. The new 142, Dufferin in Granby will be built in accordance with the traditional architectural style of this district, assured the architect Stéphanie Gauthier of the firm Favreau Blais associated architects.
“For the exterior aspect of the building, we wanted to draw inspiration from the heritage of rue Dufferin, where the English style predominates with its two-storey houses. We also intended to respect the past, without forgetting the future. We wanted to bring a current touch through that. ”
The template will therefore be narrow, cubic, on two floors, with the predominant use of red brick to harmonize with the surrounding environment. The contemporary touch will notably be provided by light-colored aluminum panels. The building will have large windows.
Focused on the environment, the MRC also aims to obtain LEED certification, by integrating many details to reduce its ecological footprint. The conservation of plants, the planting of trees, the installation of electrical terminals, energy efficiency, water saving and the selection of noble materials will be among others privileged.
“The mayors made fair and responsible choices in terms of the environment,” suggested Prefect Paul Sarrazin, specifying that the neighbors of 142, Dufferin were consulted before the plans were finalized. “As the MRC will be carrying out large-scale work, the council is keen to maintain good neighbors and to be transparent.”
But first of all, it will first be necessary to completely demolish the current building, which has become obsolete over decades. This step should take place during the summer, explained Manuel Cabana, project manager at the City of Granby. According to the latter, it will be a selective demolition to minimize the burial of materials as much as possible. We will also take advantage of the beautiful season to dig the foundations and set up the geothermal installations.
The schedule provides for the erection of the structure in fall 2021. Interior finishing will continue from winter 2021 to winter 2022, to make way for exterior work (construction of the parking lot and landscaping) in the following months.
The construction contract will be awarded in May.
More space, no grant
One thing is certain, the occupants will no longer be cramped there. With 932 square meters per floor, the place will be almost double the current size. The MRC will share part of it with the Haute-Yamaska Historical Society, which will occupy nearly a third of the building.
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