A.L Cole Pumphouse
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The A.L. Cole Pumphouse has been renovated to highlight its unique industrial history and provide for future commercial opportunities. Work completed includes the removal of some equipment, repairs to the exterior brickwork, replacement of windows, provision of heat and electrical services and interior coatings. The renovation work has been undertaken to celebrate the heritage aspects and interpretive opportunities of this building and site while providing usable tenant space for future commercial activity on the waterfront.
The planning context for adaptive re-use of the Pumphouse
is provided by the South Downtown Concept Plan (2004).
Key principles of this plan, with particular relevance to the
Pumphouse, include:
- support and strengthen Downtown and Riversdale
and their relationships to the Riverfront
- create a distinct identity and sense of place
- design to be a destination
- design for development viability
- remember the past and plan for the future
More recently and specifically, the River Landing Phase 2
Riverfront Master Plan (2006) acknowledges the importance
and potential of the Pumphouse as a major focus along the
Riverfront. This design study explores this potential to highlight
the historic and interpretive value of this resource, balanced
with commercial opportunity
As the last surviving remnant of the Saskatoon Powerplant, and
the only historic building remaining within the River Landing
project area, the Pumphouse has unique and considerable
potential as a destination.
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The Pumphouse is planned to be leased through a public tender in the future. |
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This design report outlines the architectural, landscape,
commercial and interpretive goals, opportunities and
recommendations in an effort to create the foundation
for a destination that is commercially successful, honours
the building’s heritage, and provides a unique setting for
interpretation. Exploration of commercial and retail functions,
while also identifying heritage aspects of the building that
define its uniqueness and increase its value, were guiding
principles. The building must be publicly accessible, made
larger if necessary, and would become a major experience for
River Landing visitors.
Site, building, heritage and commercial opportunities and
constraints form the basis for concept planning. Among the
various possibilities explored, two clear options emerged. In
each of these options, the vision is the same: the Pumphouse will be a destination that offers a unique
combination of historic interpretation and commercial
activity, while allowing visitors to enjoy views of the South
Saskatchewan River
Last updated May 2015
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