The Construction Source

“Our goal at The Builders Block is to create a community that integrates thoughtfully with its surroundings, efficiently uses existing infrastructure, and couples underground with surface parking to minimize vehicle footprints,” Hanna says. “Importantly, our plan repurposes existing infrastructure to provide new homes in Stratford, helping mitigate urban sprawl, and works to preserve Perth County’s agricultural lands and farming heritage.” “I think The Builders Block is definitely one of those revitalization projects that speak to our commitment to making an impact right in the downtown of smaller towns,” she elaborates. In addition to building the residential buildings – of which there will be nine in total, including the 10-storey building in the center – BMI is also paying a lot of attention to the spaces between the buildings. Again, Hanna says their goal is to develop not just a development, but a community. To achieve that goal, they intend to include a “central lawn” gathering spot for the community, as well as multiple other spaces for drinking coffee and playing with children. They also intend to run a “multi-modal laneway” through the site, something akin to a Dutch ‘woonerf’ – a road where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars all have shared priority. “Hopefully that will change people’s perspectives on how roads can be designed and used,” Hanna says. “It will show that roads can actually be good for all residents at different times, whether they’re in a car, whether they’re walking with their kids, or whether they’re playing ball even.” BMI is also pushing the envelope on that project in other ways. For example The Builders Block will be Stratford’s first development to designate 10 per cent of residences as affordable housing, as defined by Canada’s Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – “a much needed initiative to support young families priced out of the current market.” Earlier this year, BMI broke ground on the existing four-storey Krug building, which they will divide into two sections. Their goal is to start new construction in the spring of 2025 and have the first units ready in 2026. From there, their vision is to deliver the project in phases, and they anticipate development will be ongoing for the next three to five years. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA

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