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An 89-metre-tall construction crane towers over the University of Calgary campus, a sure sign that work on the multi-phased MacKimmie Complex redevelopment is set to begin in earnest. The MacKimmie Complex and Professional Faculties Building is undergoing a DIALOG-designed overhaul that will introduce new and improved classrooms and study spaces alongside centralized undergraduate and graduate student services. The first step of the redevelopment process, which officially begins today, is to detach the precast concrete panels from the 13-storey MacKimmie Tower.
"Until recently, while it may have seemed quiet since construction activities began in September, there's been lots going on behind the construction hoarding," said Boris Dragicevic, associate vice-president, facilities development. "Over the last several months, interior work has been done to get MacKimmie Tower ready for major construction, including removing all non-foundational walls, furniture, and other structures; stripping it down to bare concrete in preparation for the next steps in the tower’s redevelopment."
The removal of the building's skin isn't the only major aesthetic change to be expected — crews are also preparing to add two floors to the height of the structure, bringing it to 15 storeys. When all the precast panels have been safely removed, the columns will be prepared for the assembly of an inner glass facade.
Schematic designs and renderings will be presented to students at a campus community open house on Wednesday, March 28 from 11 AM to 1:30 pm in the Great Room at Rosza Centre. The entire project is expected to wrap up in 2022.
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