KITCHENER — Work on the first phase of a massive expansion and reimagining of Fairview Park mall is expected to begin this spring.
Owner Cadillac Fairview (CF) said the $70-million project will include a new four-storey office building, at least three free-standing restaurants and the transformation of the former Sears store into new retail and office space. The property will be known as CF Grand Market District.
Initial plans first came to light last summer. The first phase is expected to be complete in 2021; subsequent work, valued at $360 million, could include an additional office and retail building and 600 new residential units.
Finley McEwen, senior vice-president of development at Cadillac Fairview, said it’s an opportunity to expand beyond the traditional enclosed shopping mall format and turn the property into a more pedestrian friendly mixed-use area.
“We’re taking the opportunity to update the product that we’re offering the market.”
The majority of the existing mall will be retained, but new retail space will be outward facing, McEwen said. “You create an opportunity for customers to walk between the buildings.”
McEwen said Cadillac Fairview also plans to preserve and restore more of the distinctive International-style façade on the former Sears store than originally planned.
Despite the urging of its heritage committee, Kitchener councillors voted against protecting the façade with a heritage designation last fall; Cadillac Fairview said such a designation could put the brakes on the entire project, as the entire façade was at odds with the overall vision for the area.
Plans now call for the preservation of two large sections of the ribbed, precast concrete and green glazed brick façade on the north and east sides of the building. Part of it will be enclosed within a glass vestibule.
About one-quarter of the original Sears store will be demolished and redeveloped.
The project is being designed with a nod to Kitchener’s industrial heritage, with a replica water tower and red brick construction. Offices will have exposed beams and large windows.
Behind the scenes, the basement of the Sears store will house large cisterns allowing rainwater from the roof to filter into the ground. McEwen said it’s hoped that will prevent parking lot flooding the property has experienced in the past.
There will also be a solar array with more than 1,500 panels on top of the Sears building. “We’re doing a tremendous amount of work to improve the sustainability of the project,” said McEwen.
The region’s new light rail transit system has a terminus at the property.
Cadillac Fairview wants the redevelopment to tie into its property across Fairway Road, home to Cineplex Cinemas and Indigo. A mixed-use expansion to that site is planned as well, McEwen said.
bdavis@therecord.com
Twitter: @DavisRecord
Twitter: @DavisRecord