Castlegar Out with the old, in with the new Castlegar looks forward to the future in a brand new City Hall by SANDRA ALBERS
BEAUTY AND FUNCTION: Castlegar’s new City Hall is both attractive and functional. Brick, glass and wood features reflect the industries that have supported Castlegar over the years. —photo courtesy Phil Markin
Beauty and function combine to great effect at the new City Hall in Castlegar.
“It’s a gorgeous looking building, but also very functional,” said Mayor Lawrence Chernoff. “It’s a huge asset to the downtown core and also to the community.”
The new City Hall, which opened its doors in January, is located directly behind the old building, and features brick, lots of glass, and wood beams.
Mayor Chernoff describes the current atmosphere in Castlegar as “progressive.”
“We look forward to the future, and this building represents that,” he said.
Chernoff said City Hall staff are thrilled with the additional office space in an “extremely functional” setting.
He also noted that the building was constructed with a geothermal heating system that pumps water though the ground, circulates it through the building, then returns it to the ground.
The building is open to both stories when you walk in the door, Chernoff said.
Designed by Allan MacLeod of Fairbank Architects Ltd. in Nelson, the new City Hall reflects Castlegar’s heritage. The brick, wood and glass in the structure pay tribute to the industries that have supported the city over the years. As well, some of its castle-like features are a nod to the name of the city.
BPR Construction, based in Kelowna, served as the contractor. Local companies Martech Electrical and Venture Mechanic also worked on the City Hall project.
A newly landscaped Spirit Square will replace the demolished old City Hall. A grand opening is expected to be held sometime in June, when Spirit Square is completed.
The old City Hall, which saw a number of additions over the years, dates to the 1950s.
Mayor Chernoff said the new City Hall was completed on budget. The total price tag of about $4.75 million included the move and the demolition of the former building.
Asked how the new building compares with the old, Chernoff was concise: “There’s no comparison!”
Key Castlegar contacts
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Castlegar & District Recreation & Aquatic Centre 2101-6th Ave Castlegar, BC PHONE: (250) 365-3386 WEBSITE: www.castlegar.ca
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