Newly revamped Carl Zehr Square will be unveiled this summer
Posted Mar 29, 2022 08:25:00 PM.
Having originally started back in March of 2020 the project to rebuild Carl Zehr Square, located in front of Kitchener City Hall, has become a massive undertaking. Initially budgeted at $9 million, the cost of the project has since risen to $14 million due to unexpected costs.
“What we found was that there was some deterioration to the building components, the cladding, door thresholds, the grading that kind of thing. So we decided it was timely to put all of that back into scope and fix up all of the things when that construction was going on.” said Lynda Stewart, project manager of the square's rebuild.
Stewart explained the repairs became necessary after 30 years of damage and corrosion from salting and general wear and tear.
“The square as well as the surrounding areas at city hall sit atop the parking garage and after 30 years it was time to replace the waterproofing membrane on the parking garage structure, so that necessitated taking off all of the concrete and surface features and getting down to that membrane so that it could be removed and replaced” said Stewart.
Along with repairs, Stewart said the project will include changes to security, including new bollards in certain areas, as well as more accessibility for performances.
“The previous stage area was at a considerable height and required steps to access the platform, so we've created a low rise riser that is completely accessible.” said Stewart.
Stewart noted that during the revamp upgrades were made to the equipment they use to make ice for the skating rink in the winter and the water features in the summer, easier.
Stewart said the the rebuild is expected to wrap up by the end of June.
