358 Langside Street: Richardson College for the Environment and Science

Project: University of Winnipeg's Richardson College for the Environment and Science (Website)
Address: Portage Avenue at Langside Street (Map)
Status: Opened June 2011
Size: 150,000 sq ft
Cost: $66.58m

This project began in 2006 after a collective $3.5 m donation from the Richardson's business, family and foundation. It was the largest single donation to the University of Winnipeg at the time, (Since then John and Bonnie Buhler surpassed it).

The University of Winnipeg's Richardson College for the Environment and Science will house the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies as well as numerous other offices ranging from the Institute of Urban Studies and Indigenous Studies program. Over 2,000 students a day are expected to use the facility.

Designed by Number 10 Architects, it is a Silver Certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building.

Its completion caps off what has been quite a transformation for the block of Portage Avenue between Furby and Langside. The square block also boasts the UWSA's 112 child daycare and a 200 person student residence.

Reference:
Richardson College ... Fast Facts U of Winnipeg
Richardson College .... Homepage W of Winnipeg
Richardson College Grand Opening (News Release)
U of W Scientists Ready to Roll Free Press
New Science Centre a Work of Art Free Press

Here is a look back at the block's transformation:

Top: Furby Theatre (1912 - 1952)
Bottom: Used car lot / parking for Winnipeg Roller Rink (until 2006)

Here are interior shots from the grand opening on June 11, 2011:

370 Langside Street - McFeetors Hall

Project: McFeetors Hall, University of Winnipeg (Website)
Address: 370 Langside Street (Map)
Status: Completed 2009
Size: Six levels, 74,000 sq ft
Residents: 175 students, 25 student families.
Cost: $17.5m


Background This block of Portage between Langside and Furby was home to an empty lot, a used car lot, the closed Galaxy Skateland roller rink, and a few single family dwellings.

The University of Winnipeg assembled the land and after the roller rink closed in 2007 began construction on McFeetors Hall, a student residence. It will house 175 students, including single parents and their children.

The block will also house a new and expanded UWSA daycare and the Richardson College for the Environment and Science (set to open in Fall 2010).

Gerry McFeetor, a U of W alum and chair of the board for Great West Life, donated $1.67m toward the construction.

Related Media and Reference:
New UWinnipeg Student Residence UWinnipeg Press Release
McFeetors Hall UWinnipeg
Student Residence No Sterile Setting WFP Feb '09

UPDATE:
McFeetors Hall Opens U of W
U of W Opens State of the Art Facility CTV
A Tour Through McFeetors Hall - The Uniter