Set to become the home of Googles newest and largest office in Canada, the Breithaupt Block designed by Robertson Simmons architects inc. (RSai) was recently recognized with a NAIOP Real Estate Excellence (REX) Award as Office Development of the Year.
On April 15, 2015, over 600 industry professionals, NAIOP members, sponsors and friends gathered for NAIOP Greater Torontos 14th Annual Real Estate Excellence Awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation of the office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate industry in the GTA.
The awards criteria focused on results (quality and performance), skills (teamwork, collaboration, innovation and creativity) and values (community and environmental awareness).
“We are so proud of this building and the privilege of being part of the project team,” said Jason Martin, Partner, Robertson Simmons architects inc. “Working through our proven process and collaborating with Perimeter Development Corporation and the rest of their team to design this building with the goal of creating a new dynamic landmark for downtown Kitcheners premier innovation district has been an exceptional experience.”
“The Breithaupt Block had some tough competition in its category with two other spectacular Toronto projects including 545 King Street West and RBC WaterPark Place,” he added. “Were honoured by this recognition.”
As the longest-running architectural firm in Waterloo Region, RSai has greatly contributed to the history of building great architecture in the community and is well-known for its expertise in adaptive reuse projects, with the Breithaupt Block being amongst many.
Now well underway, the Breithaupt Block Building One renovation of an existing 1950s Mid-Century Modern industrial building will transform it from a two-storey to a five-storey structure. The existing building envelope was not suitable for a LEED® Gold office building and has been re-clad with a high-performance brick veneer envelope, while detailed energy modelling will ensure that the project’s energy efficiency goals are met. The third storey will provide a separation between the more traditional two-storey brick base and the modern two-storey glass box atop. Gentle creases in the glass box reinvent the idea of a typical glass-box office building.
RSai is the longest-running architectural firm in Waterloo Region. Serving Southwestern Ontario and the GTA with offices in Kitchener and Toronto, RSai provides insightful feasibility studies, as well as inspiring architectural and interior design services for new facilities, additions, and renovations within the corporate, educational, recreational, municipal, healthcare, residential, and mission critical sectors.