Mohawk College’s Institute for Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Research, Resources and Training (STARRT) has officially opened its doors.
Designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects, the project includes 88,000 square feet of new instructional spaces.
In addition, refurbishment and renovation of existing structures provide students with upgraded labs, classrooms and shops.
The $24 million transformation of the Stoney Creek campus will create opportunities for more apprentices and college students to pursue “gold collar” careers in the skilled trades.
The project team included structural engineering consultants Read Jones Christoffersen, electrical and mechanical consultants MCW Consultants Ltd. and construction manager Atlas Corporation.
The newly constructed east wing houses an “awareness” theatre, a 9,000-square-foot resources centre designed to promote the benefits of skilled trades and apprenticeships to middle and high school students, parents and prospective applicants.
The centre opens onto a large central atrium lobby, which provides easy access to new, larger bookstore and student service areas. Several new classrooms occupy the second floor. Mounted on the roof are two vertical wind turbines for renewable energy production and demonstration. This project is LEED registered.
The west wing addition accommodates several new shops and labs, including machine shops.
The ArcelorMittal Dofasco Enterprise Training Centre is a new 14,000-square-foot space designed to facilitate interaction between college and industry, a site to deliver corporate training and a hub for applied research and innovation. The final phase of the project, the Gerald Marshall Transportation Centre, is currently under construction.
PATRICIA WILLIAMS
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