Constructed in the early 1830, the original grist mill on this site has grown and changed to suit the needs of the locally-grown businesses and industries that once inhabited this building.
Status: Built
After decades of vacancy, the evolution of the site was reignited with the goal to create a unique destination for a distinctly Guelph business to further cement their roots in the community.
The heritage limestone building sits at the current northern end of a riverside pedestrian promenade called the River Walk, next to the Speed River in downtown Guelph.
The landscape is integrated with the wider public realm through the continuous, coherent use of City standard materials and paving. A consistent, generously-wide walkway continues around the building, with the City of Guelph’s signature speckled unit paving pattern used to denote staying spaces to the side.
A fully-native planting palette aligns with the City’s overarching sustainability goals and reflects the site’s proximity to the Speed River.
The site layout balances numerous challenges, including the desire for a pedestrian plaza, loading and vehicular demands of a distillery and restaurant, the main retail entrance recessed at the north end of the site, and the City’s width requirements for the River Walk connection. Simplicity in the design allows each of the need to be addressed while still giving a gracious sense of space.
Large metal tanks were salvaged from the building to be displayed prominently as a symbol of the site’s history. They serve as recognizable gateways into the site and buffer against the adjacent loading bay.
A large stepped seat wall runs through the middle of the plaza. Originally required to address grade changes between the building and the future trail connection, its design was enhanced to integrate seating and opportunities for informal gathering, and is now the central spine for the space.
