Cadillac Fairview (CF) is investing $70-million in the Kitchener-Waterloo region through the development of its CF Grand Market District (GMD).

According to a press release, GMD will transform CF Fairview Park, the former Sears building with a complete recladding of some elevations and a careful restoration elsewhere where the distinctive ribbed precast exterior will be preserved.

“Today’s consumers and retailers are looking for unique and inviting spaces that bring people together to enjoy exceptional services and shared experiences. CF’s Grand Market District is driving change and re-defining the shopping experience by creating a premier mixed-use destination for the Kitchener-Waterloo community,” said Finley McEwen, senior vice-president of development, Cadillac Fairview in a press release.

Led by CF, the redevelopment team includes Colliers International, project architect Petroff Partnership Architects and project designer Roy Higgs International.

Key features of GMD include

• A pedestrian-friendly streetscape surrounding the property;
• The new LRT system will have a terminus at the GMD site, making it easily accessible for Kitchener and Waterloo residents;
• Retail spaces with operable exterior entrances to create more permeable building edges; larger windows to allow natural sunlight into interior spaces; and warmer feeling building materials;
• The architecture will feature a unique blend of historical and contemporary design. Traditional brick materials will be used for both building exteriors and pedestrian areas to pay tribute to the city’s Victorian-era industrial past;
•  More than 1,500 solar panels will be installed on top of the building to offset electricity consumed at the property;
• Dedicated stormwater facilities to channel stormwater from the roof areas to underground “infiltration galleries” will be installed, thereby reducing contaminated run-off and making the property more resilient to extreme weather.

Phase I of the GMD includes 180,000 square feet of new or repurposed space at the site. The long-term plan will bring additional office, residential, retail space and a parking structure at the property.

Ground-breaking is expected this spring with completion of Phase I of the project targeted for 2021.