316 Ross Avenue is located a few steps outside the Exchange District of Winnipeg, and within a short walking distance of Red River Community College Downtown Campus.
The new building complex includes a complete renovation of an existing, 100 year old, 5 storey mercantile building and an new addition. 24 units are contained within the existing building and 70 units fit in the new addition for a total of 94, one, two, and three bedroom apartments. 32 cars are accommodated in underground parking under the new addition, with another 30 parking spaces at grade with a fenced enclosure.
The new building footprint is 8,000 square feet. The overall square footage of the project, once completed will be 55,450 square feet. (37,125 sq-ft new construction, 18,325 sq-ft renovated existing.) The addition is entirely constructed of wood, making it the first wood frame building over four storeys constructed in Manitoba.
The form of the new addition is intended to evoke the massing and scale of the heritage warehouse buildings characteristic of the historic Exchange District in Winnipeg, while camouflaging the actual size of the building. Four colours of brick are used to create variety in the form while maintaining an overall harmony with in the composition.
This development required the consolidation of three adjacent parcels of land, and the navigation of a myriad of approvals form the authorities, from the Urban Design Advisory Committee to Plan Examination.
