Connaught School work a mixed blessing

Status of new or continuing risks to heritage sites

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Connaught School work a mixed blessing

Postby newsposter » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:24 am

CBE is moving ahead with plans to fix up the Connaught sandstone school. An unwelcome part of the plan is to build a new gym on the south side of the school, totally obsuring the south facade from 13th Avenue (a proposed "heritage greenway"). CHI has recommended that the new gym be build in the vicinity of the old gym, which does not hide the building. In anycase, below is the news release.

Link to CHI's comment on this (from 2006) and more information about the history of this proposal:
http://calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/viewto ... ?p=553#553

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For Immediate Release
May 29, 2008
Media Availability and Photo Op

GROUNDBREAKING MARKS THE RESTORATION OF HISTORIC CONNAUGHT SCHOOL

CALGARY - Parents, students and trustees will be turning the sod to mark the beginning of the major work revitalizing an historic inner-city landmark Connaught School.

The major focus of the work includes the demolition of the existing gymnasium on the east side of the school to allow for the development of a new gymnasium on the south side of the building. A new atrium will connect the new gymnasium with the existing school. The basement will be converted into classrooms, and existing office and classroom spaces on the other floors will be renovated to accommodate a new elevator. Much of the original woodwork and other features will be retained or restored to maintain the building’s character and heritage. The sandstone cladding on the exterior will remain, although doors and windows will be replaced. There will be numerous electrical and mechanical upgrades performed as well.

A guiding principle of the Connaught School modernization project is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) which among other considerations, will see the project use certified wood and regional materials, reduce light pollution and indoor water use.

Connaught School is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 school thriving in the heart of the inner city. The Calgary Board of Education is proud to support Connaught School as a Centre of Excellence for English as a Second Language. The school revels in its diversity where students speak more than 35 languages. Connaught School will also be the new home of the CBE’s Assessment Centre, which welcomes, accommodates and places foreign students. Since the beginning of the 2007 / 2008 school year, all of Connaught School’s 170 students have been accommodated at Kingsland School to allow for the first phase of the modernization to begin.

Media are welcome and encouraged to attend the sod turning for Connaught School Friday May 30th from 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm. Connaught School is located at 1121-12 Ave S.W. Please note: the site is an active construction site, so remember to wear appropriate footwear.
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Postby newsposter » Tue Oct 21, 2008 4:14 pm

Unfortunately, the new gym at Connaught school will cover up the south facade. Too bad, as there were alternatives. See above.

Here is a picture from October 2008 by buglugs on flickr (via defaultuser at skyscraperpage):

Image
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