b'HERITAGE PRESERVATIONPhoto credit: Anthony Urso. Rendering credit: AtLRG Architecture Inc.RE-IMAGINING THE RUBIN BLOCKA heritage building becomes a safe havenBy Matthew BradfordRevival is coming to Winnipegs RubinThe Rubin Block project will standincludes the addition of an elevator for Block. After 10 years of vacancy andas a testament to our collectiveenhanced accessibility, a communal neglect, the 111-year-old building is beingcommitment to fostering resiliencekitchen, playroom, exterior courtyard transformed by the Fisher River Creeand empowerment, says Chief Crate.and a distinctive Round Room addition to Nation, First Nation Healing Centre,Beyond providing physical shelter, thiscomplement the original storefront niche. the University of Winnipeg Communityendeavour offers a beacon of hopeImportantly, the revitalized Rubin Block Renewal Corporation (UWCRC 2.0and stability, illuminating the path to awill incorporate a number of safety and Inc.) and local partners into transitionalbrighter tomorrow for those grapplingsecurity features that prioritize the safety, housing for women and children. with housing challenges. dignity and comfort of all users of the MORE THAN A HOME building without being overly obvious.Together, through the generousUltimately, says Kravetsky, This building support of our funding partners, weIts been a rough decade for the Rubinis more than a home for familiesit isare embarking on a visionary project,Block. Years of neglect, damage froma community.says Chief David Crate of Fisher Rivermultiple fires and the accumulation Cree Nation. The transformation of thisof mould and structural decay hadTHE TRANSFORMATION BEGINShistoric building into a modern multi- rendered the building in dire need ofAkman Construction is now on site, family transitional complex signifiesattention. Fortunately, Fisher River andbringing AtLRG Architectures concept a monumental step towards meetingUWCRC 2.0 have put together a teamoff the page. Its work includes mould the critical demand for safe transitionaladept at helping buildings like this returnabatement, fire damage remediation,housing for families in need. to their full potential, including AtLRGroof and joist replacement, brick Architecture, which has been workingrepointing, envelope upgrades,Situated at the southeast corner ofclosely with all project stakeholders tostructural reinforcement and concrete Morley Avenue and Osborne Street,preserve where possible, restore withslab installation. the Rubin Block is a three-storey brickintention and enhance with sensitivity, and Tyndall stone building built in 1914as per its guiding philosophy. Were addressing the buildings core by local architect Max Zev Blankstein.structural needs, reports Jared Akman, Originally, it was home to a branch of theWe approach heritage restorationpresident of Akman Construction. Weve Merchants Bank of Canada, who sharedwith deep respect for history whiletaken the building back to its bare bones. the structure with a barber and a tailorintegrating modern functionality, saysNow were rebuilding it the right wayon the ground floor, and 18 residentialPamela Kravetsky, senior architectstrong, safe and ready to standapartments on its upper floors. Now, itswith the firm. [For the Rubin Block] wefor generations.new owners at Fisher River are workingare preserving its signature masonrySequencing has been a critical with UWCRC 2.0, AtLRG Architecturecourtyards, brickwork, Tyndall stone,consideration throughout the project, Inc. and Akman Construction to createcornices and replacing PVC windowsparticularly when tackling some of a safe, secure and healing homewith historically aligned fibreglass ones. the projects more complex phases, for women and children who haveAs for integrating new and modernsuch as determining when and how to experienced abuse. features, AtLRG Architectures designremove floors, roofs and joists without 36 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'