The entirety of the former Machine Hall has been retained and transformed into a Food Hall Market, while establishing new pedestrian pathways through the block enhancing neighbourhood connectivity and porosity. The Hall reclaims the site as the original locale of the St. Andrew’s Market-one of Toronto’s oldest food markets in the mid-1800’s. Opening portions of windows enclosed with brick in the 1950’s, and adding entrances along the south façade gives pedestrians direct access to St. Andrew’s Playground from the Food Hall.

A mid-block outdoor courtyard accessed from Richmond Avenue West connects to the food hall completing the north-south path through the building. Three new building wings, twelve floors in height are positioned above the heritage building protecting daylight access to the heritage skylights which run the entire length of the urban block above the Hall. The wings accommodate the Gymnasium, 25 meter Pool and program areas of the YMCA as well as 288 residential units which surround a south facing outdoor courtyard at the fourth-floor level.

By bringing new life to an industrial heritage site, Waterworks expresses a holistic approach to retaining the stories of our cities, while setting the stage for new narratives and opportunities for urban transformation, making a significant contribution to the quality of life within the neighbourhood.