Ridley College Reimagined
On September 28, Ridley College opened the doors of two newly reimagined spaces – Iggulden Building and Evans Athletic Centre – marking history for the University-preparatory school in St. Catharines, Ontario. The transformations will reshape the student experience as they encourage curiosity and cross-disciplinary learning in a vibrant new campus center.
Originally opened in 1939, the Iggulden Building formerly functioned as Ridley’s athletic center. No longer able to serve modern athletics, it was renovated and expanded to create a hub for learning, socializing, and first-class visual and performing arts. The 35,000-square-foot building is now home to the Norris Walker ’52 Creative Commons with classrooms, a makerspace, woodshop, film and design studios, ceramics room, and tech lab; an atrium-style art gallery; and the Mitchell Learning Commons with café. The addition introduces the Ron Mannix & Class of ’66 Music Centre with practice rooms, recording space, equipment storage, and a 240-seat performance hall.
Replacing the Iggulden Building is the new Evans Athletic Centre, located across a new quadrangle from Iggulden and attached to an ice rink and renovated field house. The 20,000-square-foot sports complex includes a three-court gymnasium; competition-grade squash courts; yoga/fitness studio; fitness center and commons; rowing training room; spin room; athletic therapy clinic; and locker rooms. A 10,000-square-foot renovated field house will also serve as a congregational hall, enabling the entire school to gather and host community events.
Centerbrook’s design creates a dedicated pedestrian-only quadrangle centered between the two buildings that offers passing students clear views into both buildings and places to socialize, study, and relax. Other outdoor spaces include courtyards for open-air learning and a terrace for outdoor performances that fronts the music center.
“Ridley brings together young people from all over the world. We hope this place will expand their curiosity, broaden their thinking, and help them thrive as our next generation of leaders.” Jim Childress, FAIA, Principal in Charge
The project kicks off The Campaign for Ridley, the school’s largest fundraising campaign – successfully raising $51.5 million – and most ambitious construction project in its 133-year history.
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