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It was in January, 2013 that Brock University first began construction on the future site of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and in less than a week, that facility will officially open. The construction of the school in tandem with the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre and the Meridian Centre has truly marked a heavy investment and growth era for downtown St. Catharines. As, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Douglas Kneale told the Standard during ground breaking ceremonies in 2013, "We are witness to the perfect metaphor for Niagara's industrial past and it’s post-industrial future." (source)
About the Marilyn I Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFP)
The corner of St. Paul St. and Carlisle will officially become St. Catharines culture mecca next week, as students for the first time, start classes at the facility. Conceptual paths will link the MIWSFP with the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre (opening later in the fall) as students are set to use the Performing Arts Centres recital hall and film venue.
The majority of the 95,000 sq. ft. facility has been developed within the three original Canada Hair Cloth buildings. Much restoration work has gone into the Canada Hair Cloth building, while original features like brick walls, metal columns and wood flooring have remained, new features that help to modernize the space have been added. A new addition was also added to the structure, the addition is home to Brock’s 238 person theatre.You can view images of the construction process of the facility here or architectural renderings here.
From Canada Hair Cloth Factory to the MIWSFP
The 19-century Canada Hair Cloth buildings history dates back to it’s opening in 1884. The company ran operations at the St. Paul street location up until 1996, when the Macfarlane family sold the business, but not the property. Brock’s interest in the 19th century textile factory began around this time. Initial offers of purchase for the land and it’s three buildings were rejected and in 2008 the city started expropriation proceedings as the two parties disagreed on valuation. In June of 2009, the city officially expropriated the property from the Jim Macfarlane.
In March of 2012, Brock University officially purchased the property for a dollar and a pledged to contribute $750,000 annually for 10 years to the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre.
The Stats
Numbers: 500 students, 50 faculty and staff
Size: 95,000 sq. ft.
Theatre size: 235 seats
Architects: Diamond and Schmitt Architects
Cost: $46 million
Notable Donations:
Marlyn I. Walker - $15 million
Provincial Government - $26.2 million
RBC - $675,000
TD - $500,000
Economy: Brock execs estimate $17 million in local economic spin off
Home to: Departments of Music, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, and the Centre for Studies in Art and Culture
