Building Together - new building design revealed

Sunshine Coast Community Services (SCCSS) has revealed the final design of the iconic new building soon to be under construction on Inlet Avenue in Sechelt. On September 2, major donors and supporters had a sneak peek of the building, including a 3D model. Studio 531 architect Jesse Garlick was on hand to answer questions while Catherine Leach, SCCSS Executive Director, explained the thoughtfulness that went into the design.

“It was important to us that the residents felt comfortable and safe in their new home”, said Leach. Community consultations and a deep understanding of the need for a safe and welcoming place to call home by prospective residents helped Leach and Garlick bring their vision to reality. Blending four storeys of residential housing above the two storeys for program delivery provided a challenge that Studio 531 has mastered. The dual entry provides a secure and private entrance for the women and children who will call the building home, plus a welcoming entrance for community members, volunteers and staff. A commercial kitchen and large multi-purpose room will open into an internal courtyard and community gardens that have the capacity to host large gatherings.

The landscape design was also carefully considered. Community gardens will be flanked by a playground for children and a quiet green space for contemplation. The orientation of the new building will be reverse from its current position, so the entrances face the garden and parking area on the east side, giving a view of the mountains.

Sandra Cunningham, Capital Campaign Manager, provided an update of donations to date. “Raising funds during Covid restrictions brings an entirely new challenge to fundraising, but we are being creative”, said Cunningham. To date, SCCSS has received almost $590,000 of the $3 million they hope to raise by project completion. Other sources of revenue will be from grants and government funding. “It feels good to be 20 per cent of the way there, but we’d like to see a million dollars raised by the end of this year”.

An RFP has gone out for a Construction Management firm, and the bid process for trades will begin in the fall. “When deconstruction begins, we will invite everyone to visit for a final goodbye of the current building as it has served us for so many years”, said Leach. The building drawings will be on display in the local malls in late September. Contact buildingtogether@sccss.ca with any questions.

Read more about the new design in the Coast Reporter.

To learn more, visit the Building Together website.

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