Jeff Heuchert
Staff Reporter
Realtors are hoping a series of student-produced redevelopment proposals for the old Kalbfleisch building will help drum up new interest in the former car dealership.
An open house hosted by RE/MAX a-b Realty last Thursday was expected to draw close to 60 local and area developers. In attendance were students from Conestoga College’s Architecture – Projects and Facility Management program, who developed seven re-design proposals for the site.
“This is an excellent opportunity to see what could be done to this site, and hopefully put some thoughts into action,” said RE/MAX broker of record John Wolfe, who noted developers needed a fresh take on the site.
“It’s such a unique building ... and the students came up with some out-of-the-box stuff.”
The commercial building, located on the corner of Erie and St. Patrick streets, has been vacant since the dealership closed in 2006 after 100 years in business. Started in 1894 as a bike and machine shop, the business transitioned into a car dealership in the early 1900s. The present building was built in 1911, with the showroom added in 1954.
“To tear it down would be ... it’s part of Stratford,” commented George Kalbfleisch, the third generation owner and operator of dealership, at the open house.
“I’m amazed at the projects and different concepts (the students) have.”
The idea to get students involved came from Jeff Elliott, a Stratford resident who’s also a professor with Conestoga’s School of Engineering and Technology.
Elliott noted the building has tremendous potential due to its proximity to the downtown, and in the near future, a university campus.
Many of the proposals, which included full costing and market analysis, such as a brewery/pub, was developed with just that in mind.
“It seems like a feasible idea,” said student Sam Browne, who noted not only the university campus, but minimal competition in the city, factored into his proposal.
His design calls for an open-concept plan with mezzanine looking out over a dining area, with stage, and brewery.
“We wanted to be innovative,” he added.
Most of the students’ plans did away with the building’s current cladding to reveal the original brick.
“It has such wonderful brick work ... it’s beautiful underneath,” commented student Dan Stiplosek, who was showing a plan for a café and multi-purpose facility that could house art shows, concerts or receptions.
“It’s such a great town of the arts, great theatre ... we wanted to facilitate that,” added student Jill Nairn.
Other student ideas included residential units for university students or Festival performers on an upper floor with retail space below; a fitness centre, nightclub and banquet hall.
