The Watch
LATITUDE
CARRY ON CAMSELL Hurdles upon hurdles have challenged redevelopers of the decommissioned Charles Camsell Hospital. Finally, the condominium project has some momentum.
GHOST HUNTERS, VANDALS, MOVIE MAKERS TAKE NOTE— CAMSELL HOSPITAL IS BEING TRANSFORMED
The Government of Alberta decommissioned Edmonton’s Charles Camsell Hospital 22 years ago, and then, in 2004, it was purchased by architect Gene Dub. He envisioned transforming the building in Edmonton’s central northwest into condominiums. Unfortunately, not a lot that was noticeable happened on the site for many years after the purchase, unless vandalism or the paranormal are your thing. A short documentary did feature the site, harkening back to the hospital’s days as a sanitorium that treated tuberculosis patients, most of them Indigenous peoples. The documentary highlights an unsavoury part of Canada’s past: segregated health care.
On the lighter side, who can forget Intern Academy , a Canadian movie released in 2004 and filmed at Camsell Hospital? Answer: almost everyone. Mr. Dub’s project has been stymied by some significant challenges, including two fires caused by workers and the need to remove asbestos. But the redevelopment project is finally making real progress. This summer, T.C. Biggs Construction began framing 161 condominium units inside the building, which will range in size from 800 to 1,200 sq. ft. and have higher-than-normal ceilings On the first few floors, those ceilings will be about 12 feet high, and they’ll really stretch up there on the seventh floor to 16 feet.
The eighth storey will feature three-level penthouse suites with sweeping views of the city and individual patios. To preserve some of the building’s history, Mr. Dub plans to leave steel support beams and ceilings exposed, and to restore original terrazzo floors in the lobby and staircases. In addition to the apartment-style condos, the complex will feature 27 three- bedroom townhouses atop an underground parkade, just north of the hospital. Other highlights of the project include an adjoining park and a four-storey glass atrium. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2019. Intern Academy II? Looks like you’ll need a new location.
34 | PEG FALL 2018
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