At the University of Guelph, the campus features cutting-edge research and excellent academic history. When the University required a more accessible, modern gateway for the McLaughlin Library alongside critical preservation for the historic Massey Hall, GEN-PRO was entrusted to bridge the gap between these two distinct eras of architecture.

McLaughlin Library Entrance Addition and Massey Hall Waterproofing 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON

The Challenge

The primary challenge for our institutional contractors for this project was its dual nature. On one hand, we were tasked with constructing a sleek, high-traffic 800 ft² entrance vestibule for one of the busiest spots on campus. On the other hand, we were working inches away from Massey Hall, a heritage structure requiring sensitive foundation repairs.

Construction project management in the heart of a bustling university while ensuring student safety and minimizing noise requires a surgical approach. We had to ensure the new library entrance felt welcoming and contemporary, while the restoration of Massey Hall remained invisible to the eye but structurally transformative.

Why This Project Was Essential

University entrances are the first point of contact for students and faculty, and also visitors. The existing library entrance needed a functional overhaul to better manage the flow of people and provide a “customer-first” experience. The library’s interior logic became much more intuitive when we decommissioned the old entrance to serve as an “exit-only” point and relocated the service desk.

At the same time, the work at Massey Hall was a race against time and the elements. Historic rubble foundations are beautiful but vulnerable to water ingress. Without the specialized waterproofing and structural upgrades we provided, the integrity of this campus landmark would have been at significant risk.

Scope of Work

This project required a wide range of specialized skills, like high-end masonry and modern glass work not to mention complex civil engineering. Our scope included:

• A new, fully serviced glass vestibule and a total redevelopment of the exterior to create a landscaped, welcoming courtyard.
• Renovating the library’s interior to shift the customer service hub to the new entrance, streamlining the student experience.
• A “re-pointing” of the existing rubble foundation to create a watertight seal, paired with the installation of a new waterproofing system and weeping tiles.
• Our institutional contractors replaced damaged limestone on the front entrance steps and reset them with new mortar to maintain their historic aesthetic. At the rear, we installed new metal stairs to meet modern safety codes.
• Once the foundation work was backfilled, we landscaped the area to connect Massey Hall to the new library courtyard, creating a unified, walkable space.

What Sets Us Apart?

We make sure that we never work in a vacuum because our approach to project management is based on a collaborative mentality. We take great satisfaction in collaborating closely with clients all the way to the final inspection, making sure that each stakeholder’s vision is precisely achieved.

Our established network of long-standing connections with a number of suppliers and subcontractors strengthens our synergy. These collaborations enable us to manage development while upholding strict deadlines and a high standard of quality.