The new three storey mixed use building at 601 Cumberland, known as the Grad House is a break in the institutional space of the University and a link to the community.
For years the graduate students association has run “Café Nostalgica”, offering food, coffee, beer, music, art exhibitions and entertainment from a red brick double storey building.
The design carefully builds on this history. As one of the first buildings encountered while walking up Cumberland to the University Centre and Library, both a porch and side yard have been developed to accommodate tables and chairs and bring the convivial life of the café out to the street.
Materials used in the building help tie it to the larger neighborhood context and reinforce the memory of previous buildings. Details such as inviting stone benches made from original foundation stones mark the entry to building and patio. Materials used in the building help tie it to the larger neighborhood context and reinforce the memory of previous buildings. Buff stone and shingles scale the building to the street and assist to maintain the non institutional character critical for the students and the community.
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