Jason Grossi often develops integrated spaces within or grafted onto historic structures and contexts with particular cultural or historic importance. The new Windsor Public Library, located in Sandwich Town, on Mill Street, necessitated a contemporary response between two heritage designated structures from different epochs (a mid-19th century horse and hay loft stable structure and a fire station from 1921) to form one building. Both structures are designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Constrained on all sides, a new architectural space links both historic structures to become one new library space. At the second level, a suspended steel cable bridge spans between both heritage structures resolving the differing floor elevations of the existing stable and fire hall. The extruded form of the new addition takes its shape from the programmatic requirements of the bridge structure and a gesture profile of the stable, formed by cranked portal steel frames clad by a leaded copper skin. Characteristic of much of Jason’s conceptual thinking, the new inserted piece derives its architectural vocabulary from the unique character of the program, the constraints of the existing buildings and the site.

The result is that both historic buildings are to be restored and rehabilitated to their original time periods using historic materials, techniques of construction and methods, supported by forensic analysis. The new architectural work speaks to the language of both buildings on either side and its current time. This work is commissioned by the City of Windsor and is dedicated to honour the life and work of John Muir. It is currently under construction.