Virgil, Ontario, 2001
The new banking centre at Virgil stands on a site that acts as
the gateway to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The context demanded a sensitive
response: the project must conserve the extraordinary historic character
of the area and enhance the fragile balance of surrounding agricultural
lands, while accommodating the forward-thinking Credit Union and
the town’s vital need for strong commerce and new development.
The new building stands close to Virgil’s major street and
reinforces pedestrian footpaths and surrounding landscape. This
siting invites future developments in the town to join in this traditional
main street approach, restoring a lively community of shop fronts
lining the sidewalk. Natural stone from the Niagara escarpment will
clad the building, giving enduring qualities rooted in the region.
A front verandah and tree-like canopies lining outdoor walkways
create a generous streetscape, while a rose garden at the entry
serves as a permanent reminder of the nursery that stood on this
site for many years.
The heart of the building is a light-filled great hall flanked
by tall, branching timber columns that speak to the substantial
feeling of the exterior. The interior has been designed, following
extensive consultation with a wide range of Credit Union members
and staff, to act as a friendly town square lined by a variety of
services and amenities. Reinforcing personal relationships with
members of the Credit Union, the offices of personal financial advisors,
commercial officers and banking assistants have all been situated
to look directly into the space. On the second level, glass-fronted
spaces for other professional offices also overlook the hall. On
winter evenings, warm light from within will make the building an
inviting beacon on the street.
