Construction is now underway at the MacKinnon Building on the University of Guelph campus.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the 45,000-square foot, $20-million renovation and expansion project aims to, “inspire the next generation of artists, musicians and performers.”

The scope of the project will see the transformation of the north wing of the building at the heart of campus. The building houses the College of Arts and the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation.

A new theatre will be built in the courtyard, fulfilling the original intention to use the courtyard as a theatre space. The ImprovLab will be a publicly accessible, multi-use research environment to present, record and analyze improvised performances. This aspect of the project is being funded in part by a grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

A 160-seat black box theatre will have office and research space and be flexible for a range of audience seating and research participation.

“To reach this point is a real milestone for us,” said university president Franco Vaccarino at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This is an exciting day for the University of Guelph and for the College of Arts. It represents a renewal of the cultural and creative arts right here in the heart of the University.”

Demolition work is in progress, and the construction team is being led by Ira McDonald Construction Ltd.

Other renovations will involve the building of a new main entrance, creation of student spaces, reconfiguring and returning the Luscombe Theatre to a black-box performance space, new practice rooms for music as well as upgrades to address both accessibility and acoustical issues.

“This modernization enhances both the aesthetics and performance capabilities of the MacKinnon Building to engage students and support their creative drive,” said Michael Treacy, principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects. “Acoustically attenuated rooms for practice and performance are complemented by an abundance of light-filled space that opens and connects the building with the campus.”

Construction begins this fall to create the foundations and enclosure of the new building. The project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2021.

“I think what gives the University of Guelph that special buzz is the longstanding history of the University together with the new and emerging,” said Vaccarino. “In many ways, the groundbreaking today is a reminder of our comprehensiveness and the importance we place on the full spectrum of what we do.”