A historical building and landscape updated for artisan studio space and cultural programming
Originally constructed in the early 1900’s, the Baggage Building was renovated and expanded with a two-storey addition to create a public destination at Prince Arthur’s Landing. The Baggage Building Arts Centre is a flexible, open-concept space that gives artisans access to work studios, exhibit, teaching and informal retail space. Finished in brick, concrete, and exposed wood structure, the addition references the original structure’s construction.
A water feature wall at the south entrance acknowledges the historical importance of this location at the base of Red River Road. A public art commission integrated with the water feature highlights the significance of this site as a key link to Indigenous history and the development of Western Canada. The north courtyard and south plaza provide additional outdoor exhibit spaces.
The building has achieved LEED Gold certification. Sustainable strategies include passive heating and cooling, solar energy, triple-glazed windows, low albedo roof, and recycled content building material. The building, along with the adjacent Water Garden Pavilion, are the first LEED-certified projects built in Thunder Bay.
The Baggage Building Arts Centre was designed as an integrated part of the Thunder Bay waterfront redevelopment at Prince Arthur’s Landing, a project which cumulatively has won over twenty professional awards.
