From the first floor to the fourth, and even up to the rooftop, 42 Carden Street has been completely rejuvenated. Well, almost. That fourth floor of the former Acker’s Furniture store, which will be an open space for performances and other gatherings, has a ways to go until it is ready for occupancy.
But all other floors are move-in ready, or very close, and Julia Grady, co-founder and executive director of the social organization 10 Carden, said tenants began moving in last Friday.
The buildings tenants are social purpose organizations and entrepreneurs working across many sectors, while engaging collaboratively to serve and enhance the community.
The new location, Grady said, offers about five times more space than the former location down the street at 10 Carden St. Henceforth, 42 Carden will be known as 10C. The vision behind the purchase and redevelopment of the building is to retain a large-scale asset for community use, she said. The project also rejuvenates two street fronts in the downtown.
10 Carden itself began moving its administration into the building last week, a process that will continue throughout the summer.
Chalmers Community Services Centre has begun setting up its various services on the first floor, on the Macdonell Street side of the building. Space for its food and clothing programs, a sewing/mending area, and a café, all geared to help the city’s marginalized, are being organized in the large space.
The Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Local Immigration Partnership, Out On the Shelf, and Guelph Dance are among the other tenants slated to move in.
Grady explained that the concept behind 10C, a hub for community change-makers in Guelph, is a space in which organizations work in a uniquely shared kind environment. Some organizations have small offices, but then there are several common working and meeting areas where comingling happens. It’s like that on all floors.
Right now, the basement, first and second floors are ready, and work continues on the third and fourth. All floors have been, or will be, entirely rebuilt and reconfigured.
Despite some surprises and challenges in the renovation process, Grady said her organization is extremely proud of the results so far.
During a tour of the spacious and very bright interior, Grady expressed excitement over the beauty and workability of the space. Views from the upper floors are impressive. All have windows in all directions. The ones facing west have an elevated view of Basilica of Our Lady, while those facing south look down or up at Market Square.
The roof is outfitted with the cooling system, but also has rain water collection infrastructure. Water flows down a drain and is collected in two large storage tanks on one of the floors below. That water will be used in the building’s waste water system.
And integral part of the 10C financing model is a community bond program. Only a not-for-profit organization can offer community bonds, which have both a financial and social benefit.
10C’s 2016-17 bond offering is a total of $1,325,000, and there remains $218,000 available. So far, there have been 84 investors. Series E and F bonds earn a three or four per cent return.
Grady said sponsorship has also played an indispensable role in the project. The University of Guelph, City of Guelph, Mary Anne Shipley, The Co-operators, Metalumen Manufacturing Inc., and the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund have each contributed $50,000.
To date, $500,000 has been raised through the sponsorship campaign. The goal is $700,000.
Further community support down the stretch would be much appreciated. Connect with Grady at 519-780-5030, or [email protected] to learn more.
