b'PROJECT PROFILESOLID ACHIEVEMENTBLOOMINGTON GO STATION SHOWCASES ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE By Sarah B. HoodYORK REGION RESIDENTS AREstructure has a large waiting area betweenSITE PLANNINGLOOKING FORWARD to the 2021Level Two and Three, which provides aThe stations proximity to natural opening of the Bloomington GO Station,wonderful view of the protected greenwetlands required particularly careful the new terminus of the Richmond Hillspace and neighbouring wetlands, as wellsite planning. With the design, we line, which will extend train service toas Hwy 404, Alkoka says. managed to maximize the space for the Bloomington Road and Highway 404. Thestation all while minimizing the use of project, which broke ground in 2017, isThe station includes a three-level cast-in- the land, says Alkoka. We achieved being built by Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. toplace concrete parking garage with spacethis by incorporating multi-level parking LEED Gold standard. Metrolinx estimatesfor 765 vehicles and a car occupancythat preserves significant surrounding the project cost at $82.4 million. sensor system to locate empty spaces.wetlands. Weve also incorporated Cast-in-place airplane-style architecturaldesign features to minimize the impact The station building is fully accessible andconcrete canopies and heated shelterson the surrounding area. This includes features an 810-square-metre skylight andat track level provide comfort and safety.stormwater management, preservation boutique-style finishes such as exposedThe rail platform is equipped with a snow- of a pond within the station site and concrete columns. The building is open- melting system. accommodations to allow minimum concept and has a large open-air glass- disruption to the surrounding ecology. enclosed atrium that allows for plenty ofPassengers will transfer seamlesslyOur design keeps the migration paths natural lighting and stunning views from allbetween modes via a covered six-bayopen within the local frog habitat with a three levels of the garage, says Mohamedbus loop running through the lower levelspecialized underground crossing from an Alkoka, director of the GO expansionof the structure. Further transportationexisting pond to neighbouring wetlands.project delivery for Metrolinx. options are accommodated by a kiss and ride area, a surface parking lot with anAmong other challenges, Alkoka We also have well positioned lights alongadditional 238 spaces, designated waitingsays that the site itself sits between the various ramps to help guide customersareas and amenities for scooters, bikesenvironmentally sensitive lands bordered when the sun goes down. The front of theand electric vehicles. by the major 400 series highway28Quarter 1 2021 BUILDERSDIGEST'