Plans for the transformation of a former post office in Cambridge are getting a transformation of their own.
The newest proposed designs for the makeover of the Water Street facility were unveiled to the media Thursday morning.
A previous design for the facility was approved by councillors last month, but drew criticism from heritage advocate and others concerned about what they perceived as a lack of communication surrounding the province.
“We have listened to the public (and) we have made changes,” Mayor Doug Craig said Thursday.
Included in those changes are a 1.5-metre reduction of a new tower on the south side of the building, as well as a lessening of the size of the glassed-in addition to the building’s third floor.
Additionally, the building will sit 3.5 metres farther from Water Street than initially planned.
Craig said the changes were introduced in an attempt to meet the concerns of the heritage community.
“This is our finest heritage building,” he said.
Rick Haldenby, a professor of architecture and former director of the University of Waterloo’s architecture school, said he was “thrilled” by the modified design.
“(It is) a huge contribution to the heritage landscape of Old Galt,” he said.
The $12-million renovation is expected to be complete by December 2016.
Once it’s reopened, the building will be used primarily as a ‘digital library’, with a small ground-level restaurant occupying a portion as well.
A number of public meetings are scheduled to gather input on the design, with the next set for Sept. 15.
