STUDIO V designed a significant master plan for a 44 acre site in Niagara Falls, Canada. This project features two coordinated designs two clients: the architectural design of a museum on a former railway bridge for the City of Niagara Falls, and the design of an adjacent rail yard for a mixed use commercial development for Cross Link Bridge Development.

This site is a former CN Rail Yard, located immediately adjacent to Downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario, adjacent to a major Train Station with access to Toronto and New York City. This site is just one mile to the world famous Falls, and is directly on the Niagara River Escarpment.

Our design and planning proposals for this site include a Retail village, Wine Exhibit space, Film Studios, an Arena, Entertainment facilities including an indoor Ski Slope, and a new Train Station. A major feature of our design is the development if a network of parks and green spaces that connect to the surrounding town, streets, and open spaces.

STUDIO V developed the architectural language of the development to relate to Niagara Falls as a major gateway and symbol for the nation of Canada. This idea is developed through the use of local landscape elements, an ice rink, and indigenous materials. Design features that reflect the local community and culture include an outdoor amphitheatre that responds to the typography of the site, the incorporation of historic artifacts such as an abandoned Rail bridge, historic customs house, and train station, and links to the open spaces.

STUDIO V’s work included the master planning of the site and the detailed design of the open spaces and parks. We were also responsible for coordination with all City and Provincial agencies for approvals, and the development of the Program and concepts for the development.