After three decades of having its doors closed, the G-building at Humber College’s Lakeshore campus is projected to reopen in January 2016.
HumberLaunch, a program geared at helping students improve their entrepreneurial skills, will have a presence in Humber’s new initiative to turn the empty space into the new entrepreneur centre.
“It’s more of a collaborative, innovative, and exciting space were people can meet up and talk about their business ideas,” says Cheryl Mitchell, program manager at HumberLaunch.
Graffiti on the G-building walls from the countless break-ins over the years. Photo courtesy of Steve Bang.
Making their first entry into the building early this summer, a team made up of Humber faculty and HumberLaunch evaluated the space for what needed to be done.
The walls are painted with graffiti and the foundation and floors show signs of water damage and mold.
“The condition of the building is not bad,” says Steve Bang, Humber business professor. “Structurally, it is very sound.”
Bang says he anticipates that contractors will need to refinish the floors, re-do some of the walls, and completely rework the plumbing and electrical systems.
Once a contractor is chosen they will be working closely with the Ontario Historical Society to preserve the historical significance of the building.
Large ventilation tubes pump air out of the building to remove any leftover mold and dust. Photo courtesy of Steve Bang.
Since August, they have removed the main blockade protecting the main door facing the campus, and cut holes in the window boards to pump air out of the building to remove any leftover mold the cleaning crew couldn’t remove.
The new entrepreneur centre will also have a glass addition built on the front becoming a space for corporate and entrepreneur events.
“I think it’s a great idea,” says Kapil Thayabaran, third-year police foundations student. “Right now it’s just a waste of a building.”
With the college currently looking for sponsors, the next step will be to remove the window boards within the next few months.
Chelsea Scherer
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