The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF) has big plans for the future, including enabling Future Care Now at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The largest comprehensive cancer centre in Canada, The Princess Margaret is one of the top five cancer research centres in the world.
To help achieve the Foundation’s fundraising goals and to enable Future Care Now at The Princess Margaret, The PMCF endeavoured to expand its office space at 700 University Avenue in the heart of Toronto to accommodate up to 280 employees. The 50,000 sq. ft. fit-up project included open concept workstations and internally-situated offices to maximize natural light. Gathering spaces celebrate nature and wellness with plants, wood veneers and natural textures. In addition, interactive donor and history walls placed at the main reception help highlight and celebrate both the Foundation and Cancer Centre’s achievements. The new office space also includes several meeting rooms, a fitness area, wellness and conference centres, and a social café. Interior colours reflect a sunrise, representing the beginning of a new day in cancer research.
The building owner’s construction manager and The PMCF retained our team to provide project management, as well as furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) services. Working to ensure the best interest of all parties, our team oversaw the incorporation of LEED and FitWel elements alongside cost-conscious design solutions that ensure flexibility for future office growth.
The project faced scheduling challenges once the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the construction site was shut down. During the six-week pause in construction, our team prepared and led project continuity initiatives, and quickly identified best practices and procedures to comply with new social distancing directives – including limiting tenant and contractor traffic through careful planning and communication. To counter schedule delays and budget risks, the team also introduced construction fast-tracking techniques.
Despite this scheduling setback, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s office renovation was completed under budget in August 2020. The uplifting new space is now partially occupied and inspiring staff as they work to achieve the Foundation’s fundraising goals.
