BNKC, in collaboration with The Working Centre and Perimeter Development, is excited to announce that construction is now underway at 97 Victoria Street North in downtown Kitchener. Part of the transformative “Making Home” initiative, this project reimagines an existing site into a comprehensive community hub designed to address the urgent needs of Kitchener’s most vulnerable residents. Read more about this project below and keep up to date with construction as we add to our gallery.
Render of the courtyard looking toward the new St. John’s Kitchen
A Vision for Inclusive Support
In response to the increasing lack of affordable housing and growing homelessness, The Working Centre has long championed the needs of those without stable housing, work, or access to essential services. The project at 97 Victoria builds on this legacy, combining affordable housing, mental health and addiction support, and essential community services within a reimagined campus. This initiative aims to offer more than just basic shelter, focusing instead on creating a true sense of belonging and home.
Current encampment directly across the street from the new facility.
The Project Scope: Two Key Components
The development comprises two primary components: a newly built 6,065 sq ft facility for St. John’s Kitchen (SJK) and a repurposed and expanded 20,500 sq ft warehouse.
- St. John’s Kitchen (SJK): The new SJK facility will serve over 600 meals daily and provide a gathering space for events. Its design includes a dining hall that opens onto a semi-public courtyard, fostering community interaction. The mass timber construction aligns with sustainability goals, ensuring that the building is both functional and inviting.
- Housing and Community Services: The existing two-storey warehouse will be expanded with a new third floor, providing 44 affordable residential units. The ground floor will house essential services, including a community clinic, spaces for support programs, and practical amenities like showers and laundry facilities. This combination of services aims to help residents address immediate needs and foster long-term stability.
A Thoughtful Approach to Design and Sustainability
The design for Ninety-Seven Victoria balances the adaptive reuse of the historic warehouse with new, sustainable construction. BNKC’s approach emphasizes a clean and modern aesthetic that reflects the local vernacular while offering a warm and dignified environment for residents. Each architectural element and finish was selected to withstand the demands of supportive housing, without compromising on the welcoming atmosphere.
To achieve optimal sustainability, the project incorporates mass timber construction, Zero Carbon initiatives, and energy-efficient systems. Features include R30 insulation, thermally broken curtain walls, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilation system. The new facility is designed to minimize fossil fuel use, supporting the overarching goal of creating a healthier, low-impact urban environment.
Creating a Campus of Care
At the heart of this redevelopment is the idea of transforming a formerly industrial site into a cohesive campus that offers safety, support, and a sense of community. The addition of a central courtyard provides a flexible outdoor space where residents and visitors can gather, while improved connections between the new SJK facility and residential units create a seamless flow of services. This intentional integration of spaces reinforces the project’s mission to build a supportive environment for those who need it most.
Graffiti on the existing warehouse which will be converted into transitional housing and community services through the adaptive reuse and addition project.
Progress and Next Steps
With construction now in full swing, the Ninety-Seven Victoria project is making steady progress. The project team is working closely with community stakeholders and partners to ensure the site meets the needs of its future residents. As construction advances, BNKC and Perimeter Development continue to secure funding through federal and provincial grants, as well as private donations, to bring this vision to reality.
Construction Gallery
