Queen’s University Heritage Residences

Project Overview

Located at 142 Albert Street in Kingston, Ontario, the Queen’s University student residence development provides new on-campus housing for more than 300 students. Positioned near Tindall Field and at the transition between the university’s academic precinct and the surrounding residential neighbourhood, the project introduces a five-storey residence building while integrating two existing heritage homes on the site.

The completed development creates a modern residential environment that supports student life while acknowledging the historic character of the surrounding area. Brick cladding and carefully considered massing help the building relate to nearby campus and neighbourhood structures, reinforcing its connection to the local context.

Residential Program

The residence building is designed to accommodate approximately 300 private student rooms, organized around semi-private washroom facilities to support efficient and comfortable shared living arrangements. Throughout the building, a variety of ancillary spaces provide opportunities for both study and social interaction.

Shared and quiet study areas are distributed across multiple levels, allowing students access to both collaborative and silent work environments within the residence. The facility is located in close proximity to Leonard Hall dining facilities as well as the academic and social spaces of the Queen’s campus, supporting convenient access to daily student activities.

Heritage Integration

A key component of the project involved the preservation and integration of two existing single-family heritage homes located at the south-eastern corner of the site. These structures were renovated as part of the project and incorporated into the overall residence program.

The restored homes now provide intimate study and gathering spaces for students while maintaining a tangible connection to the site’s historical character. Their inclusion within the larger residence development reflects Queen’s University’s commitment to preserving heritage elements while expanding campus infrastructure.

Building Design and Layout

The residence is organized around a central courtyard that introduces natural daylight into interior spaces and provides views from surrounding rooms. The courtyard also creates an outdoor gathering area that encourages informal interaction and connection to the campus environment.

The building includes a partial basement beneath approximately one quarter of the footprint, with the main structure rising five storeys above grade. A mechanical penthouse is located above the fifth floor, resulting in a total of seven levels including the partial basement. The development has a total gross floor area of approximately 123,786 sq. ft., with a building footprint of roughly 23,680 sq. ft. on a site measuring approximately 64,584 sq. ft.

Structure and Construction

The structure utilizes a conventional cast-in-place concrete system designed to provide durability and long-term performance for a high-occupancy residential facility. A structural steel penthouse of approximately 2,152 sq. ft. houses mechanical systems at the roof level, supporting the operational requirements of the building.

Through the combination of new construction, heritage renovation and thoughtfully designed residential spaces, the project expands Queen’s University’s housing capacity while contributing to the vitality of the campus environment.