The next phase of development at Red River College's Exchange District Campus kicked off today with the start of exterior renovation work at the Union Bank Tower.

Locked away from the public for nearly two decades, this National Historic Site will be transformed over the next two years into the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, a new home for RRC's culinary and hospitality programs and the College's first student residence.

"This facility will build on the momentum that Red River College started in this neighbourhood with the construction of our original Exchange District Campus buildings, and will help solidify Winnipeg's reputation as a regional centre for culinary excellence and food production," said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College.

Building Features

• 49,500 square feet of new instructional space.
• State-of-the-art culinary and baking labs.
• Dedicated space for RRC to partner on applied research projects with Manitoba-based growers, and food and beverage producers.
• Jane’s restaurant (a 110 seat fine dining restaurant/lounge), Hard Drive Café ( a 100 seat casual diner), and Grab-and-Go (quick service) food outlets.
• A retail showcase to promote Manitoba food products.
• A green roof with herb garden.
• LEED standards for sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Red River College’s first student residence (100 beds).

The College also announced today that it has received a $500,000 grant toward the project from The Winnipeg Foundation, one of Canada's leading philanthropic organizations.

The total construction cost of $27 million is also being supported by the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg/Centreventure and Paterson GlobalFoods/The Paterson Foundation. The College will continue to work with community and corporate partners to raise additional capital funds.

At top: Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, Mr. Andrew Paterson, The Honourable Vic Toews,
The Honourable Ron Lemieux and Mayor Sam Katz participate in the chain
cutting ceremony for the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute.

Related:

• Winnipeg Sun – RRC training eateries to help revive tower
• Winnipeg Free Press – Heritage reborn
• Global Winnipeg – A tasty change for Western Canada's oldest skyscraper
• CJOB – Union Bank Tower Make-Over
• Progressive Winnipeg – Red River College officially begins Union Bank Tower makeover