In 2019, mcCallumSather was retained by McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) to master plan an inspirational, sustainable innovation park in west Hamilton. As an idea incubator, the 51-acre Master Plan set a framework for the park’s growth which exemplified its motto to “live, work and create.”

Internationally recognized as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, MIP’s goal is to bridge academia and industry, helping companies grow by providing access to research, commercialization, supporting infrastructure and new talent. A dynamic campus environment is critical to MIP’s ability to attract and retain the best and brightest researchers, investors, partners and entrepreneurs, necessary for bringing innovation to reality. Situated near McMaster University, McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC), the planned Hamilton LRT and a diverse network of disconnected recreation and natural areas, MIP’s former brownfield site has been reimagined as a place of convergence and connection.

Our work began with a comprehensive review of the existing site, surroundings and building conditions, including an analysis of the planning, servicing and infrastructure context. We identified site opportunities and constraints and developed risk registry with input from the Steering Committee, the MIP Board, McMaster University and other stakeholders. Key challenges included limitations on residential use and building heights, the need for a comprehensive parking strategy, coordination with concurring infrastructure projects and stakeholder priorities. In response, our architectural, mechanical and subconsultant team developed a series of master plan options and considered them against our success criteria, including open space and landscape connections, highest and best use of existing buildings, contextual relationships and opportunities for future expansion and selected the most successful option.

We validated the final iteration by testing functional programs for multiple building sites including OmniaBio A, the 606 Glass Warehouse, and OmniaBio B. Through a series Business Case workshops, we examined financial, social/cultural and environmental considerations. With input from diverse groups, including CCRM, Financing, Legal, Academic and Research Partners, we identified how to make the project programs financeable and analyzed associated costs. Our Business Case workshops defined the appropriate mix of anchor tenants, scale-ups and start ups and led to a series of test fits, adjacency matrices, adaptable mechanical and infrastructure concepts. Compelling imagery of the built-out Master Plan was created for promotion, marketing and attraction of international partners.

The master plan integrates social and collaborative workspaces throughout, enabling innovation through place making. The plan defined massing, character and potential GFA for both new and adaptive reuse development and outlined ideal program distribution. We developed campus wide strategies for landscape, open space, street networks, multi-modal connections, and parking to create a cohesive long-term vision.