Momentum Partnership & King Sett Capital

Glove Box Office Redevelopment

Opportunity

The redevelopment of the Huck Glove Factory in downtown Kitchener presented a unique opportunity to merge heritage preservation with modern commercial and retail spaces. This project aimed to revitalize the area, attract businesses, residents, and visitors, and preserve the historical character of the site.

Response

The Glove Box creatively incorporates the 25,000 sq. ft. Huck Glove Factory, dating to 1907, into a larger project with a new seven-story, 120,000 sq. ft. addition. This ambitious design required extensive coordination with city planning and heritage staff, ultimately introducing over 145,000 sq. ft. of commercial office and retail space into Kitchener’s downtown core. The project preserved the factory’s original character through careful repair and conservation, including replacing non-original windows and adding a concrete structural slab to support office loads while retaining the hardwood floors and timber beams. The new addition, clad in contrasting curtainwall glass, features a triple-height interstitial space with a glass-enclosed bridge.

Sustainability

The design team recognized the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship, leading to the pursuit of LEED Gold Certification. The new addition’s curtainwall system allows for ample natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The building incorporates advanced water-saving fixtures and supports alternative transportation with bike storage and electric vehicle charging stations.