17 Benton Street / Hans Haus

Who We Are, Where We Came From, and Where We’re Headed

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highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors. Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.

Location

35 King Street North, Waterloo

Woodhouse Group led the adaptive reuse of the former Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest headquarters, transforming the century-old structure into a modern mixed-use commercial building. The redevelopment included removing the Bavarian-style castle façade to reveal and restore the original red brick envelope, repairing and cleaning heritage masonry, and adding a fourth floor to maximize usable space. Inside, the project introduced upgraded HVAC systems, energy-efficient windows, and a retrofitted elevator to ensure accessibility and performance while preserving key architectural features. Exposed brick walls, open ceilings, and glass partitions now create high-end office environments on the upper floors, while the ground floor is home to Clementina Cafe and Bakery.

Balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality required innovative solutions and careful coordination. Retrofitting a modern elevator into a 100-year-old shaft demanded custom steel supports, while sourcing century-old bricks ensured seamless restoration of the façade. Collaboration with NEO Architecture infused the design with nods to the building’s Oktoberfest legacy, including a Bavarian-inspired feature wall and historic green accents. The project was recognized as a 2025 Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) winner for Commercial $2-5 Million.

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