Hamilton Street Railway headquarters

Group Eight was responsible for all structural, electrical and mechanical engineering services for the new Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Transit System headquarters.

The 300,000 ft² facility has three distinct, interconnected areas. The parking garage houses 160 buses; the mechanics' garage has bays and equipment for major repairs and body work; and the office area for all administrative functions.

Energy management, mechanical and electrical operating systems are installed throughout the building, providing energy efficiencies. The mechanical garage is able to provide in-house servicing for the large bus fleet. Many of the functions of this area require special equipment and environments. For example: welding area; tire changing area; fuelling station; wash bays; general repair bays; lubrication/brake work facilities; spray-paint booths; and body repair work stations.

Structurally, the large building crosses over a former bay inlet which had been filled over time with loose material. Consequently, part of the building is on a pile/concrete grade beam foundation and the remainder of the building has a more conventional concrete spread footing foundation system.