Scatliff + Miller + Murray was hired to reimagine the City Hall courtyard and seamlessly blend accessibility while making it a useful public space for gathering and other informal uses.

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The courtyard design took into consideration sustainability, green building, energy efficiency, and urban safety.   The main elements of the design include native collected plants installed in planting beds, and native elm tree variety selected for resistance to Dutch Elm disease.  The large fruit tree that had been there for 50 years was protected during construction and incorporated into the new design.  The demolition of the previous courtyard yielded granite slabs, which were re-cut and finished for reuse on the planter walls.   The tyndall stone slabs used for resurfacing were salvaged from the Convention Centre Building facade demolition.  The large water volume, high-energy use fountain was replaced with a low volume flow, lower energy consumption water feature.

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This fountain sits within this urban American Elm forest with a misting water system that creates a soft, playful water and sound feature. With linkages to Main Street and Red River College Polytechnic’s Princess Campus, the courtyard is a vibrant public space that encourages both active use and thoughtful contemplation.

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