Laurentian University recently welcomed students to its new School of Architecture in northern Ontario.

Premier Kathleen Wynne cut a ceremonial ribbon Sept. 4 to mark the momentous occasion. It is the first school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years, and the second to be built outside a traditional metropolitan city.

Laurentian Architecture now calls two renovated heritage buildings in downtown Sudbury home. The CPR Telegraph Building and the CPR Rail Shed – constructed in 1914 and 1905, respectively – were refurbished and adapted, providing students with studio spaces, meeting rooms and offices.

Next year, construction on Phase 2 will begin, which includes a 65,000-square-foot building. Designed by LGA Architectural Partners, the addition will incorporate the two heritage buildings, include a new library, lecture hall and workshop, and feature the first large-scale use of cross-laminated timber in a public building in Ontario. Completion is expected in 2015.

As the project is completed and the program expands, the student body is expected to grow to 400 students and more than 30 faculty and staff by September 2018.