Things are moving on the former site of the historic Schneiders meat processing plant.
In 2017, two years after Maple Leaf Foods shuttered Schneiders, the London, Ontario-based real estate firm Auburn Developments purchased the site. Built by founder J.M. Schneider in 1924 on what was then the outskirts of the Region, the Schneiders factory once dominated Courtland Avenue.
Now, as Auburn Developments’ construction partner, Stonerise Construction is responsible for the demolition of the famous former meat processing plant and the new construction.
As we work on the final stages of demolition in preparation for new construction, we still know the site as Schneiders — but can see the potential for what is to come. The new development is called The Metz, a tribute to the Schneider family. Metz was J.M. Schneider’s mother’s maiden name and his middle name.
The meat packing business that grew into Schneider Foods started from John Metz Schneider’s home. This is a picture of Schneider’s 1909 addition to his plant. Image courtesy of https://www.kitchenerpost.ca/photogallery.
The project has sparked the interest of many Kitchener civilians, both in terms of the size and the significance of the redevelopment. One of the biggest questions is around what this means for the neighbourhood that exists around it.
A historic property like Schneiders is nestled into a well-established residential area. We want to reduce the disruption to those who live there as much as is possible for such a significant project.
This is why reuse is a key element of our approach. Both the land and the three former Schneider buildings that remain on the site are being reused for the new project. Interior furnishings and any equipment left behind are stripped and recycled.
Not only is this a more sustainable solution, it also allows us to process materials onsite and reduce some truck traffic out of the neighbourhood. All the hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of material (crushed concrete from the demolishment) will be reused and act as a first layer for the foundation of The Metz.
Working on a property of significance like the old Schneiders plant is part of urban renewal within the Region. It’s a chance to reshape not just a small neighbourhood — but a city in stunning fashion through neighbourly practices, and it’s one we are proud to be a part of.
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