Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. - Lethbridge, Alberta

"The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built."
- Frank Lloyd Wright

Portfolio

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc.

RR8 S28 C14
5801 1st Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4P4

T: 403.320.8100
F: 403.327.3373

general@alvinfritzarchitect.com

	The Alberta Association of Architects
	Architectural Institute of British Columbia
	Manitoba Association of Architects
	Ontario Association of Architects
	Saskatchewan Association of Architects
	LEED Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

Office/Commercial

Paramount Theatre Restoration,

Lethbridge, Alberta

The original Paramount Theatre, in Lethbridge, Alberta, was constructed in 1950 for Majestic Theatres Ltd., having a capacity of 1000 seats including a Guest Balcony for distinguished guests to watch a performance or movie. In 1968 it was decided that a second theatre was needed and an additional 500 seat theatre was added onto the remaining northeast corner of the site. After many years of entertainment to the City of Lethbridge the theatre was decommissioned in 2007.

Urban Insight Development Group Limited had purchased the building and envisioned a 2 storey renovation of the building into office and boutique shops. Alvin Fritz Architect Inc. designed the building with a public walkway through the building connecting 4th Avenue and 8th Street, allowing pedestrians to stroll through the building bringing them by the new shops and boutiques. The pedestrian walkway is greeted by an interior mezzanine that is given daylight by 2 large skylights over the open floor area.

The existing ceiling structures were removed to show the large steel trusses which are being left exposed to add a modern feel to the historical building. The original sloped floors were covered over to allow for a level surface for the boutique and office spaces.

The renovated building will have a total of 33,000 SF of rentable area which includes 18,000 SF of office space, 7,500 SF of restaurant and lounge space, and 7,500 SF of street front retail space.

IHOP Restaurant,

Lethbridge, Alberta

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. provided the services of Registered Coordinating Professional for the design and construction of the South Mayor Magrath, Lethbridge, Alberta IHOP.

The design and construction drawings for the iconic and internationally familiar landmark design were vetted and advanced by ARFAi in collaboration with Silver Ridge Construction Ltd. Using a “Design Assist” methodology to ensure the most cost effective and yet durable and superior design solution.

The design was also improved through the implementation of a number of revisions in the dining and kitchen areas and the women's washroom environment was enhanced by incorporating oversized washroom cubicles, a feature much appreciated by mothers with young children and infants.

Close collaboration with Sam Sebo, the Project Owner and Developer, and Paul Wolsey, the Restaurateur and visionary behind the project, the noted consultant team and Silver Ridge Construction resulted in a highly successful project which was achieved on schedule and on budget.

Valleyview Medical,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. has designed medical offices for over thirty-five physicians in the Medicine Hat area. One of the most substantive projects of this type was the design of the Medical Arts Center, Main Center located just west of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The project, which consisted of a renovation of the Medicine Hat Provincial Building, houses more than twenty-five physicians in multiple disciplines ranging from oncology to obstetrics. The technical challenges associated with incorporating state-of-the-art medical technology into an existing building peaked with the detailing of a comprehensive radiology laboratory and an audiology examination area. This depth of experience made ARFAI the most sought after architect for the medical profession in Medicine Hat ultimately leading to the design of the Valley View Medical - Surgical Center immediately north of the Medical Arts Center.

The project was designed for two leading professionals Dr. Noorali Bharwani and Dr. Ivan Witt. Noorali was ultimately appointed Regional Chief of Medical Staff for the Palliser Health Authority in Southeastern Alberta, and stayed in this position for close to four years. During this time, Noorali completed a five level credit program designed exclusively for physicians to develop superior leadership and management skills. This program is run by Physician Manager Institute and the Canadian Medical Association. Designing the offices, medical suites and examination rooms for doctors Bharwani and Witt was an interesting and exciting endeavor resulting in a facility that not only provided a very functional, and effective working environment for these physicians and their staff, but also provided a superior landmark architecture that is still appreciated for its aesthetic value today.

Medical Arts Centre,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. met interesting design challenges with an innovative collaborative process that applied cutting edge technology in the form of a translucent crystal monitor that allowed for an interactive design process with all of the end users of this complex and multifaceted facility.

The outcome was a comprehensive design that addresses a spectrum of needs from pediatrics to gynecology, and from oncology to otolaryngology. In addition the space needed to accommodate a pharmacy and a complex lab inclusive of radiology. The outcome was a highly successful facility which has effectively served the community for 20 years.

Lethbridge Animal Shelter,

Lethbridge, Alberta

The City of Lethbridge developed an innovative concept incorporating the Lethbridge Animal Shelter into a garden setting. By providing garden plots to the residents of the city, the animal shelter is actively visited throughout the summer months and the shoulder seasons, providing CPTED surveillance and positive activity on the site. The building also includes a community meeting room which is made available to the public providing additional positive energy to the facility. The community meeting room, complete with kitchenette and supporting amenities was strategically planned with views to the Northeast into a cohesively designed landscaped environment.

Lethbridge Animal Shelter is constructed of timber frame construction in order to achieve architectural cost efficiency accommodating the additional costs associated with the extensive mechanical system required to manage exceptional air quality within the facility.

The design process commenced with an assessment of the requirements of the users and stakeholders and culminated in a developed design which optimally met the requirements of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter, providing the City of Lethbridge with an aesthetically pleasing and functional facility.

Cottonwood Medical Centre,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

During an era when almost every medical facility in Medicine Hat was going under renewal and expansion, many were designed by Alvin Reinhard Fritz Inc. Dr. Harris of Cottonwood Medical, approached ARFAI regarding a potential new facility. ARFAI collaborated closely with the client, which resulted in a Medical Centre that is attractively nestled into the residential environment. This did much to relieve concerns of neighbours who were enjoying their quiet neighbourhood.

The site had formerly been an service station, and a difficult site remediation needed to be undertaken before construction could commence. All of the hydrocarbons that had leaked into the ground from the underground fuel storage tanks needed to be removed, and the site made good. Dr. Harris proceeded with the project undaunted, recognizing that in the final outcome the new location would do much to improve the quality of life for the residents in the community, and the efforts to cleanse & restore the site would be a lasting legacy.

The final outcome was a design that not only blended with the community, but also provided effectively for the ergonomic requirements of the medical practise within.

Pioneer Office,

Lethbridge, Alberta

Pioneer Office, as part of the overall development of the company, required an administration office adjacent to the new production and seed cleaning facility on the south of the highway from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat. Due to the relative nearness to the production facility and factory, it was requested that the design of the office should provide a suitable environment for the administration staff; therefore, it was proposed to use insitu concrete forms for the exterior walls of the new office facility. The in-situ concrete forms (ICF) were used from the basin up to the underside of the main floor roof trusses. In-situ concrete forms provide superior thermal resistance as well as sound insulation for the office environment. This proved extremely successful.

The roof structure was a traditional wood frame with additional thermal insulation to maintain sound and thermal insulation equal to the ICF block. Additionally, aluminum double glazed windows were used to compliment the new office building. The main floor comprise the individual offices and staff canteen area for the adjacent factory. The basement area was provided primarily as storage space for the office records within the Pioneer company.

Courtyard Health & Dental Centre,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

In 1993 a dentist, Dr. Kirk Ewasechko, and a Lawyer, Donald Fisher, worked together to envision a new facility which would house their respective practices. Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was called upon to provide prime consulting services. Multiple interviews of all of the end users formed the architectural program and design concept.

After the unique massing of two “U” shaped building components around a central courtyard was established, the finishes were determined. A special run of brick by the local IXL plant called “centennial” had been utilized in the Courthouse expansion. This same brick was selected to create the historic ambience which blended the project successfully with its environment. Detailing of the masonry also took into account the aesthetically pleasing lines of the Courthouse, emulating the historic style of this neighboring landmark.

Murray Chevrolet & Cadillac Dealership Renovation,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

The exterior of the existing Murray building was in need of upgrade to match the GM 2000 design requirements. The addition of the trademark tower, a new vehicle delivery bay, as well as a 10,000 SF Service and Detailing area was required to better serve their customers.

The showroom area was renovated to include a central architectural stair and numerous sales offices. A Cadillac display area was also included in the renovation with specific architectural tiling and overhead lighting to best display their most prized luxury brand. The Parts area was renovated providing a new service counter and customer waiting area which included a fireplace and wide screen television. The architectural staircase leads you to their administration area which overlooks the entire showroom.

A 10,000 SF Service and Detailing addition was added to the east side of the existing building. This includes an 8 car service lane, a 2 car quick lube lane as well as a 9 car detailing and car wash addition. Three large service storage rooms were also added to the rear service areas.

Chain Lakes Administrative Offices,

County of Ranchland, Alberta

This project had an interesting relationship between the County Offices and an Interpretive/Ranger Office for Chain Lakes Provincial Park. The client included representatives from both offices, each with specific requests regarding the project. Careful evaluation of the potential users of the facility and how they would impact on other organizations entailed a part of the detail design process. Extensive meetings, involving all parties, and an analysis of the respective impact led to a design which was very successful and highly satisfactory to all parties.

With respect to aesthetic considerations, the project is located in what County of Ranchlands considers to be Canada’s finest ranching country. The client indicated they would like to have a design that was sensitive to this consideration. A ranch motif was specifically selected to meet their needs and integrated very effectively with the architectural programmatic requirements. The project exceeds the expectations of the client with regards to the versatility and ergonomics of the space, and the thematic qualities have continued to delight all parties involved, including the general public that comes to enjoy the park.

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was selected as the Prime Consultant for the construction of the 4,703 SF Chain Lakes Municipal Administrative Offices. Construction consisted of heavy timber wood frame with a concrete basement and conventional strip footings. All natural woods were used throughout the building including cedar siding and cedar shake roof.

Evangelical Free Church Office Expansion,

Lethbridge, Alberta

The Evangelical Free Church consists of a comprehensive campus with multiple facilities. The church began with a versatile space which served both as a gymnasium and the sanctuary and is presently utilized as a multipurpose room for a variety of functions. Eventually a substantial auditorium with the capacity approaching 1000 seats was constructed and as the facility expanded an effective and consolidated administrative wing was required. In 2009 to 2010 Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. (ARFAI) designed this facility honoring the form and character established by the previous building components.

This wing constructed by Silver Ridge Construction was built very cost effectively in timber construction and finished to match the existing campus. An aspect of the design which contributes to the aesthetics and the well-being of the staff is a substantial north facing window which effectively illuminates an open office landscape providing a uniformly lit and attractive working environment.

The outcome of the project was a much-needed administrative component that provides for effective office space which is optimally integrated and complements the balance of the campus.

Foundation Capital Offices,

Calgary, Alberta

When the Foundation Capital Corporation purchased a bay in an industrial building in Calgary the entire facility was already in the process of being transformed into corporate offices. The original builder had commenced the construction of mezzanine environments which were not sanctioned in the original Development Permit process. The first assignment for Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. (ARFAI) was to work through a rigorous reapplication process to ensure that the Development Permit was modified to accommodate the final building geometry.

The second assignment was to take raw industrial space and redesign it into a high-tech, modern office environment. Through careful interior design and planning the shell space was transformed into space which exceeded the expectations of the Corporation.

The outcome was a high-tech, functional and dynamic office environment in an industrial shell which was embellished to create a trendy white-collar working environment.

Canyon Creek Estates Pump House,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

When challenged with the opportunity to design an effective mechanical pump house which was at the gateway of the proposed Canyon Creek Estates, ARFAI rose to the challenge. Most mechanical pump house designs take on a very rudimentary engineered design. In collaboration with Kingsland Developments, ARFAI was able to develop a project that was precedent setting for the high-end residential development that would soon follow. The creative design, in the spirit of Prairie Architecture Style, gave rise to horizontal fin walls finished in stone leading to a roof. The result was attractive yet functional, vertical elements.

In conjunction with a complimentary site sign, which also featured heavy timbers and stone matching the pump house, the mechanical pump house resulted in a strong gateway statement far beyond the conventional approach to these utilitarian structures.

Paramount Theatre Restoration, Lethbridge, Alberta
	The original Paramount Theatre, in Lethbridge, Alberta, was constructed in 1950 for Majestic Theatres Ltd., having a capacity of 1000 seats including a Guest Balcony for distinguished guests to watch a performance or movie. In 1968 it was decided that a second theatre was needed and an additional 500 seat theatre was added onto the remaining northeast corner of the site. After many years of entertainment to the City of Lethbridge the theatre was decommissioned in 2007. Urban Insight Development Group Limited had purchased the building and envisioned a 2 storey renovation of the building into office and boutique shops. Alvin Fritz Architect Inc. designed the building with a public walkway through the building connecting 4th Avenue and 8th Street, allowing pedestrians to stroll through the building bringing them by the new shops and boutiques. The pedestrian walkway is greeted by an interior mezzanine that is given daylight by 2 large skylights over the open floor area. The existing ceiling structures were removed to show the large steel trusses which are being left exposed to add a modern feel to the historical building. The original sloped floors were covered over to allow for a level surface for the boutique and office spaces. The renovated building will have a total of 33,000 SF of rentable area which includes 18,000 SF of office space, 7,500 SF of restaurant and lounge space, and 7,500 SF of street front retail space.
IHOP Restaurant, Lethbridge, Alberta
	Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. provided the services of Registered Coordinating Professional for the design and construction of the South Mayor Magrath, Lethbridge, Alberta IHOP. The design and construction drawings for the iconic and internationally familiar landmark design were vetted and advanced by ARFAi in collaboration with Silver Ridge Construction Ltd. Using a “Design Assist” methodology to ensure the most cost effective and yet durable and superior design solution. The design was also improved through the implementation of a number of revisions in the dining and kitchen areas and the women's washroom environment was enhanced by incorporating oversized washroom cubicles, a feature much appreciated by mothers with young children and infants. Close collaboration with Sam Sebo, the Project Owner and Developer, and Paul Wolsey, the Restaurateur and visionary behind the project, the noted consultant team and Silver Ridge Construction resulted in a highly successful project which was achieved on schedule and on budget.
Valleyview Medical, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. has designed medical offices for over thirty-five physicians in the Medicine Hat area. One of the most substantive projects of this type was the design of the Medical Arts Center, Main Center located just west of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The project, which consisted of a renovation of the Medicine Hat Provincial Building, houses more than twenty-five physicians in multiple disciplines ranging from oncology to obstetrics. The technical challenges associated with incorporating state-of-the-art medical technology into an existing building peaked with the detailing of a comprehensive radiology laboratory and an audiology examination area. This depth of experience made ARFAI the most sought after architect for the medical profession in Medicine Hat ultimately leading to the design of the Valley View Medical - Surgical Center immediately north of the Medical Arts Center. The project was designed for two leading professionals Dr. Noorali Bharwani and Dr. Ivan Witt. Noorali was ultimately appointed Regional Chief of Medical Staff for the Palliser Health Authority in Southeastern Alberta, and stayed in this position for close to four years. During this time, Noorali completed a five level credit program designed exclusively for physicians to develop superior leadership and management skills. This program is run by Physician Manager Institute and the Canadian Medical Association. Designing the offices, medical suites and examination rooms for doctors Bharwani and Witt was an interesting and exciting endeavor resulting in a facility that not only provided a very functional, and effective working environment for these physicians and their staff, but also provided a superior landmark architecture that is still appreciated for its aesthetic value today.
Medical Arts Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. met interesting design challenges with an innovative collaborative process that applied cutting edge technology in the form of a translucent crystal monitor that allowed for an interactive design process with all of the end users of this complex and multifaceted facility. The outcome was a comprehensive design that addresses a spectrum of needs from pediatrics to gynecology, and from oncology to otolaryngology. In addition the space needed to accommodate a pharmacy and a complex lab inclusive of radiology. The outcome was a highly successful facility which has effectively served the community for 20 years.
Lethbridge Animal Shelter, Lethbridge, Alberta
	The City of Lethbridge developed an innovative concept incorporating the Lethbridge Animal Shelter into a garden setting. By providing garden plots to the residents of the city, the animal shelter is actively visited throughout the summer months and the shoulder seasons, providing CPTED surveillance and positive activity on the site. The building also includes a community meeting room which is made available to the public providing additional positive energy to the facility. The community meeting room, complete with kitchenette and supporting amenities was strategically planned with views to the Northeast into a cohesively designed landscaped environment. Lethbridge Animal Shelter is constructed of timber frame construction in order to achieve architectural cost efficiency accommodating the additional costs associated with the extensive mechanical system required to manage exceptional air quality within the facility. The design process commenced with an assessment of the requirements of the users and stakeholders and culminated in a developed design which optimally met the requirements of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter, providing the City of Lethbridge with an aesthetically pleasing and functional facility.
Cottonwood Medical Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	During an era when almost every medical facility in Medicine Hat was going under renewal and expansion, many were designed by Alvin Reinhard Fritz Inc. Dr. Harris of Cottonwood Medical, approached ARFAI regarding a potential new facility. ARFAI collaborated closely with the client, which resulted in a Medical Centre that is attractively nestled into the residential environment. This did much to relieve concerns of neighbours who were enjoying their quiet neighbourhood. The site had formerly been an service station, and a difficult site remediation needed to be undertaken before construction could commence. All of the hydrocarbons that had leaked into the ground from the underground fuel storage tanks needed to be removed, and the site made good. Dr. Harris proceeded with the project undaunted, recognizing that in the final outcome the new location would do much to improve the quality of life for the residents in the community, and the efforts to cleanse & restore the site would be a lasting legacy. The final outcome was a design that not only blended with the community, but also provided effectively for the ergonomic requirements of the medical practise within.
Pioneer Office, Lethbridge, Alberta
	Pioneer Office, as part of the overall development of the company, required an administration office adjacent to the new production and seed cleaning facility on the south of the highway from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat. Due to the relative nearness to the production facility and factory, it was requested that the design of the office should provide a suitable environment for the administration staff; therefore, it was proposed to use insitu concrete forms for the exterior walls of the new office facility. The in-situ concrete forms (ICF) were used from the basin up to the underside of the main floor roof trusses. In-situ concrete forms provide superior thermal resistance as well as sound insulation for the office environment. This proved extremely successful. The roof structure was a traditional wood frame with additional thermal insulation to maintain sound and thermal insulation equal to the ICF block. Additionally, aluminum double glazed windows were used to compliment the new office building. The main floor comprise the individual offices and staff canteen area for the adjacent factory. The basement area was provided primarily as storage space for the office records within the Pioneer company.
Courtyard Health & Dental Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	In 1993 a dentist, Dr. Kirk Ewasechko, and a Lawyer, Donald Fisher, worked together to envision a new facility which would house their respective practices. Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was called upon to provide prime consulting services. Multiple interviews of all of the end users formed the architectural program and design concept. After the unique massing of two “U” shaped building components around a central courtyard was established, the finishes were determined. A special run of brick by the local IXL plant called “centennial” had been utilized in the Courthouse expansion. This same brick was selected to create the historic ambience which blended the project successfully with its environment. Detailing of the masonry also took into account the aesthetically pleasing lines of the Courthouse, emulating the historic style of this neighboring landmark.
Murray Chevrolet & Cadillac Dealership Renovation, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	The exterior of the existing Murray building was in need of upgrade to match the GM 2000 design requirements. The addition of the trademark tower, a new vehicle delivery bay, as well as a 10,000 SF Service and Detailing area was required to better serve their customers. The showroom area was renovated to include a central architectural stair and numerous sales offices. A Cadillac display area was also included in the renovation with specific architectural tiling and overhead lighting to best display their most prized luxury brand. The Parts area was renovated providing a new service counter and customer waiting area which included a fireplace and wide screen television. The architectural staircase leads you to their administration area which overlooks the entire showroom. A 10,000 SF Service and Detailing addition was added to the east side of the existing building. This includes an 8 car service lane, a 2 car quick lube lane as well as a 9 car detailing and car wash addition. Three large service storage rooms were also added to the rear service areas.
Chain Lakes Administrative Offices, County of Ranchland, Alberta
	This project had an interesting relationship between the County Offices and an Interpretive/Ranger Office for Chain Lakes Provincial Park. The client included representatives from both offices, each with specific requests regarding the project. Careful evaluation of the potential users of the facility and how they would impact on other organizations entailed a part of the detail design process. Extensive meetings, involving all parties, and an analysis of the respective impact led to a design which was very successful and highly satisfactory to all parties. With respect to aesthetic considerations, the project is located in what County of Ranchlands considers to be Canada’s finest ranching country. The client indicated they would like to have a design that was sensitive to this consideration. A ranch motif was specifically selected to meet their needs and integrated very effectively with the architectural programmatic requirements. The project exceeds the expectations of the client with regards to the versatility and ergonomics of the space, and the thematic qualities have continued to delight all parties involved, including the general public that comes to enjoy the park. Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was selected as the Prime Consultant for the construction of the 4,703 SF Chain Lakes Municipal Administrative Offices. Construction consisted of heavy timber wood frame with a concrete basement and conventional strip footings. All natural woods were used throughout the building including cedar siding and cedar shake roof.
Evangelical Free Church Office Expansion, Lethbridge, Alberta
	The Evangelical Free Church consists of a comprehensive campus with multiple facilities. The church began with a versatile space which served both as a gymnasium and the sanctuary and is presently utilized as a multipurpose room for a variety of functions. Eventually a substantial auditorium with the capacity approaching 1000 seats was constructed and as the facility expanded an effective and consolidated administrative wing was required. In 2009 to 2010 Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. (ARFAI) designed this facility honoring the form and character established by the previous building components. This wing constructed by Silver Ridge Construction was built very cost effectively in timber construction and finished to match the existing campus. An aspect of the design which contributes to the aesthetics and the well-being of the staff is a substantial north facing window which effectively illuminates an open office landscape providing a uniformly lit and attractive working environment. The outcome of the project was a much-needed administrative component that provides for effective office space which is optimally integrated and complements the balance of the campus.
Foundation Capital Offices, Calgary, Alberta
	When the Foundation Capital Corporation purchased a bay in an industrial building in Calgary the entire facility was already in the process of being transformed into corporate offices. The original builder had commenced the construction of mezzanine environments which were not sanctioned in the original Development Permit process. The first assignment for Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. (ARFAI) was to work through a rigorous reapplication process to ensure that the Development Permit was modified to accommodate the final building geometry. The second assignment was to take raw industrial space and redesign it into a high-tech, modern office environment. Through careful interior design and planning the shell space was transformed into space which exceeded the expectations of the Corporation. The outcome was a high-tech, functional and dynamic office environment in an industrial shell which was embellished to create a trendy white-collar working environment.
Canyon Creek Estates Pump House, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	When challenged with the opportunity to design an effective mechanical pump house which was at the gateway of the proposed Canyon Creek Estates, ARFAI rose to the challenge. Most mechanical pump house designs take on a very rudimentary engineered design. In collaboration with Kingsland Developments, ARFAI was able to develop a project that was precedent setting for the high-end residential development that would soon follow. The creative design, in the spirit of Prairie Architecture Style, gave rise to horizontal fin walls finished in stone leading to a roof. The result was attractive yet functional, vertical elements. In conjunction with a complimentary site sign, which also featured heavy timbers and stone matching the pump house, the mechanical pump house resulted in a strong gateway statement far beyond the conventional approach to these utilitarian structures.