Affordable homes, art and youth space taking shape at Langs Drive
Work is moving ahead on one of the Region’s Building Better Futures projects in Cambridge. 136 new units are in development, a new public art piece is planned, and Langs Youth Centre staff are making plans for a new space.
The affordable housing project on Langs Drive is part of the Waterloo Region Housing Revitalization Plan to preserve and renew existing properties. After an assessment of 65 Waterloo Region Housing sites, Langs Drive was identified for redevelopment due to advantages such as high access to transit and nearby amenities, sufficient available land for a new, larger building, and an opportunity to expand access to existing community youth services.
When complete, the new building at 589 Langs Drive will include 136 units, including one- to five-bedroom units and 30 accessible units, to support a range of household sizes and housing needs. It will also be a mixed-income building, with three rent options: rent-geared-to-income, below-market rent, and median market rent.
The building is expected to welcome residents in 2027. Recent construction milestones include completion of the exterior building façade, and completion of HVAC and mechanical rough-ins. Work on the interior framing and flooring is underway, and installation of the elevator has also started. The project is targeting LEED Silver certification, a recognized standard for sustainable building design and construction, supported by features such as an energy-efficient heating and cooling system.
Along with new housing, the project will include a large multi-use outdoor amenity space, a public art piece that celebrates the meaning of home, and a new space for Langs Youth Centre on the ground floor.
“Langs is excited to welcome youth into a purpose-built space designed with their needs in mind,” said David Cooke, Director of Community Services at Langs, a community service organization based in Cambridge. “The new location will allow us to expand programming, reach more youth, and offer a wider range of activities and supports.”
Nearly 700 residents shared feedback on the final art concepts for the public art piece, and youth from the Langs Youth Centre will be an influential part of the creative process. “Youth are excited to contribute their ideas and creativity to a piece that reflects their community,” said Cooke. “Being part of the process gives them a strong sense of ownership and connection to the space.”
The selected artwork, Home Is Where the Heart Is, was created by Jah Qube and Phillip Saunders. The piece will feature six colourful elements that form a heart shape when viewed from a certain angle. The piece is meant to reflect connection, belonging, and the shared experience of home. Workshops are planned this summer for the artists to work with youth to develop the painted elements on the sculpture.
In the remainder of this year, expected construction milestones will include installation of a solar panel system on the roof, construction of a new playground and central courtyard, continuing work on interior finishes, and construction of the parking lot. Construction of the Youth Centre space is also currently underway.
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