Eau Claire Estates: Lobby Renovation

“Our designer, Catherine Harradence of C.L. Harradence & Associates, provided excellent service and worked through some very trying times during this process. Her experience was also greatly appreciated during the initial phases of construction.” (“Modernization” bulletin, Nov 9 2013)

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Rococo Restaurant: Historical Restoration

“While the soaring space is remarkable, the visual catch is the dramatic staircase, ascending to a newly built mezzanine across the farther side of the restaurant. Made to look even higher than it is, through narrowing the top and widening the landing, creating a sense of vanishing perspective… Rococo represents a well-designed adaptive re-use of space – that as noted by project Interior Designer, Catherine Harradence “allows a historical building to remain viable, and still contributing to the community”. It’s worth taking a look.” (Excerpts from Calgary Herald and Calgary Magazine, circa 1999-2000)

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Canadian National Railway Station: Historical Restoration Proposal

““Harradence has brought a professional hand to the problem of how the CN station could be saved, restored and turned into a paying proposition… She was disturbed by Calgary’s penchant for pulverizing everything that wasn’t built in the past decade. And she was also aware that the performing arts in Calgary suffered during Calgary’s fast growth because of the lack of space for their activities.

“A city the size of Calgary can not afford to lose its architectural heritage, nor can it ignore the demand for intimate theatre space. The two problems are interchangeable.”

Harradence proposes, therefore, to solve both problems by turning the CN station into a theatre, converting engine and baggage rooms to dining, dancing and cocktail facilities and specialty shops.

Harradence points to Adelaide Court in Toronto as an example of how the project could work. She also tackled the mechanics of the conversion, from lighting to sitting. She makes a persuasive case.

“The theatre in conjunction with the other facilities can become an economically justifiable venture,” she concludes. “From a more romantic point of view, it will demonstrate how… historical building[s] can once more be appreciated and be of service to its community and to all Calgarians.”

Harradence’s concern for old buildings is linked, no doubt, to the fact that she is a fourth generation Calgarian. Although her [great] grandfather’s home (the T.J.S. Skinner house) was demolished in the name of progress before she was born, she still regrets the desecration. She’d like to stop further destruction.”” (Excerpts from Suzanne Zwarun article: The Calgary Herald)

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