ALMA COLLEGE
St. Thomas, ON
Year: 2019-2020
Status: Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 under construction
Size: 19,847 s.f. (1,844 s.m.)
The Alma College Square development in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a transformative project that aims to honor the historical significance of the Alma College site while introducing modern, residential growth to the area. Once the home of the prestigious Alma College for Ladies, which operated from 1877 until it tragically burned down in 2008, this site holds deep historical roots for the city. Alma College was established with the goal of promoting the educational and spiritual growth of young women from around the world and became a landmark in St. Thomas.
The Alma College Square development in St. Thomas, Ontario, is being built on the historically significant site of the former Alma College for Ladies, a landmark in the city since its founding in 1877. On October 11, 1876, Bishop Carman proposed the creation of a women’s college in the prospering town of St. Thomas, and by 1877, plans were underway to establish the school, initially named “St. Thomas Ladies College.” The school was later renamed “Alma College” by Sheriff Colin Munroe in honor of his late wife, Alma Munroe, and their daughter, Mrs. J.D. (Alma) Munroe Duffield.
The college’s unique identity was further solidified by the choice of its colors: blue for Literature, gold for Art, and crimson for Music, reflecting the main branches of the school’s curriculum. The design for the original building, chosen from 20 submissions, was created by architect James Balfour of Hamilton. Construction was led by local contractor Henry Lindop, with an estimated cost of $50,000. The cornerstone was laid on May 24, 1878, and in 1881, the grand Victorian Gothic-style Alma College building officially opened, featuring a main building, chapel, hall, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The new Alma College Square development in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a major residential project transforming the historic Alma College site. The development consists of three apartment buildings, rising seven, eight, and nine stories, providing 430 modern residential units. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2019, and Phase 2, which includes additional apartments and an indoor pool, is currently under construction. The development also features 138 surface parking spaces and 409 underground parking spaces. Alma College Square aims to meet the growing demand for housing in St. Thomas while contributing to the continued growth and revitalization of the area.
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