Lodestar Structures is participating in the construction of the new St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) facility located at the corner of Bagot and Charles Streets in Kingston, Ontario. The new development will house the SVDP’s operations and also provide space for other non-profit organizations and employment agencies, creating a centralized hub for vital community services.
A standout feature of the construction process has been the rapid assembly of the modular building units, which are pieced together like a massive three-dimensional puzzle. Cranes carefully position each modular building unit or “block”, completing the structure in a remarkably short timeframe. The project was finished in just four days, significantly ahead of schedule, allowing the SVDP to open its doors to the community sooner.
Lodestar’s modular building system reflects a shift in how community infrastructure is built, offering a solution to challenges faced by the construction industry, such as a dwindling skilled workforce and rising material costs. The innovative modular building system reduces both construction time and expenses, while also prioritizing affordability and sustainability.
Lodestar’s mission is to address the housing crisis by providing affordable, scalable, and eco-friendly building solutions. The company’s commitment to environmental stewardship includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing waste, and conserving energy—aligning with Canada’s sustainability goals.
Kingston’s mayor Bryan Paterson, visiting the site for the ceremonial “installation of the golden bolts,” expressed excitement over the project. He praised the partnership with Anchor Concrete and Lodestar Structures, noting that the accelerated construction timeline would typically take much longer for a community centre of this size. Paterson highlighted the project’s potential to inspire affordable housing solutions in Kingston and beyond, urging the city to connect Lodestar with additional opportunities.
Ted Hsu, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Kingston & The Islands, also visited the site shortly before its structural completion. Hsu was enthusiastic about the Lodestar building system, which he believes can revolutionize home building by producing major components in a factory, thus speeding up construction and reducing costs. He thanked the various stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the City of Kingston, for their support.
The choice to use the Lodestar modular building system for the St. Vincent de Paul project was driven by its speed and cost-efficiency. Adam Green, an architectural technologist with Alexander Wilson Architect Inc., explained that the system’s design and cost advantages fit well with the project’s needs. The system’s flexibility allows for future expansion, as the modular components can be reconfigured or relocated to suit different uses.
Architect Gillian Wilson, who also serves as a board member for SVDP, praised the durability and strength of the Lodestar system. She noted that the building’s solid construction would withstand frequent use, unlike the current facility. She emphasized the project’s broader community impact, not only benefiting SVDP’s clients but also serving as a space for interaction among various local groups.
An additional benefit of the Lodestar building system is that it is future-proof. According to Jeff Bradfield, CEO of Anchor Concrete and Lodestar Structures, “One of the interesting things about this design is that it’s modular and it’s portable, so we can add another level or two levels to this structure at any time; and if this site ever becomes more useful for a different use, everything can be unbolted here, put back on trucks, and taken and used on a different site … these products should last for well over 100 years.”
“Our experience working with St. Vincent de Paul has been an absolute pleasure,” said Bradfield. “They were the first people in Kingston to see what we could do and to give us the support and give us an order. So we will be eternally grateful to St. Vincent de Paul for their confidence in us to do what we’re doing here today. The City of Kingston has also been extremely helpful…So I just want to say thank you to St. Vincent de Paul, thank you to the City of Kingston for allowing us to complete this structure, and thank you to our team who made this all possible. It’s a great day.”
This innovative project demonstrates the potential of modular construction systems to address community needs while reducing costs, construction time, and environmental impact, making it a model for future projects in Kingston and beyond.