Galt Carnegie Library

Galt Carnegie Library

32. Galt Carnegie Library Building 34 Water St. N., Cambridge, www.pcisred.com, Built 1903, Design: F.W. Mellish, Galt, A library until 1969, this is perhaps the most impressive of Waterloo Region’s seven surviving Carnegie-endowed library buildings. Your hosts are Pinnacle Consultants Inc., specializing in the Government of Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, and Pinnacle Capital Inc., a private investment firm. Outside, Edwardian red brick sets off the monumental, finely detailed two-and-a-half-storey stone Beaux Arts entrance portico, Ionic columns, corbels, dentils, palmettes, and other ornament. A frieze and decorative cornice wrap the entire building. Built to the edge of the Grand River, even the river elevation is well designed. Inside, Pinnacle has undertaken an adaptive re-use of both floors, while conserving many original elements. Ceiling plasterwork, columns, and pilasters are particularly intricate. The wood trim and broad, heavily-built staircase have been restored. Leaded and stained glass remains in place. • Washrooms