COMMENT:

The subject building is located within a neighbourhood of a mix of uses: residential apartments, single, detached residences, institutional (Adult Education Centre, the University of Windsor, St. Clair College), and commercial uses.

The applicant is proposing to adapt the main floor vacant commercial space with 3 residential units, upgrade of the 4 rental apartments on the second floor, and provide 1 unit in the basement for a total of 8 residential apartments. The conversion will result in a small scale, low profile structure. The existing structure has existed in the neighbourhood for over 80 years. As a conversion, the building is better suited as a small scale, low profile building within the long standing residential neighbourhood along Wellington Ave that is comprised of single, detached residences. In my professional opinion, the low profile, small scale form suits this neighbourhood as a gateway structure into to an existing, single detached residential neighbourhood.

The University of Windsor is located to the west within a few blocks; St. Clair College is located to the east within a few blocks and the Adult Education Centre is located across the street to the site. Considering the location and that there is no on site parking, likely students or residents who do not drive will be attracted to rent these units.

The adaptive reuse of this building, the preservation of a sound building, the provision of needed apartment residential units, and the adaptive reuse of an existing building in a mixed use neighbourhood, in my professional opinion can be considered sound planning and supports the policy direction of the OP.

Section 6.3.1.1 Residential

“To support a complementary range of housing forms and tenures in all neighbourhoods.”

COMMENT:

The subject site is located adjacent to a low density residential neighbourhood along Wellington while being in a mixed use neighbourhood comprising commercial and residential uses. The adaptive re-use of the building will be a positive re-development for the mixed use neighbourhood. The apartment units will provide for an alternative housing tenure and style from the standard single detached residences.