A new mixed-use apartment building could bring a much-needed facelift and retail boost to an aging business corridor in the city, says the ward councilor and merchants’ association.
A proposed mixed-use apartment building would bring a much-needed facelift and retail boost to an aging business corridor in the city, says the ward councilor and merchants’ association.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Article content
An Ontario numbered company plans to replace the well-worn buildings and parking lot at the Eastown Plaza with a 10-storey building containing 588 square meters (more than 6,300 square feet) of commercial and office space on the ground floor, and 334 apartments above .
City council’s planning and environment committee will hold a public participation meeting Tuesday for the building, but the committee’s vice-chair and the ward councilor already is on board.
“We’re looking at what is honestly an older building, that has seen its better days, being replaced with a new building with residential above and commercial on the ground floor,” deputy mayor Shawn Lewis said. “That continues to support the BIA (business improvement area). . . as well as creating new residential opportunities for people to live and work and play in the Argyle area.
Advertisement 3
Article content
“This is a positive investment and redevelopment in the east end.”
The proposed development would include 169 underground parking spaces with nine on the surface, 339 bike spaces, rooftop green space and amenity areas, and a noise wall for the CN rail tracks to the north.
Lewis said the stretch of Dundas, particularly between Highbury Avenue and Clarke Road, has an “auto-oriented, 1960s” style streetscape the city is looking to improve, with a master plan recently approved by council calling for eventual wider sidewalks, bike lanes, trees, benches and art.
“That’s a little dated, and this is an opportunity to bring in something new to enhance the streetscape there, to create some great commercial opportunities,” he said. Bringing more housing options such as apartments to an area of largely single family homes so close to Fanshawe College is also welcome, Lewis said.
Advertisement 4
Article content
With streetscape improvements, more apartment buildings fronting Dundas, the recently approved mega-development on the former London Psychiatric Hospital lands, plus the existing businesses, he believes Argyle will become a “booming district” within the next decade.
Bethany Mejia, executive director of the Argyle business improvement area (BIA), agrees the mixed-use building would add value as they seek to make the space welcoming to all, regardless of how Londoners choose to get around.
“One of the mandates for the Argyle BIA is to create a mixed-use street, so pedestrians, vehicles, bikes, all sorts of different ways of getting around,” she said, also recognizing the dated layout of their district. “We do take pride in being more of the retro part of town. . . so, diners and having like that kind of vibe to our community is definitely welcomed as well.”
Advertisement 5
Article content
Mejia said it’s an exciting time for Argyle, with the area increasingly being looked at by developers “as a community worth investing in.” Her members are looking forward to better pedestrian spaces, but also wish to maintain convenient access for cars along Dundas.
The proposal has the support of city staff ahead of the Dec. 3 meeting, with their report outlining how the project ties into the goals of the neighborhood improvement plan.
“The proposed mixed-use development provides for infill and intensification along Dundas Street, improves the streetscape through a unique urban design and landscape elements, provides opportunities for local businesses, supports pedestrian connections, and contributes to diversifying the housing choice in the Argyle community, ” the report reads.
Recommended from Editorial
Article content