Ajax council and Windcorp Grand Harwood Place Ltd. have unveiled plans for an ambitious $118.7 million “urban-inspired” development, called Grand Harwood Place.
The project is viewed as an important component in the town’s vision of creating a “thriving, prosperous and livable” downtown core.
Designed by Toronto’s Zeidler Partnership Architects, the proposed mixed-use development is intended to introduce what the town describes as “a distinct urban presence” along Harwood Avenue at the Ajax Plaza. The town expects to reap significant financial benefits and spin-offs during and after construction.
Mayor Steve Parish said revitalization of the plaza has been a priority of numerous town councils. Originally built in the 1950s, the plaza once was the commercial heart of Ajax. But that is no longer the case.
“Grand Harwood Place will act as a catalyst for change, restoring economic growth and establishing a welcoming and vibrant environment once again in the centre of downtown,” Parish said.
“We look forward to working with the community and our partners to make this development a reality.”
A date has not been set for groundbreaking.
The first phase would include two, 10-storey buildings with eight storeys of residential condominium units, about 30,000 square feet of retail space and 25,000 square feet of office space. In all, a total of 268 condo units are envisaged. The condos would be the first to be constructed in the town in 20 years.
The development will also include a number of green initiatives, including environmentally conscious roofing systems, improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and measure to reduce stormwater runoff.
The town said a start is contingent upon certain conditions being met, including site plan approval and residential sales. If all conditions are met, construction could get under way within a one to two-year time frame. Construction of each building is expected to take 24 months.
The site is directly across from the Ajax town hall, new library and community centre on the town’s main north-south thoroughfare. It is serviced by Durham Region Transit and is a seven-minute bus ride to a GO station.
Laura Starr, president of Windcorp Developments Ltd., which is leading the redevelopment initiative, said she has been “captivated” by the site for nearly a decade.
“The opportunity to create a major part of a new downtown is very rare,” she said.
Windcorp has been working closely with key staff from the town since 2004 to come up with the right design after successfully responding to a request for proposals soliciting ideas for redevelopment.
“The site has a lot going for it,” Starr said. “It has great bones.”
She said a decision has not been made on whether a general contractor or construction manager will be retained once the development gets off the ground. The project is expected to generate 1,100 person-years of employment during construction.
Follow Patricia Williams on Twittter @Patricia_DCN.
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