Bullish on the outlook for downtown Kitchener, Ont., Waterloo-based IN8 Developments is building a 39-storey condo tower at the corner of Duke and Frederick streets.
Once complete, the DTK development reportedly will be the tallest building in the city.
“We believe in the future of downtown Kitchener,” said Philip Kuperhause, vice-president of sales and marketing at IN8, in an email.
“The economy and job growth are very strong. We believe there is a shortage of accommodations in the downtown core — especially in new, high-end condos.
“We were attracted by the investment in transit in the region with the brand-new light rail transit (LRT) line, the planned downtown transit hub and improvements to the Kitchener corridor GO line.
“Downtown Kitchener is a perfect location for urban intensification.”
Designed by SRM Architects Inc., the tower will house 494 residential units. Retail spaces will be located in a podium.
Amenities include a rooftop terrace with barbecues, fitness centre and yoga studio, community garden, car-share parking spaces and electric vehicle parking spots.
Suites will be equipped with a smart home technology package.
“At 39 storeys, DTK Condos will be a significant building in the Kitchener-Waterloo area,” Edward Thomas, president of SRM Architects, wrote in an email.
“The building is set to be a focal point of Waterloo region and is an evolution of the community. The building’s scale and elegance demonstrate that Kitchener is a vibrant urban hub.”
The project is being undertaken by a team that includes structural engineers VanBoxmeer & Stranges Engineering Ltd. and mechanical/electrical engineers Strik Baldinelli Moniz Ltd. Landscape architects are GSP Group Inc.
IN8 is performing general contracting services in-house.
Kuperhause said excavation is scheduled to get underway in the new year in the wake of completion of demolition at the 32 Duke St. E. site.
Asked if the project is expected to pose any particular challenges from a construction perspective, Kuperhause said the tower will be the first to be built adjacent to the new LRT line.
The development will be located by the LRT’s Frederick Street stop.
“This will be a challenge and require careful co-ordination with the region.”
The target market for the condo units is young professionals and other residents looking to live downtown, Kuperhause added.
“The job creation in the tech sector in Kitchener is bringing a lot of young talent to the city.”
Also in the region, IN8 is currently building the six-storey Sage X condo project on Hemlock Street in Waterloo.
I thought this was supposed to be a 33-storey building.
Did that change?
Well! obviously!!!