Stone & South on the River project an intricate build

Kingston, Ont.-based CaraCo Development Corp. is undertaking a condominium project in Gananoque, Ont. on what CEO Gennaro DiSanto says could well qualify as CaraCo’s most “intricate” development site.

The two-phase Stone & South on the River development is “uniquely” located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, in close proximity to the venerable Thousand Islands Playhouse.

“We’ve installed the seawall during the dead of winter, worked around wildlife issues such as spawning season and installed shoring to reinforce the area around the Playhouse property and waterfront,” DiSanto says.

“We are (also) working diligently to ensure no blasting interrupts the Playhouse’s schedule.”

CaraCo is acting as builder/developer on the project, its first in the town of Gananoque, which is billed as the gateway to the scenic Thousand Islands.

“When residences are built on the Ontario waterfront, conservation and environmental authorities take on enhanced roles in controlling the design and site works,” DiSanto says.

The project is being undertaken by a team that includes Chamberlain Architect Services, structural engineers Goodeve Manhire Inc., and mechanical-electrical engineers Jain Sustainability Consultants Inc. Landscape architect is Wentworth Landscapes.

A total of 41 suites will be built in phase 1 and 29 suites in phase 2. The setback from the water opens up an extensive outdoor space.

In terms of aesthetics, CaraCo was anxious to pay tribute to the area’s historical context, which includes the next-door Thousand Islands Playhouse, says Chamberlain president Adrian Mauro.

The playhouse incorporates two fully renovated historical venues, situated side-by-side on the banks of the river.

The vintage Gananoque Canoe Club, acquired in 1982, was converted into a 360-seat theatre.

A second 130-seat venue, added in 2004, originally housed the Gananoque Armoury which was constructed in 1913. That building later served as the local fire and police station.

“For this condominium to fit in seamlessly with its surroundings, we used brick and stone in complimentary colours such as terra cotta, taupe, brown and other earth tones,” Mauro says.

“We call it quasi-transitional, with large windows, some with arched tops, numerous mullion treatments and a sloped roof. The look is more classic than contemporary, which speaks to the area’s existing architectural style.”

To date, the company has built six residential communities as well as 10 apartment buildings and one condominium project in the city of Kingston, in addition to an apartment building in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.