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http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/811394
Ambassador Heights replacement will be safe: developer
STEVE BUIST
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 21, 2010)
An 11-storey apartment building is set to rise on the site where a smaller building nearly fell three years ago.
The Molinaro Group, specialists in highrise condominium buildings, has completed an application with the City of Hamilton for zoning approval to build a 70-unit building at 121 St. Joseph's Dr., site of the former Ambassador Heights.
In April 2007, a retaining wall along a sharp slope behind the Ambassador Heights failed, forcing the permanent evacuation of tenants. The building near St. Joseph's Hospital remained empty, then was ultimately declared unsafe, sold for tax arrears for just over $200,000, and torn down.
In place of the four-storey, 15-unit demolished building, the Molinaro Group is proposing an 11-storey building that will be registered as a condominium but retained as a rental building, providing a net increase of 55 rental units in the lower central city.
There will also be a new three-storey underground parking garage for residents, a party room with a common terrace and a workout facility.
"We saw an opportunity," said Vince Molinaro, president of the Molinaro Group. "Obviously, it's a decent location and we love the area.
"We're looking at this like a mini case study to see how it goes," added Molinaro, whose company is known for its condominium projects in Burlington.
"We think Hamilton has tremendous opportunity."
Molinaro said "a whole slew of consultants and engineers" have been contacted to ensure that the new building won't suffer the same problems as its demolished predecessor.
"There's a myriad of consultants involved," he said. "We want the building to be sound and safe, especially since we're going to own it."
Nearby residents have the opportunity to provide written comment to the city by Aug. 2.
There will also be an open house -- likely in September -- and Molinaro hopes to receive approval to begin construction by early next year.
"On the surface of this, it's a positive thing," said Paul Mallard, Hamilton's director of planning. "It's a good example of intensification, it's close to downtown, it's close to services."
Molinaro said the St. Joseph's Drive project could be the start of other condominium projects in Hamilton for the company.
"I think there's an opportunity in the core, as well as the west harbour front, but I guess they have to figure out what's going on there first," he noted.
sbuist@thespec.com
905-526-3226
Ambassador Heights replacement will be safe: developer
STEVE BUIST
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 21, 2010)
An 11-storey apartment building is set to rise on the site where a smaller building nearly fell three years ago.
The Molinaro Group, specialists in highrise condominium buildings, has completed an application with the City of Hamilton for zoning approval to build a 70-unit building at 121 St. Joseph's Dr., site of the former Ambassador Heights.
In April 2007, a retaining wall along a sharp slope behind the Ambassador Heights failed, forcing the permanent evacuation of tenants. The building near St. Joseph's Hospital remained empty, then was ultimately declared unsafe, sold for tax arrears for just over $200,000, and torn down.
In place of the four-storey, 15-unit demolished building, the Molinaro Group is proposing an 11-storey building that will be registered as a condominium but retained as a rental building, providing a net increase of 55 rental units in the lower central city.
There will also be a new three-storey underground parking garage for residents, a party room with a common terrace and a workout facility.
"We saw an opportunity," said Vince Molinaro, president of the Molinaro Group. "Obviously, it's a decent location and we love the area.
"We're looking at this like a mini case study to see how it goes," added Molinaro, whose company is known for its condominium projects in Burlington.
"We think Hamilton has tremendous opportunity."
Molinaro said "a whole slew of consultants and engineers" have been contacted to ensure that the new building won't suffer the same problems as its demolished predecessor.
"There's a myriad of consultants involved," he said. "We want the building to be sound and safe, especially since we're going to own it."
Nearby residents have the opportunity to provide written comment to the city by Aug. 2.
There will also be an open house -- likely in September -- and Molinaro hopes to receive approval to begin construction by early next year.
"On the surface of this, it's a positive thing," said Paul Mallard, Hamilton's director of planning. "It's a good example of intensification, it's close to downtown, it's close to services."
Molinaro said the St. Joseph's Drive project could be the start of other condominium projects in Hamilton for the company.
"I think there's an opportunity in the core, as well as the west harbour front, but I guess they have to figure out what's going on there first," he noted.
sbuist@thespec.com
905-526-3226
