Developer Proposes Urgent Plan for 1,602 Rental Units in Windsor

UPDATE: A bold proposal from Auburn Developments aims to reshape Windsor’s waterfront with 1,602 new rental units across five towers. This urgent development plan was presented at a public meeting on October 18, 2023, signaling a potential transformation for the area along Riverside Drive West and Crawford Avenue.

The plan includes three high-rise apartment buildings, with towers ranging from 17 to 25 storeys. Despite existing projects in Windsor, development manager Alex Vandersluis emphasized that this will be their largest undertaking in the city. “I think it can sort of extend the downtown to the west a little bit,” he stated, aiming to foster further growth in the region.

As part of the proposal, Auburn Developments plans to construct a block of 44 townhouses for rent. To ease potential congestion, the project will feature over 1,700 parking spaces spread between underground and above-grade structures. Local support was evident at the meeting, with numerous residents expressing enthusiasm for the project.

Donald Albert, a nearby resident, voiced his support, saying, “I want people here. It brings restaurants. It just brings people downtown.” Residents also urged the developer to consider incorporating commercial units, such as cafes and shops, into the lower levels of the towers to enhance the area’s vibrancy.

Despite the excitement, challenges remain. The development is years away from becoming reality due to the extensive approvals required from both the city and the province. Albert voiced frustration over lengthy approval processes, questioning why it takes 5 to 6 years for projects in Windsor, especially amid a housing shortage.

The site, previously home to CBC News Windsor, is listed on the city’s municipal heritage register, which adds another layer of complexity. Auburn plans to submit a heritage impact assessment detailing how they will honor the building’s legacy while reusing existing materials.

Concerns were raised by local resident Sarah Morris, who fears that the current building could be demolished without the new plans materializing. “Many people in Windsor have been heartbroken by projects that have not gone through,” she explained, highlighting the community’s desire for progress.

In response, representatives for Auburn assured residents that demolishing the CBC building would be difficult without a clear intent to proceed with new developments. “I would love to see the investment in our neighborhood,” Morris added, echoing the community’s hopes for revitalization.

Following the public consultation, Vandersluis confirmed that Auburn will review feedback before resubmitting their application to the city. “We’ll see what sort of tweaks we might make as we finalize a resubmission,” he noted, indicating a commitment to community engagement in the planning process.

The project will now enter a formal public process involving reports to city committees and ultimately the Windsor City Council. If approved, the timeline suggests it could take approximately three to five years before construction begins, raising the stakes for the community’s urgent housing needs.

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged as this transformative project unfolds, with updates expected in the coming months. The potential impact on Windsor’s waterfront and housing availability could be significant, making it a critical development to watch.