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Downtown St. Catharines has been a hub for development over the past three years. The Meridian Centre, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and the Marilyn I. Walker Fine and Performing Arts Centre have acted as the building blocks for revitalization of the downtown core. The confidence in downtown's revitalization has expanded into the residential market. With two freshly completed multi-residential buildings, two in construction and one property in pre-construction a residential surge is happening in the downtown core. Below is an overview of all of the new multi-residential properties emerging in downtown St. Catharines.
Student Residences
The Lake Lofts - Lake St. and Wellington St.
The Lake Lofts by Penn Terra broke soil in April 2015, the property sits on the corner of Lake St. and Wellington St. on a former City of St. Catharines parking lot. The L shaped building will include 58 units or 258 beds and serve as a residence for Brock and Niagara students. The building is set to open in September of 2016.
The Courthouse - James St. & Raymond St.
This student residence aptly named the courthouse, due to it’s adjacent neighbour is also in development by Penn Terra. The 52 unit residence will be 7 storeys high and will include 210 beds spread out between two, three and four bedroom apartments. The property recently ran into a snag, as century old graves were found during excavation. As research is completed to learn more about this old burial site, construction has halted. However, the occupancy date of September 2016, still remains.
Residences in-development
77 Yates Luxury Condominiums - 77 Yates St.
This project has been in development for over 30 years, plans were approved for the development of the condominiums in 2012 however, the building remains in pre-construction. The Frank Lloyd Wright inspired condos are being developed by the Sally McGarr team. Located on historic Yates street, the luxury suites will include 36 units ranging from 1300 - 2600 sq. ft. in size.
Completed residences
Carlisle Suites - 259 St. Paul St.
The redevelopment of the Leonard Hotel into the Carlisle Suites was announced the same day that news of the Performing Arts Centres development broke. The owners early-on, were able to envision the revitalization that the major projects would affect in downtown. There are 75 units available in the repositioned building, they include a mix of bachelor and one bedroom apartments. There are also four commercial units in the basement and six store front units on the main floor.
The Wellington - 26 Wellington St.
The Wellington was the first new multi-residential development in downtown St. Catharines in 25 years. Completed in 2014, the building is 4 storeys with 28, two bedroom units. The unit has almost reached maximum occupancy and has proven St. Catharines interest in luxury downtown multi-residential living.
The multi-resident market is continuing to grow, in January the former mayor announced a plan for a $35 million condo-style development on the site of the old Hotel Dieu hospital. These new developments are slowly positioning downtown St.Catharines as the up-and-coming neighbourhood to live in. Expect to see a new diverse residential life upon the completion of these projects. Become involved in the revitalization of St. Catharines by connecting with a Niagara real estate appraiser today.