In this two part series, I’ll look at the restorations and revitalization efforts in downtown Thorold.
Thorold’s new tourism website welcomes visitors to experience the rhythm of Thorold. A position that sees the small downtown as “a little bit bluesy and a whole lot friendly.” This new positioning represents the fresh yet historical look of the downtown. A look that has been developed over the past five years, as many Thorold property owners have invested in the redevelopment of their buildings, which in turn has attracted new tenants and spurred a total revitalization for the downtown community.
Revitalization Movement
The revitalization of Thorold began when the City of Thorold and the Niagara Region introduced a jointly funded facade improvement incentive program. The program which is still offered today, assists property owners financially in the revitalization and/or restoration of their commercial building. Successful grant applicants receive a one time grant that is equal to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000.
Many of the buildings in the downtown hold historical influence, and therefore, are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. For a number of buildings, the restoration process has seen a return to their architectural beginnings.
Heritage Thorold
Heritage Thorold has been instrumental in working with building and business owners to restore the heritage buildings in downtown. As the town’s architectural conservation advisory committee, Heritage Thorold’s guidance has contributed to the economic and cultural development of the city. A collection of “Building Stories” can be found on their website, pointing to the historical significance of each restored building.
Skritch Living
Much of the revitalization of Thorold stems from Skritch Living investments. Developer Michael Skritch’s ambition to realize Thorold as a downtown community that welcomes both students and professionals, extended to his purchase and redevelopment of approximately 11 properties. Many of these buildings are mixed-use, allowing for apartment suites on the top floors and commercial business or office space on the main.
New Businesses in Thorold
Many new businesses have made Thorold home and their addition continues to diversify the landscape of the community. Notable new businesses over 2015 included Shannon Passero’s move to the old Dominion building, now called The Post Office. The 6,500 sq. ft. building sits at 18 Front Street N. and has been completely revitalized and much of it restored with original features highlighted.
St. Catharines new professional basketball team, the River Lions, office opened along Front Street in 2015. The office at 7 Front Street N. is in a Skritch Living building that houses two adjacent commercial units and 9 residential units.
Inbound Marketing Agency, Hughes & Co, relocated to the Quebec Bank building at 28 Front St. in December. The building and office space had been fully restored by owners to the original Quebec Bank facade in 2011, this redevelopment also saw a number of residential units added to the upper floors.
On the next blog, I’ll look at the entrepreneurs who invested in the revitalization of Thorold from the beginning, as well as, a number of restoration projects.
