General Urban Kitchener Updates and Rumours

[tomh009]

Yes ... and the combination of those properties makes for a nice development opportunity, but the demolition permits are all that's in the system at this point.

[Spokes]

Doesn't there need to be some sort of site plan in the works to get demolition approval?

[tomh009]

Doesn't there need to be some sort of site plan in the works to get demolition approval?

In most cases, no. You can demolish the buildings you own without putting up anything else, assuming there are no heritage concerns etc.

[Spokes]

That's kind of annoying. I struggle with that. In one sense, sure you own it, so you make the call, but on the other side of the coin we can't have vacant lots everywhere

[MidTowner]

Not only are you able to demolish a building and leave the land empty, our tax regime incentivizes you to do so- obviously the assessed value of vacant land is less.

Until this year, the Region (along with many other Ontario municipalities) had a vacant property tax rebate that reduced the taxation on commercial units that weren't put to use.

[ijmorlan]

That's kind of annoying.  I struggle with that.  In one sense, sure you own it, so you make the call, but on the other side of the coin we can't have vacant lots everywhere

If there would be vacant lots with demolition, there would most likely be derelict buildings without.

It’s not as easy as it looks to control a market by outlawing symptoms.

[tomh009]

Not only are you able to demolish a building and leave the land empty, our tax regime incentivizes you to do so- obviously the assessed value of vacant land is less.

Until this year, the Region (along with many other Ontario municipalities) had a vacant property tax rebate that reduced the taxation on commercial units that weren't put to use.

The regional and city (of Kitchener) tax rates are still lower for vacant lots, but it's now only 20% difference, much smaller than before.
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGen...x_Rate.pdf

[tomh009]

The work is extending beyond that property - part of the parking lot along Duke is also getting ripped up.

It looks like this will be (at least for now) just an expansion of the parking lot, no new construction.

[BruceAshe]

It looks like there are some interior renovations happening in the former Legacy Greens space on King St.

[kitborn]

McIntosh Cleaners on Victoria Redevelopment. 

Peeked into an open door on Braun Street.

   

   

   

[Rainrider22]

I hope they keep the old barn style and roll up doors in place !!

[Momo26]

Did we get any word on what it may turn into after all?

[Section ThirtyOne]

Glad to see it is getting some love, such an interesting building design.

I too am interested in knowing what is going into the space.

[rangersfan]

The only other item I remember in relation to 130 Victoria St S besides a 2016 Record article is this post by Masri O Architects (August 30, 2017)
http://masrioarchitects.ca/designing-wit...e-in-mind/

[kitborn]

There are two houses going up at the corner of Pequegnat and Mansion Streets.