(Eaton) Lofts at 276

[tomh009]

The question is, what is critical mass? 

Answer: have at least average density. Last time the city put out a density map downtown the neighbourhood around Kitchener city Hall area had the lowest density anywhere, if I remember correctly.

What radius did they look at?  Immediately next to city hall there is little housing at all (apart from City Centre), but there is a lot within a 1 km radius.

I would imagine the zoning requirements have minimum parking for a grocery store that just couldn't be met with the Eaton's building.

I don't think zoning would be a problem, as the building already exists, and allows retail use, including grocery.  There is also parking in the city hall underground, and the surface lot on the other side of Water St.  For that matter, New City Supermarket has no parking, either.