The evolution of KW

[tomh009]

I have mixed feelings about the Kaufmann Lofts. On the one hand, I really support Kitchener embracing its heritage industrial buildings and it is exceptionally restored. On the other hand, it doesn't offer a very great street presence on what will become an important section of King as the intersection at King and Victoria becomes more developed.

I quite like it.  No retail, but that will be balanced by 1 Victoria and the intermodal hub -- and the building is still attractive, even to pedestrians.  Attracting retail to that intersection 10 years ago would have been quite challenging, and it would have cut out a large chunk of available space from the condos.

I am interested to see what they will do with the rest of the property in the long term; as surface parking, the back of the property is quite underutilized, and at a premium location.