Waterloo Region Connected

Developer proposes 13-storey condo in Kitchener’s Belmont Village

Quote:A local developer hopes to build a 13-storey condo building that adds to the life and street scene of Kitchener’s Belmont Village.

The Zehr Group, which is involved in several major developments such as the Huck Glove redevelopment on Victoria Street and Charlie West in downtown Kitchener, is proposing to build a 13-storey, 49-metre highrise at 660 Belmont Ave. W. on a site now occupied by Dettmer Tirecraft.

If approved, the proposal would have 163 one- and two-bedroom condo units as well as 11,733 square feet (1,090 square metres) of retail space on the ground floor.

If it continues the streetwall from the adjacent building that would be a big improvement. Can we hope for a zero setback from the adjacent building, storefronts along the front of the building, and maybe even a portico along the front?

This is the building that was discussed in another thread last week?

(12-24-2020, 12:51 AM)panamaniac Wrote: [ -> ]This is the building that was discussed in another thread last week?

Yes, here.

(12-23-2020, 11:20 PM)ijmorlan Wrote: [ -> ]If it continues the streetwall from the adjacent building that would be a big improvement. Can we hope for a zero setback from the adjacent building, storefronts along the front of the building, and maybe even a portico along the front?

It says in the article it will be set back from the adjacent 3 storey office building. They intend to make a "mews" which i assume is a parkette/trail/ patio from Belmont to iron horse trail. I believe they are hoping to have retail space at multiple elevations of the building rather than just along Belmont. I am interested to see a render of zehrs groups vision. Apparently they own the 3 story office build beside it, so maybe if this one sells they will do a second tower.

Here is a rendering from the public presentation

That's just a massing model to illustrate the size, not a rendering of what the design really looks like. Common thing that's used in preliminary presentations of a project.

It is pretty massive, relative to the rest of the buildings in Belmont Village.

So from the rendering it looks like bye bye Tim’s in addition to the Tire shop. People will be Outraged lol!

Feels like fairly clunky massing if you ask me

I think Timmies is the little building in the right corner

(01-15-2021, 08:37 AM)white_brian Wrote: [ -> ]I think Timmies is the little building in the right corner

You’re right. I mistook the roadway for Glasgow and that building for the Eye Clinic.

The massing looks horrible. It already looks like its been over designed and it a Sketchup file that probably took less than half a day to complete. I do think ABA produces some of the nicer designed buildings in this region so I have faith that someone with a bit more vision will take over the design. Something like the Princess Lane Lofts would look great along Belmont.  I really have high hopes for this project. If done right it could spur a more midrise infill developments along Belmont.

I'd find something in the 6-8 storey range much easier to digest in that location, but I assume that's unlikely.

(01-15-2021, 11:42 AM)panamaniac Wrote: [ -> ]I'd find something in the 6-8 storey range much easier to digest in that location, but I assume that's unlikely.

There are 9 other buildings in that area that are 8-16 floors in height. It won't look out of place.

(Edit note...at least 9 buildings already)