Caron Avenue Parking Lot - Ready for Development!
A Housing Solutions Made for Windsor Site
The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest to develop the Caron Avenue Parking Lot into residential housing closed on August 23, 2024 (up to and including 11:30:59 A.M. E.D.T). A review of the submitted expression of interest packages will occur by City Administration over the coming weeks.
Description
The Caron Avenue Parking Lot in downtown Windsor represents a unique development opportunity for residential developers looking to enter Windsor's market. This lot, situated at the intersection of University Avenue West and Caron Avenue, offers potential for high-density residential buildings with ground-floor commercial spaces. Windsor's growing economy, strategic location as a border city, and evolving sectors like technology and green energy make it an attractive investment spot. The city's economic prospects are bright, with forecasts predicting it to be the fastest-growing Census Metropolitan Area in Canada. Additionally, Windsor's status as an educational hub, home to the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, adds to the site's appeal, promising a steady demand for housing from students and academics. The city's rich cultural scene, recreational amenities, and comprehensive transportation network further enhance the attractiveness of the Caron Avenue site.
As a pivotal piece in downtown Windsor's ongoing revitalization, this site offers unparalleled potential. Nestled on the corner of University Avenue West and Caron Avenue, this expansive 93,000 sq. ft (~2.1 acres) lot represents a rare opportunity to shape the future of downtown living. Boasting 146 feet of frontage on University Avenue West and a sweeping 645 feet along Caron Avenue, this prime parcel invites visionary developers to bring to life a high-density residential haven, possibly complemented by vibrant ground-floor commercial spaces.
Property Summary
- Street Address: 0 Caron Avenue
- City: Windsor
- Postal Code: N9A 5B1
- Latitude/Longitude: 42.31640478004548, -83.04819675941371
- Total Lot Square Footage: 146 feet along University Avenue West and approximately 645 feet along Caron Avenue
- Total Acres: ~2.14
- Total Square Footage: 93,000
- Public Transportation: .5 Km from Windsor Transit Bus Terminal
- Site Servicing: The subject site is currently serviced by a 450-mm x 600-mm combined sewer within the Caron Avenue Right-of-Way.
- City of Windsor Official Plan: The High Profile Area permits buildings generally no greater than 14 storeys. The Site is currently zoned CD3.6, allowing for a mix of commercial and higher density residential uses in combined use buildings.
Economic and Strategic Value
Situated in the heart of downtown Windsor, the Caron Avenue site is perfectly poised to benefit from the city's economic growth and strategic position as a border city. Windsor's economy is diversifying, moving beyond its historic automotive roots to embrace sectors like technology, education, and green energy. This economic pivot, coupled with Windsor's unique position next to Detroit, offers developers a chance to tap into cross-border commerce, talent pools, and collaborative opportunities that few other Canadian cities can match.
The Conference Board of Canada projects a particularly bright economic outlook for Windsor, emphasizing its potential as the fastest-growing Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in Canada. This positive forecast aligns with Windsor's active engagement in attracting new investment, facilitated by City Council and local partners. These collaborative efforts underscore a strategic push to enhance the local economy through diverse and significant investments.
Educational Hub
Windsor is home to the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, making it a bustling educational hub. These institutions not only provide a steady influx of students in need of housing but also contribute to a dynamic atmosphere of innovation and youthfulness in the city. A development in close proximity to these institutions has the potential to attract a mix of students, academics, and young professionals, ensuring a diverse and vibrant community.
Cultural and Recreational Amenities
Beyond its economic and educational offerings, Windsor is rich in cultural and recreational amenities. The Windsor-Detroit Riverfront, just steps from the Caron Avenue site, is one of the city's crown jewels, offering parks, trails, and stunning views. The area is also home to a variety of museums, galleries, theatres, and a bustling food scene that celebrates Windsor's cultural diversity. For developers, this means the potential for a residential project that embodies a lifestyle of convenience, culture, and connectivity.
Transportation and Accessibility
With its comprehensive network of roads and public transit, Windsor is designed for ease of mobility. The Caron Avenue site benefits from excellent accessibility, making it attractive for residents who value the convenience of city living. Its proximity to major highways and the Windsor-Detroit tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge to the United States enhances its appeal for cross-border commuters and businesses alike.
Significantly, the Caron Avenue site is situated less than a kilometer from the main Transit Windsor bus station, ensuring unparalleled access to the city's public transportation network, facilitating easy and efficient travel across Windsor and beyond.
Community and Lifestyle
Windsor is a city that values community and a high quality of life. The development of the Caron Avenue site offers an opportunity to contribute to Windsor's community fabric with a residential project that prioritizes sustainable living, access to green spaces, and community-focused amenities. This aligns with a growing demand for urban living that balances the vibrancy of city life with the tranquility of natural surroundings.
Development Incentives
Windsor offers a range of incentives for developers, including grants, tax rebates, and assistance programs designed to encourage urban development and revitalization, particularly in the downtown core. Engaging with the city early in the development process can unlock a suite of benefits that enhance project feasibility and ROI.
Interested developers were encouraged to download an Expression of Interest package, complete and submit the required items by Friday, August 23, 2024 (up to and including 11:30:59 A.M. E.D.T).
Questions related to the request for Expressions of Interest were to be received by Friday, August 16 and directed in writing only to purchasing@citywindsor.ca using the subject line “Caron Avenue Parking Lot Site – EOI 55-24”.