Housing Development – Pelissier Street Parking Lot: EOI 106-24
A Housing Solutions Made for Windsor Site
Description
The Pelissier Street Parking Lot in downtown Windsor represents a unique development opportunity for residential developers looking to enter Windsor's market. This lot, situated on the West side of Pelissier Street between Wyandotte Street West and Elliott Street West, offers potential for medium profile mixed-use building(s). The lot is located adjacent to a heritage area along Victoria Avenue which contains properties designated and listed on Windsor’s Municipal Heritage Register. 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, with their downtown campuses adding to the site's appeal, promises 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 Pelissier Street site. Major downtown attractions such as Windsor’s Aquatic Centre, which offers state-of-the-art recreational facilities, and Caesars Windsor Casino, a premier destination for entertainment and dining, contribute significantly to the vibrancy and appeal of the area, making it a prime location for both residents and businesses.
As a pivotal piece in downtown Windsor's ongoing revitalization, this site offers unparalleled potential. Nestled between Wyandotte Street West and Elliott Street West, this expansive 32,234 sq. ft (0.74 acres) lot represents a rare opportunity to shape the future of downtown living. Boasting a sweeping 360 feet along Pelissier Street, this prime parcel invites visionary developers to bring to life a desirable residential haven, possibly complemented by vibrant ground-floor commercial spaces.
Property Summary
- Street Address: 0 Pelissier
- City: Windsor
- Postal Code: N9A 5B1
- Latitude/Longitude: 42.312906, -83.037477
- Total Lot Square Footage: 360 feet along Pelissier Street and approximate depth of 90 feet
- Total Acres: 0.74
- Total Square Footage: 32,234
- Public Transportation: < 1 km from Windsor Transit Bus Terminal
- Site Servicing: The subject site is currently serviced by existing 375-mm diameter vitrified clay combined sewer within the Pelissier Street Right-of-Way.
- City of Windsor Official Plan: The current zoning on the site is Commercial District 3.6 (CD3.6) which permits a range of commercial uses, along with dwellings in a combined use building. The current zoning permits a maximum height of 20 metres.
Economic and Strategic Value
Situated in the heart of downtown Windsor, the Pelissier Street 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 Pelissier Street 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 Pelissier Street 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 Pelissier Street site is situated less than a kilometre 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 Pelissier Street 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. More information can be found here on the City of Windsor’s currently available grants.
Interested developers are encouraged to download an Expression of Interest package, complete, and submit the required items by Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (up to and including 11:30:59 A.M. E.D.T).
Questions related to the request for Expressions of Interest were be received at least two working days prior to the closing and are to be directed in writing only to purchasing@citywindsor.ca using the subject line “Housing Development – Pelissier Street Parking Lot: EOI 106-24”.