City of Windsor Selects Fairmount Properties as Developer for Mixed-Use International Village
Windsor City Council unanimously approved the TEAM lead by Fairmount Properties as the successful developer to proceed to the next stage of planning and design activity on the site of the former Grace Hospital.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched in May 2019 and included a rigorous and thorough process to ensure the City of Windsor’s goals for community renewal, and urban revitalization would be met. Fairmount Properties, and their project team aim to transform the six-acre former Grace Hospital site into a vibrant mixed-use International Village anchored by residential, retail, dining, office and open space. The consortium also includes Windsor-area firms Architecttura and Oscar Construction Company Limited. Fairmont Properties selected each of these organizations because their leadership understood the important social compact of the community and neighbourhood.
“While the City of Windsor received multiple qualified and dynamic proposals, the vision presented by Fairmount Properties most clearly aligned with our goals. Importantly, in selecting Fairmount Properties, the City of Windsor is welcoming a new market participant, and we hope that they continue to find development opportunities in our region. This is a sign that confirms what all of us already know – that the City of Windsor is an attractive location for investment and job creation, and it supports a terrific quality of life.” Drew Dilkens, Windsor Mayor
The EOI results ensure the City of Windsor is enabling the highest quality urban renewal project, while protecting and enhancing the existing neighbourhood. As part of the next stage of this process, Fairmount Properties will be consulting with community stakeholders on specific project design features to ensure that the views of area residents are reflected in the final site plan. The concept plan, unveiled today, is the current perspective and requires community feedback to inform the final design.
City of Windsor to begin bilateral discussions with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Health Care Consortium
The proposal submitted by Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Amico Properties Inc. provided impeccable detail and thoughtful vision, which Windsor City Council wanted also to bring to life, and Council has directed administration to work with this development group to determine if an alternative site within the City of Windsor would be acceptable and appropriate. In seeking another suitable location for their development vision, the City and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare acknowledge the potential changing regulatory landscape resulting from the provincial long-term care home review.
“All of the proposals submitted to City Council were thoughtful and robust. Obviously, City Council chose Fairmont Properties for the Grace Site, but we also wanted to work with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare to see if a pathway exists to realize their vision elsewhere in the City of Windsor. The robust and competitive process that we ran over the course of the past year provides an exciting glimpse into what kind of community renewal is just around the corner” said Drew Dilkens.
Windsor City Council will need to review and approve the updated proposal after the conclusion of bilateral discussions between Hôtel-Dieu Grace Health Care and City Administration.
