CORNWALL, Ontario – A painted fence that encircled an empty lot at the corner of Pitt and Second streets is coming down – and it appears a new development is finally going up.
The vacant lot that is supposed to one day soon be the home of an upscale Dominion Place condo complex has sat largely empty for years, but had the fence that surrounds the property removed Thursday.
Chris Markell of Bourgon Construction, the design builders for the project, said construction of the facility will begin later this year.
“Those are the marching orders we have received from the owners,” he said.
More specific details concerning the project will be released next month, he added.
The city’s planning advisory committee will learn other details about the construction efforts at a Monday meeting.
A report to the planning committee suggested the fence would be removed this week, while “construction hoarding” would soon go up in its place.
“(The) next phase of construction is steel erection which does not require the closing of sidewalks and streets,” reads the report. “Bringing this matter forward at this time is to provide an important update to (the committee) of the project’s progress.
“In the absence of any debate…to the contrary, this constitutes recommencement of construction.”
Construction hoarding will help protect passersby as construction efforts ramp up.
Denis Carr, of Heart of the City, the group that helped beautify the fence, said city hall has agreed to store the painted wood fence until a new home can be found for it.
“I can confirm we are storing the fence,” said city CAO Norm Levac. “It looks like they (Dominion Place) are going ahead.”
Levac referred further questions to Dominion Place officials.
Ron Chenier, president of Dominion Place, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Carr said condo construction downtown would be a plus for the city.
“I think that’s huge for downtown,” he said.
Markell said the project has grown slightly since last year when it was announced. The upscale condo project will feature units ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,700 square feet and will also include three additional suites.
Dominion Place is aimed at professional or active retired couples who want a living space bigger than the average suite.
The building is designed in modern style, with a classical touch to coincide with local historical buildings. A stone facade with large bright windows and a curved corner facing the downtown area are other distinguishing characteristics.
It also offers a roof top terrace, two meeting rooms, BBQ area with views of the St. Lawrence River, exercise facility and office space on the main floor.
The luxury condos will stand where the King George Hotel once stood; a large concrete slab currently occupies the space. The hotel was destroyed in 1997 by a fire.
