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thespec.com - Developer hopes to take Tivoli to new heights

By Matthew Van Dongen

Preliminary redevelopment plans for the historic Tivoli Theatre property include a 22-storey condo tower.

The 73-metre-high tower — more than triple the current permitted height on the James Street North property — would allow 106 condo units and three commercial floors in addition to a restored theatre.

Developer Domenic Diamante said in an interview the "very preliminary" plans could change as a result of ongoing discussions with the city, but added "we do need that height."

"On a small site, you have to go to a certain height to make it possible … from a financial perspective," he said.

Diamante declined to put a value on the ambitious project, but added he hopes to have a "clearer view" of what comes next in a few weeks, including whether a rezoning application is needed.

In addition to exceeding the permitted height, the proposal suggests fewer parking spots than required for a development of this size.

Members of the Beasley Neighbourhood Association are "paying attention with interest" to evolving plans for the property, said co-president Matt Thompson.

He said the group has no default objection to a particular building height, but added "we're certainly in favour of a high level of public engagement," particularly when it comes to preserving the historic theatre.

Ward Councillor Jason Farr said he was surprised by the proposed height, suggesting that sort of bylaw change "would not be minor in nature."

But Farr added he's still excited to see a development proposal given the "stagnant history" of the site on an otherwise rebounding section of James Street.

Diamante purchased the theatre last year for $900,000 from a charitable dance organization run by his wife, Belma Gurdil-Diamante.

The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble is still involved in planning to restore the theatre, said Gary Santucci, a director with the group. The organization bought the derelict 140-year-old building in 2006 for $2 from the Sniderman family, of Sam the Record Man fame.

Over time, the city has committed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the theatre in loans, grants and the cost of demolishing the front of the building.