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Hamilton Community News: Condo project replaces former medical office plan for Wilson Street property

By Kevin Werner | December 16, 2016

The owners of an unusual parcel of land on Wilson Street have finally settled on building a condominium complex after all.

Sonoma Homes a few years ago had initially proposed a residential development at 125 Wilson Street East. But the developers changed their minds and went with a medical clinic and business office complex for the 496-square metre “awkward” triangle-shaped property that branches off between Dalley Drive and Wilson Street, prior to Jerseyville Road.

After a 2015 Ontario Municipal Board agreement with a nearby property owner, Sonoma Homes was ready to build the medical office. But nothing happened after over a year of planning.

There were “no takers” say the developers for the medical building.

Now Sonoma Homes is proposing a three-story, or 10.5 metre-high condominium building with 19 units. The proposal will need another rezoning approval – from commercial to residential – by council.

David Premi, architect and principal of DPAI, told members of the Ancaster Community Council earlier this month the project will serve as a “gateway building” into the downtown.

It has been designed, he said, to reflect the historical buildings already within Ancaster.

He described the units as “high end” with balconies that incorporated tempered glass in their design.

“These are quality units,” he said.

“We are not trying to do anything that does not conform,” he added. “We are really serious and sincere about trying to create something that is rooted in Ancaster.”

There will be 31 underground parking spots, and seven surface parking areas. He said there will be no further trees cut down, while trees and shrubs will be planted along Wilson Street. A tree study found there were no endangered butternut trees on the property, say officials.

Premi said residents living on the other side of Dalley Drive will have a barrier of trees to block out the development.  There is also a private open space area that the developers purchased from the city.

Premi said the condominium complex has been “articulated” into three structures to fit into the surrounding area.

“What this does is gives the impression of three smaller buildings to bring down the scale (of the project),” he said.

A few Ancaster members were concerned the development would add to the rising traffic congestion along Wilson Street, but Premi disagreed.
“I don’t think it will generate that much traffic,” he said.

There were questions about drainage, but Premi said water from the roof and any surface water will be drained into an underground retention tank, which will then slowly release the water into the storm sewer preventing any flooding issues.

“We have made significant improvement to the drainage,” he said.

The developers did agree to remove the sign for a business office now located on the property.

The Official Plan and rezoning applications could be ready for the city’s planning committee in early 2017 for review. Premi said the developer expects to request six variances for the project relating to lot coverage.