Posted Mar 21, 2012, 8:31 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Windsor, On.
Posts: 1,865
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This story was in the paper last week.
source: http://www.windsorstar.com/business/...#ixzz1pml3X4sJ
There is also a video at the link.
Quote:
WINDSOR, Ont. -- Two Windsor entrepreneurs are proposing a multi-million dollar cultural and restaurant development for an under-utilized stretch of University Avenue West.
George Sofos, who operated the Junction family restaurant, is proposing redeveloping a former casino recruitment centre at 1100 University into a community museum with an adjoining archives and cultural centre at 1200 University, perhaps even housing a relocated Science City.
Business partner Van Niforos, who has operated the popular Penalty Box restaurant for 20 years, is planning to relocate his Walker Road restaurant into the former Butler building at 1220 University.
Sofos said his development offers an alternative to a suggestion that the city locate a museum and library in the art gallery adjacent to a new aquatic centre.
"If the city is willing to work with us, we could develop our site into a museum for about $3 million," said Sofos. "It would include two floors, covering about 37,000 square feet.
"This would provide more space than is currently being planned at the new aquatic centre and library," said Sofos. "Locating it here on University would also solve the parking issue at the other site."
Sofos believes his proposal fits all the criteria laid out in the will of the late Joseph Chimczuk, whose $1-million bequest to the city in 1990 has now grown to $3.2 million, which would qualify the project for funding.
Accessing the Chimczuk funds would require the developers to "build a building to be known as the Chimczuk Museum for use as a cultural museum and archives and library."
David Wonham, executive director of Chimczuk Museum Inc., said that the Chimczuk will is "very, very specific and only certain criteria are acceptable.
"But this development would certainly be a candidate if there's a building involved," said Wonham. "Chimczuk wanted his name on a building but it does not have to be a freestanding building.
"As long as it's a building, as far as I'm concerned, he would be happy in his grave," said Wonham.
Wonham said Chimczuk Museum Inc. was established to protect the interests of Chimczuk and assure his wishes were followed.
Some preliminary work has already begun in the Butler building which would become a 400-seat family-style restaurant with an adjacent patio overlooking the city's Japanese Garden which runs from Riverside Drive to University.
"We're definitely relocating regardless of what happens to the rest of the site because we have simply run out of room at our Walker Rd. location," said Niforos. "We can't keep turning people away. Every time you do, you run the risk they won't come back.
"We serve 1,000 meals a day and go through 2,000 pounds of chicken a week and we need the opportunity to expand," said Niforos, who employs 57 people. "We're bumping into each other and we need more space."
Niforos said the renovation project would involve building a steel structure inside the building to support the walls while the roof is being replaced.
He declined to place a dollar figure on the restaurant development, saying only that "it's in the seven figures."
He said the building was constructed in 1886 and plans are to restore it as closely as possible to its original design.
"This site has such a rich history and I'm excited to get a chance to restore it," said Niforos.
At one time, the properties were home to the Sandwich, Windsor and Amherstburg Railway Co., which ran trolleys throughout the city.
"It's a unique set of properties and what we have planned would help revitalize this neighbourhood," said Sofos.
Sofos has been rebuffed in a number of previous attempts to redevelop the property for reasons including liquor licenses and zoning issues but feels this proposal meets all the criteria for both the museum and the hospitality sector.
Niforos said he plans a family-style restaurant identical in style to the one he already operates.
"It will be the same menu, same food but larger and more comfortable," said Niforos whose restaurant derives 95 per cent of its revenues from food.
And Sofos believes renovating the former casino recruitment and training centre could be done for much less than the cost of constructing a new building.
A recent draft report by a cultural consultant hired by the city suggested using the Chimczuk funds for an expanded facility shared with the art gallery and library, adjacent to the new aquatic centre.
But Sofos believes his proposal provides for more space and ample parking which he believes is lacking in the suggested development.
"We're just offering another option," said Sofos.
Sofos and Niforos have presented their proposals to city councillors and Mayor Eddie Francis and are hoping for an opportunity to discuss them further before a final decision is made.
Coun. Al Maghnieh said he saw the concept briefly but that he does not know whether the city administration is considering it as part of the museum feasibility process.
"We'll wait for the administrative recommendations to come forward," Maghnieh said.
"It looks nice," he said of Sofos' and Niforos' proposal, "But I don't know how feasible it is. I look forward to seeing the reports from the administration."
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Last edited by Symz; Apr 1, 2012 at 9:17 PM.
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