It has been more than a decade, but a 20-storey tower could finally rise from the ashes of one of the worst fires in the city’s history.
Council gave final approval Monday night to rezone a handful of properties at the city’s distinct Five Points intersection in downtown Barrie to construct the mixed-use building, along with the project’s site plan and development conditions.
The Advance Tech Developments rezoning application included 2-14 Dunlop St. W., 40-43 Maple Ave., and 30-40 Bayfield St.
Much of the property has been vacant since an explosion levelled a building there in December 2006.
The new development will have commercial uses on the ground floor, structured parking on its lower levels and 208 residential units in the tower above.
Advance Tech Developments president Joseph Santos called it an “iconic” project that will help rejuvenate downtown.
The dog-legged project includes a collection of properties extending back onto Maple Avenue.
There was also substantial discussion about an enclosed area accessible through overhead doors from Bayfield Street to the back end of an alleyway off Maple Avenue.
Santos said he worked closely with city police to keep access to the alleyway restricted, but while also ensuring it has proper illumination.
“It will be like looking into a very long garage,” he said.
The community benefits required for this development also include nine residential units to be provided at affordable rental rates for a period of 20 years and an approximately 1,000-square-foot public square.
Santos said the next step is the sales phase, with construction beginning soon after.
