Developer plans to demolish, rebuild facade
Look of former YMCA will be replicated for new apartment building
The conversion of the historic YMCA building into high-end apartments is going to involve demolishing the 1930s red-brick facade facing George Street and then rebuilding it in similar style. “You’ll see, on George Street, the same building,” said city heritage resources co-ordinator Erik Hanson. At a meeting Thursday night, the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) gave the final approval necessary for the developer to carry out this plan. Toronto-based Atria bought the building in 2014 and is planning 130 apartments, to be ready for occupancy next year. Hanson said Atria’s original plan was to demolish the 1930s addition facing George Street; that was because the interior has five different floor levels that don’t match up, which is a “nightmare” for creating accessibility. But PACAC asked Atria to reconsider demolishing the red-brick facade along George Street, and the developer returned with a plan to take it down and rebuild so it retains the original look. “Atria’s been a good developer so far — they’ve heard PACAC’s concerns, and responded favourably,” Hanson said. PACAC is dealing with this plan because it concerns demolition of an addition on a building that has a heritage designation (not the whole building — then city council would have a vote). Atria owner Hans Jain has told The Examiner from the outset that he doesn’t plan to touch the oldest part of the building, from 1895 (which includes the turret).
But the addition along Murray Street is expected to be torn down (which used to be the main entrance of the Y), along with the 1909 gymnasium facing Murray Street. PACAC didn’t debate or discuss the plan on Thursday before approval; the committee has asked to see a final version of Atria’s plans, before it goes to City Hall for a building permit. Hanson said he hopes the Y Lofts will be a good example of how “monumental” buildings in Peterborough can be repurposed and reused.