City council approves rezoning for Argyle Road development

The remains of a Walkerville-area building that was destroyed by a fire three years ago can now be redeveloped for commercial and residential purposes.

Windsor city council approved the rezoning of 1370 Argyle Rd. on Monday — opening the door wide for plans by the site owners to turn the remains of the property into an 81-unit apartment building.

Located just behind Market Square, 1370 Argyle Rd. was built in 1944 for industrial purposes. The facility housed several different companies over the decades, mainly focused on the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules.

In September 2018, a massive fire destroyed most of the structure, leaving only the fronting of its two-storey office space.

Since then, Duo Fratres Inc. — whose principals also own Market Square — have been pursuing a vision of a three-storey residential complex that incorporates the original brick facade.

Although the zoning has officially changed from Manufacturing District to Commercial District, Monday's approval includes a site-specific provision that permits “multiple dwelling” type buildings.

The plan is for the new structure to have more than 50 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit.

Duo Fratres Inc. has estimated the cost of the project at $21 million.

Completion is hoped for the spring of 2022.

The site is considered a brownfield property, and is also on the municipal heritage register.

In January, the city's Development and Heritage Standing Committee unanimously approved a redevelopment grant for the project.