By Jeff Helsdon
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tillsonburg council learned of revised plans for the planned Station View development after the developer returned to the drawing board after receiving input from town residents and council.
Hanna Domagala of Tillsonburg-based BMI Group, which is planning the development adjacent to the Station Arts Centre, explained the changes to council at the Oct. 7 meeting.
“We take underutilized sites and make more of them,” she said. “We are excited to take a prime location in Tillsonburg and make it more.”
The initial design, which was higher, was changed after a different architect was hired, and the design was revamped from the ground up. It is now a mix of residential and commercial along Bridge Street. The residential is in two towers nine stories high, sloping to eight stories at the back. The 188 units are a mix of 163 apartments (studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom) and 25 townhouses.
“People told us it was too high and doesn’t reflect what they want to see in town,” Domagala said.
Parking will all be underground and will accommodate 300 spaces.
The development will incorporate the farmer’s market and enable it to operate year-round. It is also designed for Bridge Street to be either one-way or closed, dependent on what council decides on a planned redevelopment of the street.
“We are looking to make this a project that is viable and to speak to some of the priorites the town and county have,” Domagala said.
After Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if the development would be designed so the towers could be built higher at a later date, Domagala said the company isn’t that far in the design process yet.
Mayor Deb Gilvesy said she appreciated BMI being open to public input, adding there was a lot of resistance to the initial height in the design.
“You have done a good job of listening and stepping the height down,” she said.
Coun. Kelly Spencer also said it was good the company engaged the community and made changes from the feedback.
“I had the opportunity to talk to some of the farmer’s markets folks, including the president and chair, and they’re very hyped for the option of a winter’s market,” she said.
After Spencer asked if there was a possibility for a roof top restaurant, Bomagala said it was a possibility.
Council received the report for information.
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