KITCHENER — The City of Kitchener has approved a significant redevelopment project by King Sheldon Kitchener Holdings Inc., co-owned by Vive Development Corporation, at 1251-1253 King Street East and 16 Sheldon Avenue South.
The transformative project includes a 24-storey mixed-use residential tower and an 8-storey residential building, set to redefine the urban landscape along King Street East.
The development aims to enhance the area with 372 new housing units and vital commercial spaces, contributing to the city’s growth and modernization.
The approved development will replace the existing low-rise commercial buildings and surface parking on the 0.39-hectare site with a vibrant mixed-use complex.
The project is strategically located within the King Street East corridor, an area identified for significant intensification and development.
The development will include a total of 372 residential units, comprising 351 larger units that are over 51 square metres and 21 smaller units that are under 51 square metres.
The mix of unit sizes is designed to cater to a diverse range of residents, from singles to families.
Approximately 484.3 square metres of commercial and retail space will be incorporated into the ground level of the 24-storey tower.
The commercial units will front King Street East, providing an active and engaging streetscape that promotes pedestrian activity.
The commercial spaces are designed to be two storeys high, creating a strong visual presence along the street.
The development will feature 178 parking spaces distributed across one level of underground parking and two levels of structured above-ground parking.
The parking facilities will be accessed mid-block from Sheldon Avenue South. The allocation includes 142 spaces for residents and 36 shared spaces for visitors and commercial patrons.
The combined parking ratio is 0.5 spaces per unit, which is lower than the current zoning requirement.
A shared rooftop amenity area will be located atop the parking structure, providing recreational and leisure space for residents of both buildings.
The amenity space is designed to enhance the livability of the complex and foster a sense of community among residents.
Several amendments to the existing zoning and official plan were necessary to facilitate the development.
The amendments have been approved to accommodate the higher density and mixed-use nature of the project:
● Permitting an increased Floor Space Ratio from the maximum of 4.0 to 7.94.
● Permitting five ground-floor townhouse-style residential units along Charles Street East, which do not meet the requirement for ground-level commercial spaces for the zoning.
● A reduced parking ratio of 0.5 spaces per unit, a reduction from the requirement of 1 space per unit for larger units and 0.165 spaces per unit for smaller units.
● A reduced visitor parking requirement to 10%, down from the required 20%.
The site’s location within a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) and its proximity to the Borden LRT station, only 500 metres away, make it ideal for a high-density, transit-oriented development.
The project is also served by Bus Route 7, which provides direct access along the King Street spine to various key destinations, including Conestoga Mall.
The development design incorporates two towers connected by a shared base.
The 24-storey tower and the 8-storey building are linked by a two-storey podium that houses the parking structure and commercial spaces.
The configuration creates a cohesive and integrated block development that maximizes land use while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly scale at street level.
The site is currently zoned as a High-Intensity Mixed Use Corridor (MU-3) with Site Specific Provision 544R.
The approved amendments retain the zoning but introduce several site-specific provisions to permit the proposed built form and density.
The site-specific provisions include adjustments to the minimum and maximum setbacks from King Street East and Charles Street East to accommodate the new building footprints and align with urban design goals.
The redevelopment is poised to revitalize a currently underutilized site, providing much-needed housing and commercial opportunities.
The mixed-use nature of the development is expected to enhance the vibrancy of the area, support local businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of Kitchener.
By activating the frontages along King Street East and Charles Street East, the project will create a dynamic urban environment that encourages pedestrian activity.
With the project now approved, the developers will proceed with detailed planning and preparation for construction.
The project represents a significant step forward in Kitchener’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable, transit-oriented development and enhance the quality of urban life.
The transformation of this key site on King Street East marks a new chapter in the city’s growth and evolution.
