WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) has applied to amend zoning regulations for the property located at 150 to 152 Albert Street, Waterloo.
The university’s proposal is set to go before the city council on May 6, 2024.
The development entails repurposing the existing two-storey semi-detached dwelling into a grad house, facilitating office, academic, and ancillary uses associated with WLU.
The endeavour necessitates changes to the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law, which are subject to review by city planners, relevant agencies, and the city council prior to project commencement.
Situated at the southeast corner of Albert Street and Bricker Avenue, the property spans approximately 743 square metres within the MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District.
Currently, it features a semi-detached building, constituting a portion of the district characterized by its low-density residential designation.
In the short term, WLU plans to utilize the existing structure for residential purposes, with subsequent long-term intentions of converting it into a grad house.
The envisioned grad house will encompass academic spaces, including offices and meeting rooms for graduate students, as well as social spaces intended for informal use and occasional small gatherings celebrating academic milestones.
The proposed modifications include interior renovations to accommodate the intended functions, with the ground floor designated for a social space featuring a lounge area and a small kitchenette. However, food or drink preparation onsite will be prohibited.
The second floor will house meeting rooms, additional lounge areas, and an accessory office.
Exterior enhancements such as landscaping and the creation of a patio, rear exterior staircase, and accessible walkways are also part of the plan.
Parking provisions constitute a notable aspect of the proposal, with the university seeking a reduction in the parking requirement from three spaces to one.
Furthermore, zoning amendments entail changes from the existing regulations, including adjustments to minimum setback distances and the allowance of university/college uses within the Residential Conservation One (RC1) zone.
The project aligns with the Official Plan Amendment No.38 and Zoning By-law Amendment Z-22-09.
The Applicant is seeking the following policy and zoning amendments:
● Amend the City’s Official Plan (OPA 38) and apply a Specific Provision Area to the Site to permit university academic uses within the existing building.
● Identify the Site as a “Potential University Use Area.”
● Permit University/College uses.
● Permit a minimum rear yard setback of 10 metres is proposed, whereas an 11.85 metre rear yard setback is required.
● Permit a minimum interior side yard setback of 2.9 metres, whereas 4.23 metres is required.
● Permit a reduced parking requirement of 1 parking space, whereas four spaces are required. Additionally, a Specific Provision Area (SPA) is proposed to permit university academic activities within the existing building, encompassing policies tailored to the project’s objectives.
While the proposal seeks to address the evolving needs of WLU, it remains contingent upon regulatory approvals and community feedback.
The development signifies a strategic endeavour by the university to repurpose existing infrastructure, catering to academic and social requirements while respecting heritage conservation guidelines.
In conclusion, the proposed transformation of 150-152 Albert Street into a grad house reflects WLU’s commitment to innovation and adaptive reuse, positioning the institution as a proactive steward of urban development within the Waterloo community.
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