The old Sudbury General Hospital building on Paris Street on Thursday. The building has sat vacant for 14 years since Panoramic Properties purchased it in 2010.
Panoramic Properties has long been part of the fabric of Sudbury’s rental scene. With a stronghold on hundreds of units across the city, this Niagara Falls-based company is gearing up for a significant expansion.
Their latest endeavor takes them before the planning committee, kicking off a pivotal series of public hearings. The objective? Securing rezoning and an official plan amendment for the redevelopment of 700 Paris St., the former St. Joseph Health Centre. You might recognize it by its standout feature: a vivid mural courtesy of graffiti artist RISK, an iconic piece from the Up Here festival of 2019.
Panoramic's vision for the site is nothing short of grandiose. Picture this: over 500 units, a mix of apartments, condos, and retirement home accommodations. Their proposal boasts three towers, ranging from 12 to 20 stories tall, dwarfing the current six-to-eight-story structure.
According to the report slated for presentation, the plan encompasses a blend of 109 retirement home guest rooms and 421 multiple-dwelling units. Throw in some underground parking and a sprinkle of restaurant space totaling 380 square meters, and you've got a recipe for urban revitalization.
The historical significance of the site isn't lost in the shuffle. Once home to the Sudbury General Hospital from 1950 to 2010, its strategic location at the crossroads of Paris Street and Facer Street, bordering Bell Park, adds layers of context to the redevelopment narrative.
But let's zoom in on the specifics. The retirement home segment will rise to a maximum of 12 stories, while the two adjacent towers will soar to 16 and 20 stories respectively. Each tower boasts its own unique blend of units, from cozy one-bedrooms to spacious three-bedrooms, all with private balconies.
And it's not just about living quarters. Panoramic Properties is all about community living. Picture shared amenities like sprawling indoor and outdoor spaces, a fully-equipped gym, and even a games room, all strategically spread across various levels.
Building B, the 20-story centerpiece, doesn't just stop at residential units. It's set to house a tantalizing dining experience with an indoor restaurant and a covered rooftop terrace, open to all who seek culinary delights with a view.
Meanwhile, tucked away at the northern edge, the 12-story retirement home promises a serene sanctuary with private balconies for all 109 guest rooms. Plus, there's talk of a ground-floor café, offering a cozy spot for both residents and passersby to unwind.
Parking, of course, is always a consideration. With a whopping 647 spaces planned, including both underground and surface-level options, convenience is key in this bustling urban landscape. And let's not forget the nod to sustainability with bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways weaving through landscaped greenery.
But not everyone is sold on the dream. Concerned residents have penned letters raising valid points about noise, traffic, and the overall impact on the community's character. Questions loom about the project's timeline, with fears of perpetual construction casting shadows over the tranquil Bell Park.