Eight new buildings, seven ranging from 3-to-5-storeys and a single 10-storey building in the centre.
That is BMI Group’s vision for the seven acre Krug Factory redevelopment looks like, according to Hanna Domagala, the group’s Director of Land Development and Design.
Domogala said having the 10-storey structure at the centre of the block significantly minimizes impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood. The new structures will be covering just over 40 percent of the property, she said, with more than 3.5 acres dedicated to a large central lawn, a separate parkette and numerous other individual open spaces.
As the Public meeting for the Krug Factory redevelopment’s Zoning change approaches, Domogala responded to some of the concerns community watchdog and environmental group Get Concerned Stratford plan to raise.
One of those concerns was about the environmental impact of the BMI Group’s new build, dubbed Builder’s Block. Domogala called the group’s plan to repurpose an existing and vacant building “one of the best solutions to help the environment”. “...it not only decreases the huge amount of landfill material which would result from its demolition but also lessens the amount of carbon-intense construction materials needed to rebuild a structure in its place,” she added.
Within the development itself, Domogala said the group is incorporating innovative and environment-friendly solutions such as stormwater management through landscape, water-efficient fixtures, on-demand utilities and extensive landscaping.
According to Get Concerned Stratford’s June newsletter, affordability and the loss of community due to an influx of Air BnBs are top of mind when it comes to plans the BMI Group has laid out. To that end, Domogala said by building at a larger scale, the group is utilizing economy of scale to control unit prices.
“By offering a variety of unit sizes and types, clients will be able to choose their home based on their needs and abilities. To support the community, we are investigating numerous funding options and speaking to housing providers to be the first in Stratford to include affordable units (per CMHC’s definition) allowing those priced out of the market to live here as well,” she said.
As for the issue of short term rentals taking away from the sense of community, Domogala said as per Stratford’s zoning bylaw that does not allow short term rentals at this property, the group never planned and will not be allowing them at the property.
When it comes to parking, she said the plan is to have spaces unbundled from units, reflecting different lifestyles and needs.
“A professional traffic and parking study analyzed the need of similar, multi-unit properties and current trends for urban locations served directly by public transit such as the Builders Block. Building for people where they can have their day-to-day needs met within a 10-minute walk on a site like this one also helps reduce the need for commuting,” Domogala added.
In an effort to support multi-modal transportation options, she said BMI Group plans to provide ample bicycle and scooter parking as well as spaces for car sharing programs.
The public meeting is set for Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
