The Seasons of Tuxedo and Seasons in Tuxedo area has been non-stop construction for more than a decade. IKEA has been up since 2011 years and the area on both sides of Sterling Lyon have been transformed. From zero population back then as industrial land, it now has thousands living and working there every day.
Krispy Kreme and Arby's are but the latest additions as the last spots fill up in and around the Outlets of Seasons mall. In a spot across the street from Frankie's are zoning approvals going forward at 457 Sterling Lyon for two 7 storey apartment buildings with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. Three bedrooms in Canada is the unicorn of multi-family dwellings.
The Seasons district 13 years ago was the former CN Intermodal site but now it is an example of infill mixed development. The site at 457 Sterling Lyon is one of the last sections large enough for apartments to go. The other apartments in the development have filled fast. It is a testament to the idea that mixed developments are the right direction as they were in the past. The Courts of St. James and the Holiday Towers are among a few long term examples of mixed developments succeeding for decades. However, they fell out of fashion for many year and some places, especially downtown have no balance between residential, office and retail.
The new apartments will be walking distance to any of the amenities one might expect in any neighbourhood. The Red River Co-Op grocery store and a few pharmacies have the basics covered. However, there also doctor, dentist and vet offices within walking distance and a bus terminus is located right by the mall. A sidewalk on the south side of Sterling Lyon is sadly lacking though.
Winnipeg is still need of many apartments for its growing population, rising rents and low vacancies. As has been said many times now, the affordable housing of 20 years from now is being built now. And the only way to lower rents today is to build capacity in the system. The Seasons site is fortunate to not have to face opposition from residents like so many other areas do. Since it was industrial before, the developer has been able to get quicker approvals. Polo Park and the surrounding area have been trying to get approvals for housing for more than a decade and the wait continues. There is no doubt that people would move to and live in the area if the option was there. Undoubtedly, many other shopping areas of the city will see apartments go up as the surface parking lots take up a lot of space.
These apartments being built at Seasons will have some underground parking as well. Many apartments have storage for bikes as well since the Harte Trail is so close and people are using for quick commutes and recreation. Still, the attraction of such apartments is how walkable everything is. It likely takes longer to get your car than it does to walk to the store.
Look for these apartment to go up some time around 2025.
No comments:
Post a Comment