Redevelopment of former school property into affordable housing to begin this year

Zoning amendment signs at the former St. Robert Catholic Elementary School property at 1958 Duluth Crescent in London, Ont. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

Redesigning a pair of apartment buildings proposed on Duluth Crescent has quelled neighbours’ concerns and created an opportunity for additional affordable units.

The Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) has endorsed a proposal to change the design of two apartment buildings planned for the former St. Robert Catholic Elementary School in East London.

“The original design of these blocks were calling for L-shaped buildings that were going to see a portion of the building be closer to rear yards of neighboring single-family homes,” Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis told colleagues on PEC. Lewis represents the area as its ward councillor.

Changing the shape of the buildings and moving them closer to the extension of Duluth Crescent will also permit increasing the height from four storeys to five storeys.

“That’s going to allow us to get another 20 units in the first building, which is going to be a purpose-built seniors’ building,” Lewis explained after the meeting.

When prompted by Lewis about when the redevelopment of the school property will begin, city officials indicated later this year.

The first step will be an extension of Duluth Crescent connecting to Admiral Drive.

“We have a lot of seniors in the Argyle area who are looking to downsize from their single-family homes,” Lewis added.

“This opens up an opportunity for them to do that (and) get those homes on the market for new families to buy, and yet allow the seniors to stay in the neighborhood.”

The school closed in June of 2018 and the property was subsequently sold to the city.