City staff is urging council to approve conversion of the former Holiday Inn to a student residence, coming out in support of requested zoning amendments needed for the project to move ahead.
The proposal from FEP Real Estate Development Ltd., which leases the property at 601 Scottsdale Dr. from the University of Guelph, would see the former hotel undergo a series of internal renovations, as well as some facade and surface parking work in order for it to become a student residence featuring 151 rooms and 13 two-bedroom apartment units with 177 collective beds.
The apartment units are to include their own kitchen and living room area.
City staff’s report and recommendation will be formally presented to council for consideration on April 11, during a meeting set to begin at 6:30 p.m. It will be streamed live at guelph.ca/live and is open for in-person public attendance.
Requested, specialized zoning amendments include increased maximum density of 150 units per hectare, a minimum parking ratio of one space and 0.1 visitor spaces per unit and that a minimum common amenity area of 1,300 square metres be allowed.
No public concerns about the plan were raised during a December public meeting, with no one from the public stepping forward to speak on the issue. However, council received letters of support from the university, McElderry Community Group and Old University Neighbourhood Residents' Association.
As outlined in the report headed to council, the property generated $127,469 in property tax for the city. FEP Real Estate Development has applied for an exemption to property taxation, given the building’s operation would be to the “sole benefit” of the university, which is exempt from property taxes.
