A proposal to add two seven-storey buildings to a privately-run student housing project is set to take a step forward next week, as city officials host a public meeting to gather community feedback.
If ultimately approved as-is, the renovated, former Holiday Inn property at 601 Scottsdale Dr. will see the addition of two seven-storey structures connected by a single-storey amenity area, containing 489 units with 589 beds.
“The residential units will be geared towards housing students enrolled with the University of Guelph,” states a staff report to council.
The roughly 2.2-hectare site sits on the corner of Stone Road West and Scottsdale drive, directly across from Stone Road Mall.
In order for the proposal to move ahead, an amendment to the city’s official plan is being sought to increase the permissible density, as well as numerous zoning bylaw amendments. Among them are reduced setbacks, lessen parking requirements and decreased buffer strips.
Known as ‘Alma,’ the former hotel building currently offers 164 student housing units with 177 beds.
When combined with the proposal for new structures, the site will allow for 653 units collectively, with 764 beds and 191 parking spaces, including five for electric vehicles.
The public meeting will be held during city council’s monthly planning session, which begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at city hall and broadcast live at guelph.ca/live.
