City council has given the green light to a 3.5-storey student apartment building on Riverside Drive, despite initial administration rejection due to concerns over density and inadequate parking spaces. The 46-unit building, situated near Atkinson Park, will exclusively offer compact one-bedroom apartments under 400 square feet. Property owner Marco Agbaba disclosed that the fully furnished units will be available for rent at less than $1,500 per month, inclusive of utilities.
Approval of the project necessitated council to endorse a deviation from established regulations to maintain consistency along Riverside Drive near the University of Windsor. Councilor Jim Morrison acknowledged the challenges of granting numerous exemptions for the building. City planner Neil Robertson expressed reservations, deeming it an “over intensification” due to the multitude of exemptions required from existing city planning documents for the area.
Despite the administration’s recommendation to oppose the development, the majority of council members voted in favor of the proposal, citing its perceived benefits for the city. Agbaba, the owner of Agbaba Holdings Inc., anticipates commencing construction on the $20 million project in September, with completion targeted for 2027. Agbaba highlighted the overwhelming support received from neighbors, as evidenced by the letters of endorsement submitted with the council documents.
While concerns were raised about potential deviations from the approved plans, Agbaba assured that the building would not exceed the agreed-upon specifications due to cost considerations. Councilor Fred Francis expressed reservations about the possibility of non-students occupying the premises, emphasizing the need to uphold the intended purpose of student housing. Despite some opposition from council members, the project’s approval signals the beginning of a potential transformation along the south side of Riverside Drive, with Mayor Drew Dilkens advocating for a strategic and thoughtful approach to future developments in the area.