Two different housing developments set to be neighbours in Cambridge

Two different housing projects, each with their own separate focus, are on the way to Guelph Avenue in Cambridge, and they’re currently slated to be neighbours.

It’s set to bring upwards of 275 possible units of housing to the area, but the options available will be wide-ranging for future homebuyers with one focusing on condominiums and the other focusing on affordable housing.

The first project is a six-storey apartment building on the way to 130 Guelph Ave., located at the location of a former furniture manufacturer. Chief Planner for the City of Cambridge, Bob Bjerke, said it is currently slated to solely focus on affordable housing.

He said the developer is planning to construct the project in part through the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) through the city, which helps developments in key areas through programs and initiatives to assist in the project’s planning and financing.

“If that’s the route they choose to go, it’ll remain affordable for the long term,” said Bjerke. “If it is the way they’ve been talking about it so far, it looks like all of the units would be affordable.”

The second development is planning to be constructed in a larger area from 155 to 171 Guelph Ave. and will focus on both single and stacked condominium units.

Bjerke mentioned it remains a very intriguing property for developers as it encompasses an environmental reserve, but it doesn’t come without its complications.

“It also has a heritage element, which is an old stone tower, which is going to be disassembled and then reassembled at Jacob’s Landing. It’ll be a really interesting feature. The site will kind of wrap through there,” said Bjerke.” There’s sort of an environmental reserve there as well. I think, as everyone knows, it’s a pretty attractive site.”

He said that even though the housing projects focus on two different unit types, the two projects will mean an increase in available units for Cambridge.

“Some of the final numbers may change a bit, but we’re really talking about 270 to 275 units, somewhere in there. It’s a pretty significant increase and one of the things we’re gonna see there, what’s in the proposal, is a real range of housing types. Everything from singles all the way up to affordable apartments.”

Bjerke said it’s a very promising sign for the city, the local community, and future developers as the clear interest in affordable housing options and condominium projects shows the strength and potential for other housing units in the future.