40-storey tower proposed in Preston would be the tallest in Cambridge
Posted Apr 17, 2026 04:53:43 AM.
Last Updated Apr 17, 2026 10:33:02 AM.
An application is coming to Cambridge council that could see the tallest building in the municipality be built right in the heart of Preston.
The application, submitted to the City of Cambridge in March, is proposing to build a 40-storey tower on King Street East at the site of the former Argyle Arms pub.
If approved, the build would bring 475 residential units and some commercial space at the base of the building.
“Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the proposed development is forecast to have a negligible impact on traffic operations at the four intersections surrounding the site,” reads a traffic study in the proposal.
The developer is looking to amend the zoning for the lot and the official community plan to accommodate a taller building than what’s currently allowed.
In the build-up to this proposal, Cambridge council decided not to apply a heritage designation to one of the buildings on King Street East that would need to be demolished to make way for the tower, the home of the former Argyle Arms pub at 210 King St. E.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett noted that council and staff had “no idea that an application was coming in” in relation to the heritage designation vote.
“These heritage buildings are part of our culture and part of our past,” said Cambridge Councillor Adam Cooper on the Mike Farwell Show.
Cooper believes that Cambridge has an opportunity to use its heritage to boost the economy through tourism, pointing to cities like Niagara-on-the-Lake and Elora, which allegedly make it a point to preserve their heritage elements.
“They’ve become powerful drivers of tourism, local business growth, and civic pride. It’s not a hindrance; it can be a cornerstone of what those cities are,” added Cooper.
There will be a chance for the public to let council know what they think about this application at a meeting on May 5.
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