A Toronto investor is moving forward with his plans to redevelop properties on Chatham St. in downtown Windsor after a meeting with the mayor.
Henry Tam admits he was beginning to think Windsor was "anti-business" after hitting roadblocks with the city's planning department.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says based on the original plan submitted to the city the development would have needed more documentation.
"We were able to unpack the issues and really resolve and come to an agreement on a path forward that I think will be very positive for Mr. Tam hopefully and of course for the city of Windsor through the revitalization of its downtown core," says Dilkens.
Tam says he's happy with the resolution and is ready to move forward.
"They are 100% supportive of me doing a facelift on the building and all I need is the outside drawing, what kind of material I'll use and then we can start working," says Tam.
The plans include a revamp of the former Loop building to a market place and food court aimed at giving students a place to study and eat while downtown.
"They do homework, but they have no where to go downtown. So this is the place to go 5,000 to 6,000 sq ft they can fill it up all they want," says Tam.
He'd like to have the facelift complete and tenants in place within the next six to nine months. Tam expects to have around five to six tenants selling food, beverages and other items as well as open seating. He says he will equip the space with plenty of plugs and the best wi-fi available.
Tam also owns two other buildings on Chatham St. that he'd like to make into residential lofts and restaurants.
