The future of the former Grace Hospital site remains unclear nearly two years after a proposed $140-million mixed-use development was axed. Mayor Drew Dilkens says the city is reevaluating plans for the six-and-a-half-acre property. “It’s a big site, right? And there’s a lot of potential on the Grace site, but because it’s so big, there are a few developers who can actually handle something that size,” he said. Dilkens confirmed Fairmount Properties, the Ohio-based company that was previously involved in a proposed $140-million mixed-use development and later a legal dispute with the city, is no longer connected to the site. He says changes to the international student market altered the business case for the developer. “Obviously, the international student market dropped out at the University of Windsor, and so that had them recalibrate on their own plan,” Dilkens said. “We’re just considering what the next step would be.” He confirmed the city has been working with another developer who has significant investments in Ontario. “It’s just whether or not the market makes sense for them today because the whole floor on the international student market fell out, and ultimately they’re in business to make money. Can they make money if there’s no market there?” Dilkens said. He added that the city may seek new development proposals for the site, but council wants to proceed carefully and adjust its plans to reflect changing market conditions.
