Neighbours concerned by redevelopment plan for Exchange District building

A plan to redevelop a building in the Exchange District is receiving pushback from some residents. Michelle Gerwing has more.

A building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District may soon be transformed into apartments and updated retail space.

The plan for the old Sanford Building and Maw’s Garage, located at 291 Bannatyne Avenue, is still in the early stages. However, neighbours are voicing concerns about the redevelopment plan, saying it doesn’t fit with the area’s historic feel.

“Putting a 10-storey building on a one-storey heritage building is not only hiding the heritage building but destroying it,” said Exchange District resident John Giavedoni.

Preliminary concept drawings in a heritage permit application to the city show a nine-storey, 114 residential unit addition to the property.

Earlier this month, it was approved by the planning, property and development department -- despite the city’s historical buildings and resources committee recommending against the project.

The City of Winnipeg confirmed they approved the permit and that they don’t always take the committee’s advice.

Developer Ryan Ridge with Ridgix Building Solutions Inc. said he wants the project to be something the area embraces.

“I want to develop and make Winnipeg an even better place than what I am already proud of,” Ridge said.

When it comes to height concerns, Ridge said the proposed building is 109 feet, while it’s neighbour, the Travellers Building, is not much shorter at 93 feet tall.

“The Fairchild, which is the next neighbouring building, is 85 feet, so we’re not towering at all. We are well within scale,” he said.

Adrian Schulz, president of Imperial Properties which is a part owner of the Travellers Building, said his concerns aren’t with the height or design but with the potential impacts to his building’s stone foundation.

“We don’t want to lose 100 years of history to a new development. Whilst we are in full support of such developments, as long as what we have remains protected,” Schulz said.

Giavedoni doesn’t want to kill the project but instead bring it more in-line with the existing buildings

“We would like a look that fits in,” he said.

“Doesn’t have to look old. you can’t make a new building look old but fit in and be complementary to the historic aspect of the area and the way the plans are now.”

Giavedoni said he is coordinating like-minded neighbours to file an appeal, but it will cost each person $955 - and that may be a deterrent.

The city said the design and construction stages will still need to be reviewed and approved.