Massive SoHo complex planned

K85 · #1 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 8:14 PM**

London's old SoHo neighbourhood could soon be rejuvenated with the construction of a new $200-million residential-medical complex on the banks of Thames River.

SoHo Wellington Centre well be built by London-based Fincore Canada and will be focused on a 120,000-square-foot medical centre, combining alternative and traditional medicine.

"It will be one of the biggest anti-aging and rejuvenation centres in North America," said Fincore CEO Loredana Onesan, who said the centre will draw clients from across the continent.

The complex will be located on largely vacant land on South Street, just east of Wellington Street.

She said the medical centre will draw specialists in naturopathy, genetic, nutrition and plastic surgery. It will also be the new home of ID Labs Biotechnology, now located in the University of Western Ontario Research Park.

The medical centre will be run by Onesan's husband, Dr. Blake Bowler.

The total project will be over 1.4 million square feet, including a respite care centre for patients and two residential towers with about 200-300 units each, with some units geared for seniors.

"The doctors coming on board have a high-end clientele so we have to offer five-star accommodation."

There will also be retail and restaurant space at street level.

"We want to make a European style development with cafes and shop entrance that are oriented to the community.

Onesan said the whole project will be powered with green energy and have other environmentally-friendly features.

"It's a lifestyle that we are launching. It won't be just for retirees but for everyone."

Fincore was founded in 2005 and specializes in retirement residences and medical walk-in clinics. The company has just finished a project in Lucan and has others in development in Grand Bend, Cambridge and Barrie.

The Fincore development is adjacent to the South Street hospital site which is slated for closure and demolition. City officials have proposed a residential-commercial redevelopment of the site to take advantage of the riverside location.

Onesan said the site was chosen because of its riverfront location and because of the company's commitment to core of the city.

"We really want to do something for London. This area has huge potential but somehow has to start and put a shovel in the ground."

The project will require a rezoning before it can proceed and the company hopes to begin construction later this year.

MrSlippery519 · #2 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 8:35 PM**

Wow seems as I thought this project was already well underway. I hope by saying "construction starting next year" that means the actual building process not demo and site prep and what not?

Either way this sounds great

K85 · #3 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 8:47 PM**

If this gets built, this area is gonna be huge...
Not to mention the property values of the homes will skyrocket!

MrSlippery519 · #4 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 9:00 PM**

No question, it's a huge step in the right direction for that area and honestly London in general.

bolognium · #5 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 10:18 PM**

"The project will require a rezoning before it can proceed and the company hopes to begin construction later this year."

That's insane. Never thought we'd be seeing this type of development happening in SoHo so soon.

It's going to be real fun watching SoHo and Old East jockey for most vibrant, urban near-downtown neighbourhood. Both have their own large projects and commercial strips. Very exciting times ahead for downtown, Old East and SoHo.

Simpseatles · #6 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 10:30 PM**

What the heck! This sounds way to good to be true! I really hope this project goes ahead though, sounds like a fantastic thing to have on the banks of the river, right here in London. Lets hope that if these neighbourhoods surrounding downtown (SoHo, Old East) improve, they help downtown as well.

The buildings look astounding too. Top quality design.

QuantumLeap · #7 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 10:36 PM**

Where the heck did this come from?

That_Chris · #8 Posted **Jan 11, 2012, 11:32 PM**

When they say "Hope to start construction later this year" do they mean, "as opposed to early next year", or as in "opposed to not at all" Is this a for serious, actually going to happen happening? I'm trying not to get too excited.

MrSlippery519 · #9 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 12:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by That_Chris

When they say "Hope to start construction later this year" do they mean, "as opposed to early next year", or as in "opposed to not at all" Is this a for serious, actually going to happen happening? I'm trying not to get too excited.

That was my question, am hoping demo and site prep starts in the spring so that actual "construction" can start early next year. If that is the goal I cant wait. That area is in desperate need of something like this.

haljackey · #10 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 1:46 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuantumLeap

Where the heck did this come from?

Seconded.

MolsonExport · #11 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 2:02 AM**

Tossed into the "I will believe it when I see it" bin.

Snark · #12 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 2:11 AM**

I struggle to see how a (very) small 2-year old financial planning and investment house headed by a Romanian with a doctorate in French literature can plan, finance, project manage, and operate a $200M urban development.

http://www.fincoresolutions.com/

http://www.fincoresolutions.com/site...e-combined.pdf

Taking a look at their website, I'm not sure what it is specifically that they do, beyond the vague labels of financial advisers who "who apply energy, purpose and intent to help bring your big thoughts into reality". Lastly, I'd just be suspicious of anyone who prominently quotes Deepak Chopra on their business website.

Unless she has big silent partners and is only acting as a spokesperson for a partnership with much more depth than just her company, I can't imagine this happening.

K85 · #13 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 4:04 AM**

Can't we just dream? Please?

Wharn · #14 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 5:30 AM**

The worst dreams are the ones that are so plausible, so realistic and had you so convinced the entire thing was real, only to let you down when you finally wake up.

I've had my fill of those, and I'll be waiting on this. We all know what happened with 1 Riverside Drive in Windsor.

go_leafs_go02 · #15 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 5:38 AM**

Great concept, and actually hard to believe this could be built in London - which doesn't see too many huge developments since the recession began several years ago.

Great location, and let's hope that area in SoHo slowly gets infilled and revitalized to create a great entry from Highway 401 up to downtown London

haljackey · #16 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 5:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by go_leafs_go02

Great concept, and actually hard to believe this could be built in London - which doesn't see too many huge developments since the recession began several years ago.

Great location, and let's hope that area in SoHo slowly gets infilled and revitalized to create a great entry from Highway 401 up to downtown London

There's plans to 6-lane Wellington Road from Highway 401 to Baseline Road. In the downtown vision a few months back there is a new cable-style bridge for the Wellington Street bridge crossing the Thames River.

If Wellington Road/Street can somehow be 6-lanes all the way from the 401 to downtown (to the CN underpass) that would be a great gateway for London. Adding a nice median with trees and flowers would be a huge plus too.
-It's do-able, but will require some property acquisition between Baseline and the Thames River.

drjohnnyfever · #17 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 5:43 PM**

Quote:

It's going to be real fun watching SoHo and Old East jockey for most vibrant, urban near-downtown neighbourhood. Both have their own large projects and commercial strips. Very exciting times ahead for downtown, Old East and SoHo.

I didn't know that SoHo had a commercial strip. Honestly, the area confuses me a bit when it comes to what's defined as "SoHo".

Can someone explain the assumed boundaries (other than just saying 'south of Horton')?

go_leafs_go02 · #18 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 8:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by haljackey

There's plans to 6-lane Wellington Road from Highway 401 to Baseline Road. In the downtown vision a few months back there is a new cable-style bridge for the Wellington Street bridge crossing the Thames River.

If Wellington Road/Street can somehow be 6-lanes all the way from the 401 to downtown (to the CN underpass) that would be a great gateway for London. Adding a nice median with trees and flowers would be a huge plus too.
-It's do-able, but will require some property acquisition between Baseline and the Thames River.

Here's a little concept. Realign Wellington Road to get rid of those sharp corners.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msid=2...009562,0.01929

it does include significant property acquisition.

K85 · #19 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 9:36 PM**

Doubt either of those will happen, ever... too many residents will lose their shit if it does.

go_leafs_go02 · #20 Posted **Jan 12, 2012, 9:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by K85

Doubt either of those will happen, ever... too many residents will lose their shit if it does.

Property impacts appear to be almost the same if you imagine doubling the ROW width of the existing Wellington Road.

About 30 properties would be impacted and have to be sold in order to have Wellington Road take over Beverly Street and be designed as a 6 lane, with bike lanes, sidewalks, boulevards which would likely take 35-37m in right-of-way space.

I doubt it will happen either, just a concept I thought of - never liked that section of Wellington either...