Massive SoHo complex planned

[bolognium]

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.

I'd be completely fine with a 6-lane highway up until Baseline. I think I'd even be okay with the highway extending up to the Thames. However, I'd hate to see it head up until the the CN overpass. If SoHo really does rebound and that commercial corridor starts to pick up, its urban form will totally suck if it's centred around a busy 6-lane highway. It's already near impossible to cross the current Wellington between downtown and the Thames. Right now there are only two traffic lights and in reality there needs to be more. If anything Wellington should probably be calmed a tad between Horton and the Thames. I think a really nice, vibrant strip of retail there is a much better gateway to downtown than a highway which gets people to the core two minutes faster.

Personally I'd much rather see a design where Wellington breaks off at that jog around Alexandra and connects to Colborne across the river. Aside from Colborne's level rail crossings, this will actually help people get to Oxford faster. And of course it would cut down on traffic on Wellington so there wouldn't be one obscenely busy road cutting SoHo in half. Plus way less expropriation needed.

[londoner_abroad]

Originally Posted by go_leafs_go02

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.

Unfortunately I don't see your concept as too realistic due to the significant change in grades between Watson St. and Weston St. you would have to build up the grade and acquire many properties then if it was flat.

[londoner_abroad]

Originally Posted by drjohnnyfever

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')?

The Official boundaries of SoHo, as per City Hall, are:
- The tracks (between York St and Hamilton to the North
- The Thames River to the West and South
- Adelaide Street to the East

Check out a map here

[MrSlippery519]

Originally Posted by bolognium

I'd be completely fine with a 6-lane highway up until Baseline. I think I'd even be okay with the highway extending up to the Thames. However, I'd hate to see it head up until the the CN overpass. If SoHo really does rebound and that commercial corridor starts to pick up, its urban form will totally suck if it's centred around a busy 6-lane highway. It's already near impossible to cross the current Wellington between downtown and the Thames. Right now there are only two traffic lights and in reality there needs to be more. If anything Wellington should probably be calmed a tad between Horton and the Thames. I think a really nice, vibrant strip of retail there is a much better gateway to downtown than a highway which gets people to the core two minutes faster.

Personally I'd much rather see a design where Wellington breaks off at that jog around Alexandra and connects to Colborne across the river. Aside from Colborne's level rail crossings, this will actually help people get to Oxford faster. And of course it would cut down on traffic on Wellington so there wouldn't be one obscenely busy road cutting SoHo in half. Plus way less expropriation needed.

I think this is actually the most realistic at the moment, 6 lanes to Baseline would not require a huge amount of work compared to the acquisitions and what not beyond that. It could also be done sooner than later without the needed planning for taking over businesses.

In regards to people asking how realistic this is...it's hard to say at the moment. However they do seem to have a lot of detailed information for something that's just a pipe dream or fluff to make the Mayor look good. I really think this or something close to this is going to happen...however step one lets see how the demo goes. A co-worker of mine claimed they saw this on the news and they said they wanted "shovels in the ground this year" assuming that means demo and site prep?

[drjohnnyfever]

Originally Posted by londoner_abroad

The Official boundaries of SoHo, as per City Hall, are:
- The tracks (between York St and Hamilton to the North
- The Thames River to the West and South
- Adelaide Street to the East

Check out a map here

Thanks. That really helps.

So what's considered the commercial "strip"? The businesses on Horton, or is there a strip somewhere on the interior streets that I've just never come across. I ask only because if there really was a business area that I didn't know about, I'd be excited about exploring it

I know some people that live in London and have no idea Wortley Village exists. It just blows my mind that if something isn't on a major thoroughfare then it doesn't exist to some.

[londoner_abroad]

Originally Posted by drjohnnyfever

Thanks. That really helps.

So what's considered the commercial "strip"? The businesses on Horton, or is there a strip somewhere on the interior streets that I've just never come across. I ask only because if there really was a business area that I didn't know about, I'd be excited about exploring it

I know some people that live in London and have no idea Wortley Village exists. It just blows my mind that if something isn't on a major thoroughfare then it doesn't exist to some.

The commercial strip(s) would be Wellington from the river to the Downtown and Horton/Hamilton Road from Richmond to Adelaide. Nothing too exciting to see along these as of yet.. but once the area starts to improve I would imagine these would see some significant comercial investment. If you are interested in the area check out the SoHo Community Improvement Plan- its a document that outlines potential projects as well as incentives for the area. This document can be found here

[Pimpmasterdac]

Originally Posted by go_leafs_go02

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...

London HAD plans for exactly this in the 1980s, a 6 lane median divided boulevard for Wellington (w/o bike lanes, no one biked in the 1980s apparently ) that called for mass expropriations from the Thames to Baseline. There's even designs for this, which I stumbled upon @ UWO last year.

I live in the area and I think it would be fine. The houses on Wellington in those areas IMO are quite undesirable, with about 10 feet in front of a noisy busy road and most them run down looking. The main issue I'd see would the churches and some business owners. But the city at this point is broke, can't even afford to fix existing roads, or widen overburden ones let alone begin an ambitious project like that.

I do wish this SoHo project gets going, sounds like it would be a step in the right direction. However I think the areas sorta screwed, there's been numerous shoots in the area, reestablishment of Hells Angel's club in there substantial drug dealing occurring and doesn't help with the Sally Anne hotel in the area too. A good step but one that doesn't address the problems that currently make it an undesirable area.

[go_leafs_go02]

Originally Posted by bolognium

Personally I'd much rather see a design where Wellington breaks off at that jog around Alexandra and connects to Colborne across the river. Aside from Colborne's level rail crossings, this will actually help people get to Oxford faster. And of course it would cut down on traffic on Wellington so there wouldn't be one obscenely busy road cutting SoHo in half. Plus way less expropriation needed.

Something like the red line on my map?

http://g.co/maps/kytua

[manny_santos]

Originally Posted by Pimpmasterdac

London HAD plans for exactly this in the 1980s, a 6 lane median divided boulevard for Wellington (w/o bike lanes, no one biked in the 1980s apparently ) that called for mass expropriations from the Thames to Baseline. There's even designs for this, which I stumbled upon @ UWO last year.

And yet the Guy Lombardo Bridge and the Wonderland Road diversion south of Springbank, which all opened circa 1978, had bike lanes. It was a pretty big deal at the time, from what I've read.

[bolognium]

Pimpmaster, I don't quite think SoHo deserves the stigma that it has. I have friends that live in the neighbourhood and have gone for dozens of walks at all hours. Never once have I felt unsafe or threatened. This area's biggest problem is lack of people. Whatever undesirable activities that do happen within the boundaries of SoHo often happen due to lack of eyes on the street. A major infusion of new residents will dilute the problem crowd and make the area safer. Couple that with a revitalized downtown and improved connections to the core, and I think it'd be almost impossible for SoHo not to gentrify.

Anyhow, I found this Youtube clip from last month. No new info, but it does have a couple different views of the proposal.

• Video Link

[Chadillaccc]

Hopefully it happens, that would be huge for London's development into a noticeable metropolitan centre and also for staying relevant in the midst of the rise of the Waterloo Region. After construction it could also spur new discussion about an LRT line as this will probably house several thousand people. A connection between Victoria Hospital, Soho and downtown. Then possibly another line going down Dundas. That would be wicked!

[Pimpmasterdac]

Originally Posted by bolognium

Pimpmaster, I don't quite think SoHo deserves the stigma that it has. I have friends that live in the neighbourhood and have gone for dozens of walks at all hours. Never once have I felt unsafe or threatened. This area's biggest problem is lack of people. Whatever undesirable activities that do happen within the boundaries of SoHo often happen due to lack of eyes on the street. A major infusion of new residents will dilute the problem crowd and make the area safer. Couple that with a revitalized downtown and improved connections to the core, and I think it'd be almost impossible for SoHo not to gentrify.

I've had great times in the area too, with plenty of friends who live there and family that worked in the area. Just my personal experience I've known a person who was shot dead there in October, Hells Angels shooting there, along with the numerous drugs and prostitution in the area. I don't think its a lack of eyes, I've seen cop cars paroling the area like a demilitarized zone, and even been approached by cops about illegal activities occurring in the area. I just think the cards are stacked against it with criminal elements that are currently present in the area.

I'm not trying to slam the area, redevelopment of South street hospital would help a ton and give people a reason to WANT to go/live in SoHo area! Perhaps that would work, raise property values and get more desirable residents in there. On the banks of the Thames, very close to downtown it has a lot of potential if the plans are well thought and implemented

[MrSlippery519]

Originally Posted by Pimpmasterdac

I'm not trying to slam the area, redevelopment of South street hospital would help a ton and give people a reason to WANT to go/live in SoHo area! Perhaps that would work, raise property values and get more desirable residents in there. On the banks of the Thames, very close to downtown it has a lot of potential if the plans are well thought and implemented

I think your opinion is pretty fair...the area is not great and this development would be a huge step in the right direction.

[Coleraine]

I posted on one of the other threads before finding this one and was curious about any updates. As a long time resident of Soho and one that will be directly impacted by this particular development I am completely unimpressed with both Finecore and the development in particular. Nobody has any information, City Hall is not responding to requests for information, talk is that this development is in the planning stages but they haven't spoken or been present at any of the community meetings or information sessions. If there were no residences along South Street this might not be a bad idea but there are residences and many of us have made our homes here for many years and are just not feeling this development it is not well received.

[haljackey]

Ohohoh new info and it's good!

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2.../19861021.html

Cool rendering too... if someone can find a full res photo a drawing could be made.

[That_Chris]

I'm still not holding my breath on this whole thing. Does anyone else get the feeling like this is some elaborate scam to change the zoning, get the land and then... I don't know... do something dastardly for profit?

Why is it so hard to find any info about a company that can supposedly build a 300 million dollar medical complex in London Ontario? Someone please point me to something that puts to rest my fears that this whole thing isn't legit.

[cbyrne2014]

Originally Posted by That_Chris

I'm still not holding my breath on this whole thing. Does anyone else get the feeling like this is some elaborate scam to change the zoning, get the land and then... I don't know... do something dastardly for profit?

Why is it so hard to find any info about a company that can supposedly build a 300 million dollar medical complex in London Ontario? Someone please point me to something that puts to rest my fears that this whole thing isn't legit.

Can read more about the company here: http://fincoreconsulting.com/past-pr...uture-projects

If this project does proceed as planned, it is an investment unprecedented during my six years in London. No public funds involved and it is a whole lot more than a residential development.

Some info dating back to January from the Fincore press release:

SoHoWellington Centre - Fincore Canada

For Immediate Release January 11, 2012

London, ON -- SoHo Wellington Centre is a new development complex slated to break ground in 2012. Located in the downtown gateway of Wellington and South streets, the SoHo Wellington Centre is a building complex that will create a newly defined SoHo District and lifestyle. The focal point of this new complex is a state-of-the-art Anti-Aging & Rejuvenation Facility combining both traditional and alternative medical treatments and procedures. This Centre will be a destination for national and international clientele who seek world-class medical facilities and treatment. The 120,000 sq. ft. facility and clinic will house specialists from a multitude of disciplines and will include labs and research facilities. For example, this clinic will include leading specialists in naturopathy, plastic surgery, genetics, diet/nutrition, as well as various other fields.

SoHo Wellington Centre will also feature 5-Star respite care accommodations in a luxurious condo tower overlooking the picturesque Thames River; approximately 500 market-rate condos and rental apartments, as well as mature living condos which will focus on fulfilling the changing care and lifestyle needs of senior citizens. Both the residential and medical luxury living accommodations are complemented by high end street-level retail shops and restaurants.

The overall design and physical attributes of the SoHo Wellington Centre incorporate elements of alternative green energy and sustainability. For example, the parking structure at SoHo Wellington Centre is camouflaged by a community park and green space. The layout of SoHo Wellington Centre is designed to maximize the attributes of the Thames River in addition to optimizing aesthetics with the use of significant open space between the built form and the existing natural setting.

The Thames River vista features a riverfront promenade, community gathering spaces and a complete improvement of the Wellington Valley Parklands. The South Street frontage is characterized by a participatory metropolitan streetscape created by widened sidewalks, landscaping, signage and other pedestrian-oriented features such as cafes and retail uses.

Fincore Canada looks forward to speaking with the SoHo community about this project as well as working alongside City of London staff and council to ensure that SoHo Wellington Centre is a signature project that meets London’s future objectives.

This project will not only re-emphasize London, Ontario as a global leader in cutting-edge medical technologies and advancements, it also aims to create over 2,000 new jobs and will increase tourism to the city. The SoHo Wellington Centre is the first integrated private medical and urban development project in the City of London, and it is designed to meet the demands of a growing retiree population. Statistics show that by the end of this decade, seniors will account for more than 50% of London’s overall population.

London is really starting to define itself as a leader in all realms of health and wellness.

[Coleraine]

Fincore has purchased the majority of the properties on the south side of South street for this development (for next to nothing) and they are beginning to purchase properties on the North side of the street. There are a few lots left to be purchased on the south side at Waterloo and South and apparently those are in negotiation. Fincore has said to the community the street will need to be widened to 4 lanes and they have applied for zoning BEFORE they have even purchased the land...these are some notes from the meeting.

• The Amenities are to be public with green areas
• to set a precedent for infill projects and redevelopment of South St. Hospital
• Holabird and Root is their architecture firm of choice
• the entire building is to be 1.35 MILLION SQUARE FEET
• 26 story towers, with a 7 foot building joining the two up front and 19 story condos toward the river side so still in front of our properties,but not UP at South St. 165 units and 237,600 sqft)
• underground parking to accommodate 1076 parking spaces
• European style building
• with retail shops,
• is to integrate green construction techniques
• $300 MILLION dollar budget- just for construction- does not take into account technology for the building, supplies, decoration, landscaping etc...
• 30-36 month construction with 910-1100 jobs (temporary of course)
• Employee income of $44-52 million
• $8.5-$9 million in tax revenue for the city
• 975 permanent jobs in the buildings
• Residentially will boost population in central London
• **35 town homes
• **26 story tower- 105 condos 23 pent house condos
• 18 story towers-150 Sr condos at the back of the building towards the river.
• Dr Bowler is to run the wellness centre.

originally city said all decisions were to be made in SEPT by this committee, but Polhill motioned to expedite this process for Fincore, so they did...and re-zoning is being pushed forward this week.


Fincore states they have all the investors required and that the medical component is fully leased. They have built a small complex in Lucan that is still not finished and is currently up for sale for $15 million in the real estate listings.

The PROBLEM is that no one believes they have the money to do this and althought the City claims that this will be a transparent and open process there is real doubt as to whether or not that will be the case. Fincore has to date not acted particularly well when it comes to that land and has been testing without City permission to do so. They were given a cease and desist letter to stop testing (it was too late though they had already finished).

No one is against the development of South street BUT there are still people that live across the road from this development and that is not being taken into account. These are families and individuals who have lived here for over 50 years and they will have to put up with 3 years of construction, huge increases in traffic all whilst looking forward to living across the road from a building or buildings that appears to be more Jetsons than heritage district.

[BIGGUY2891]

Here is a quote from one of the earlier articles about this development:

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

With the secured private investment and the lack of available information, it sounds like a facility for A-List celebrities going under the knife to look younger.

That's just a thought, but if it were true, some celebrities probably come with assistants/staff. It could result in a lot of cash coming into the community through accommodations/retail/restaurants etc.

[That_Chris]

Their only other project, a retirement home in lucan, features a website that says "opening spring 2012" but doesn't have a single picture to show what the place looks like. I'm guessing they're a bit behind schedule on construction... and don't put much effort in to website updates?