In my community and yes, it was a grow op. Won't be needed for any McKnight work - suspect who ever owns it is just sitting on it for right now, waiting for the right time to build a duplex or two infills.
These lots are most likely good examples of properties the CoC is quietly buying up as they all were in the way of the city's plans which by the way, have quietly disappeared...
Highwood #1
Thorncliffe #1
Highland Park #1
Highland Park #2
Highland Park #3
Businesses have been preparing as well - Seven Eleven on Centre and McKnight has owned the property (maybe 2) directly to the north of their current site for many years now.
The CBE has also moved any of their regular programs out of their facility on the south side of McKnight Boulevard east of Centre Street and now leases that facility out.
Much easier to bring about a controversial corridor change if you own most of the affected properties - it will take some time but the CoC is in no great hurry on this project and time will just allow them to buy up properties as they come on the market.