Another city church is about to be re-purposed.
The former Centre Street Baptist Church at 28 Southwick Street is to be converted to 29 apartment units, with a mix of 1-bedroom, 2 bedroom and bachelor units.
After 183 years, the historic church held its last service in September of 2022.
The property is now owned by 1000592435 Ontario Inc.
The exterior of the church is to remain to preserve the look of the building and the existing stairs and elevator are to remain.
The estimated value of this project is $1,550,000.
City council Monday evening approved a no-interest loan and residential grants under the city’s Community Improvement Program (CIP).
The project is eligible for the following:
• A Residential no interest Loan equal to 50% of the cost of renovating existing residential units and/or constructing new residential units, to a maximum loan of $12,500 per unit (total maximum loan of $100,000 per property/project). The loan is repayable in equal monthly payments over a 7-year period.
• A Residential Grant equal to 50% of the cost of renovating existing residential units and/or constructing new residential units, to a maximum grant of $7,500 per unit (total maximum grant of $60,000 per property/project). If the units meet the definition of ‘affordable’, the 50% grant can be increased to a maximum grant of $12,500 per unit (total maximum grant of $100,000 per property/project).
• A Planning and Building Fees Grant equal to 100% of planning application, building permit, and other types of fees paid for a project approved and completed under any of the other incentive programs contained in this CIP. The maximum total grant available under this program is $5,000 per project/property.
