Development is underway for a new coshare workplace within the historic Union Hotel in Newmarket.
Arten Development Group has received a heritage permit to develop the property, and has installed hoarding around the site at 425 Davis Dr. The primary occupant will be the real estate company Coldwell Banker.
The plan is to revitalize the existing structure at the gateway intersection of Davis and Main Street, according to Dean Artenosi, who is the owner and president of Arten and who also has ownership in Coldwell Banker.
“Blending old and new to co-exist together and respecting heritage,” Artenosi said. “I see it as a place to bring people together in the community.”
York Region sold the circa-1882 building in 2019, which also included the adjacent 431 Davis Dr. The property has 0.28 acres with 4,240 square feet of total floor space. The property is associated with the early urban development of Newmarket, incorporated in 1880.
The Town of Newmarket's heritage advisory committee has reviewed the development and supports the plan.
"When it was built in the 1880s, it had a significant part to play in transportation, being a place for travellers to stay close to the train station and in a thriving industrial area," the committee's chair, Billie Locke, said.
Locke told council June 7 that the building will retain original historical attributes.
“Very exciting, the restoration of that old building, which will hopefully be restored to what it looked like originally, with the wood rather than the brick on the outside,” Locke said. “It’s been a long time but it looks like it is finally moving again.”
Bob Abrams Architect Corp. has said it would remove the brick veneer that is “beyond repair," according to a draft heritage permit review. There will also be interior work to reconfigure the existing floor plan and accommodate offices and reception areas.
Artenosi said Coldwell Banker formerly owned and occupied the premises about 60 years ago, giving it a historical tie.
“We’re very proud of our vision,” Artenosi said. “We’ll spare no expense in enhancing and revitalizing this corner to better our community.”
He said it took about a year to get the development permit. He did not disclose a timeline for project completion but said retrofits are underway.
“I would like to say sooner (rather) than later,” Artenosi said. “We look forward to working with Newmarket and the heritage arm to promote progress in a timely and efficient process. To blend modern and old, heritage and new in this very important location and property.”
