What's Going Up: Apartment expansion proposed on Gorham

Groundswell Urban Planners is asking Newmarket to allow an expansion for an emptied apartment building at 674 Gorham St.

The developer submitted a site plan application in December to add four additional units to the building, bringing the total to nine. The applications include an addition to the rear of the building and an attic space conversion. The units would be spread evenly across three floors and will increase the total gross floor area from approximately 535 metres squared to 1,151 metres squared. 

Groundswell president Brad Rogers said they are acting on behalf of a client who seeks to upgrade the accommodations there and add to the rental pool.

“There’s a tremendous need in this area of town, close to Main Street, for rental accommodations. The apartments themselves average about 1,000 square feet. They’re a good size,” Rogers said. “No impacts to local services, no impacts to neighbours, and there’s such a tremendous demand for those units, they felt it would be a good investment to the property." 

The area is zoned as a residential apartment dwelling. The building currently sits empty to be readied for the additions. 

Newmarket director of planning and building services Jason Unger said the application is under review with no set timeline before it proceeds.

“The town currently does not have a position on the application as we are still waiting for comments from our review partners,” Unger said.

Rogers said he does not expect many difficulties and it could take three to four months to process the application. He said they did pre-consultation with the town on the file last summer. 

A report from Soil Engineers Limited included in the application said direct neighbour properties might feel some vibration during construction, at one millimeter per second but it is well below the level to cause any damage. Newmarket does not have regulations on vibration limits.

The site has a shared parking space, and the application said there will be 16 spaces when complete. 

Rogers said they have not yet had any issues brought forward from the public concerning the project and their work on the building.

He said they would be making general improvements to the facility, including new electrical wiring.

“Everything will be brought up to the code,” he said. “There will be new drywall and new lights, new fixtures, and it’ll essentially function as a brand new building once we’re done.”