Former CKLW building a step closer to heritage designation

A building on Windsor’s riverfront, which has historically been home to prominent broadcasting organizations, is one step closer to being designated as a heritage property.

Windsor’s Development and Heritage Standing Committee debated the need for a designation at 825 Riverside Drive West, once the home of CKLW, on Monday night.

Currently used by CBC Windsor, the property is owned by a developer who has planned a massive development which would create 1,602 new residential units.

Committee members probed city staff about the building’s history and whether it meets the criteria for designation but ultimately approved issuing a notice of intention to designate the site.

Coun. Mark McKenzie questioned whether the building’s broadcasting roots are enough for it to be designated.

“It was built in the 1950’s, and I know that there was the discussion about, well, CKLW was there, and I’m like okay, but CKLW has been in three different locations over the years,” McKenzie said.

Potential heritage elements include green-glazed bricks, the building’s Riverside-facing façade, and its L-shaped breezeway, according to a staff report.

An application filed with the city seeks to rezone the property for the eventual construction of high-rise buildings and townhouses.

The developer intends to salvage applicable heritage features and incorporate them where possible, staff told the committee.

“[The applicant is] not here to defend himself, and so I got to go by what administration says and trust administration, but I’m hoping when it comes to council, that the developer will actually show up,” McKenzie said.

While the property is listed on the city’s Municipal Heritage Register, it doesn’t provide the same protections as the designation.

Under planning rules, the City has until June 11 to approve the intent to designate process.

“I have concerns about a property that has been sold, and they’ve had an open house on this development, and, you know, administrations have been in support of it, and then all of a sudden, you know, we’re talking about designating the property heritage,” McKenzie added, acknowledging Windsor’s need for housing.

City council must approve the matter at a regular meeting. The next council meeting is set for June 8.