Ontario Construction News staff writer
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, developer Shmuel Farhi and representatives from Farhi Holdings Corporation and PCR Constructors Inc. have announced the first major development under the city’s Housing Solutions Made for Windsor initiative.
Farhi Holdings was selected as the successful proponent for the Caron Avenue site following a 2024 Expression of Interest. The site was the first property approved under the city’s housing strategy, which aims to accelerate residential growth by identifying municipal lands with high potential for housing development.
“This development reflects substantial work that is going into attracting new investments, businesses, residents, and visitors to our community, and to the downtown,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This also signals that the narrative is shifting, and that even in the face of economic uncertainties on the global stage, Windsor remains on an upward growth trajectory that will positively impact our entire community for generations to come.”
The announcement includes two residential projects representing a combined investment of about $300 million. Together, the developments will add 387 residential units, commercial space and new parking options to downtown Windsor and the waterfront.
The Caron Avenue site will be constructed in three phases and include three buildings with 200 residential units, 1,439 sq. ft. of ground-floor commercial space, a coffee shop and bistro, and onsite parking. Units will range from studios to three-bedroom layouts, including one-plus-a-den designs.
The Riverside Drive West site at Janette Avenue will feature a 28-storey riverfront tower with 187 residential units, four penthouses and integrated commercial space. Groundbreaking is planned for 2026.
Shmuel Farhi, founder, president and chief executive officer of Farhi Holdings, said the projects mark a new chapter in the company’s long-term commitment to Windsor. “Over the next 10 to 15 years, combined investments along the riverfront are expected to exceed $1 billion, reflecting our confidence in Windsor’s long-term growth,” he said.
The developments are part of the city’s broader Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan, which focuses on improving safety, cleanliness, beautification and engagement to attract investment and residents to the downtown core.
The Caron Avenue site was selected for the first EOI because of its strategic location and alignment with key housing and downtown revitalization initiatives. Through the EOI, developers were invited to submit proposals consistent with Windsor’s vision of sustainable, inclusive and community-oriented development.
“For more than two decades, the Farhi family has been proud to invest in Windsor, supporting projects that revitalize the city, strengthen its communities, and enhance its skyline,” said Shmuel Farhi, Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Farhi Holdings Corporation. “During this time, we have brought new life to a number of significant properties, including the former Lear Factory next to the WFCU Centre, where we continue to develop over 1,000 residential units in our Rosewater Estates development.
“Today marks the beginning of another important chapter: a landmark $300 million redevelopment that will help further reshape Windsor’s own downtown waterfront skyline.”
Over the next 10 to 15 years, the developer anticipates several hundred additional residential units along the riverfront, building on the 400 units currently planned. When complete, the combined investment will exceed $1 billion.”