Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Windsor has unveiled plans for a $16.8 million residential development in its downtown core, part of a broader effort to boost housing supply using municipally owned land.
The project, led by the 531 Pelissier Group — including BK Cornerstone Design Build, Philip Fernandes Designs and Realty ONE Group Iconic — will bring 48 housing units to the former Pelissier Street parking lot site.
Plans call for 32 two-bedroom townhome suites with single-car garages, eight accessible one-bedroom units and eight affordable one-bedroom units.
City officials say the three-storey development is designed to increase density while remaining compatible with the surrounding downtown neighbourhood. Proposed features include landscaped streetscapes, integrated parking, private second-floor terraces and pedestrian-oriented design elements.
The Pelissier Park site was among the first municipal properties identified under the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor strategy, which aims to prepare city-owned lands for residential development. The initiative supports Windsor’s goal of facilitating 13,000 new homes by 2031.
The project follows a competitive expression of interest process launched in late 2024.
“This project is about more than just building homes — it’s about shaping a community,” said Philip and Amanda Fernandes of Philip Fernandes Designs. “Our design approach focused on creating a livable, pedestrian-friendly environment that balances density with comfort, while contributing positively to the character of downtown Windsor.”
The development also aligns with the city’s “Strengthen the Core” downtown revitalization plan, which focuses on increasing residential density, improving public spaces and attracting investment to the area.
Pelissier Park will be built to Energy Star standards and incorporate energy-efficient construction practices aimed at reducing long-term operating costs.
Officials also announced three additional sites being added to the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor portfolio: the former St. Michael’s Adult Education School on Detroit Street, part of Kinsmen Norman Road Park on Olive Road and the former Concord Public Elementary School site on Raymond Avenue.
Together with the recently announced Caron Avenue parking lot development, the Pelissier Park project reflects continued momentum in Windsor’s efforts to bring new housing to market.
“Pelissier Park represents the kind of forward-thinking development our community needs right now,” said Brent Klundert, owner of BK Cornerstone Design Build. “We’re proud to bring our experience in energy-efficient and sustainable homebuilding to a project that not only delivers high-quality housing but also supports long-term livability and environmental responsibility in Windsor’s downtown.”
