A Winnipeg developer is proposing to build a three-storey condominium complex on a long-vacant plot of land on Elmhurst Road in Charleswood.

On Nov., 27, Nisum Developments unveiled plans for Charleswood Centennial Estates — a nod to the community’s 100th birthday celebrations in 2013 — at a sparsely-attended open house at Roblin Park Community Centre.

The estimated $6.8-million development would be built at 541 Elmhurst Rd., land that has been vacant for more than three decades, according to Nisum founder and CEO Nick Pavel.

That’s largely due to the high costs of developing the land, tucked in behind residential homes, as single family dwellings, Pavel said.

"There’s a lack of sustainable solutions to develop the lot," he said, noting it will cost $680,000 to bring a road to the site.

The complex would sit adjacent to another condo complex between Elmhurst and Cathcart streets and include ornamental fencing, trees and landscaping as privacy buffers for neighbouring homes, Pavel said.

Research and local realtors say there’s high demand for the condos from area residents looking to downsize while staying in the area, he said.

"It’s a fact, the area is one of the fastest aging parts of Winnipeg," said Pavel, adding his research shows about 6.7% of Charleswood’s population has retired each year for the last three years.

Some residents at the meeting expressed opposition to the development, saying they would rather see the space remain vacant or redeveloped into a proper park.

Others expressed concern that Charleswood is continuing to be forced to take on "developments like St. Vital," threatening its semi-rural charm — ditches, wildlife, large lots — that has made the community an attractive area for homebuyers.

Pavel said he wants to work with the community.

"I don’t want to put pressure on the community," he said.

Plans call for 29 two-bedroom units with around 1,200 square feet each. They would be priced around $250,000 to $300,000, with reduced prices for seniors, Pavel said.

The land is currently zoned for single-family residential and would have to be rezoned by the city for the project to proceed.

Pavel has yet to apply for rezoning, meaning the Assiniboia community committee likely won’t hold a public hearing until sometime next year.

Nisum Developments has been in operation for 17 years, and it has overseen projects such as Goulet Place in St. Boniface, where Pavel lives.

For more, visit www.nisumdevelopments.com.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com

Facebook.com/TheMetroWPG
Twitter: @metroWPG