New apartments planned for Fort Rouge Yards

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This article was published 29/05/2020 (1980 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A proposal to build a luxury rental apartment block in the old Fort Rouge Yards has met with approval by the City Centre Community Committee.

The proposed development on Lot 6 of Berwick Court will see construction begin this summer on the 156-unit building.

David Marsh, development manager with Ironclad Developments Ltd., said the rental apartment building will feature four storeys on the two wings and six storeys in the main part of the building. Apartments will range from 505 sq. ft. for a one-bedroom to over 1,000 sq. ft. for a three-bedroom unit.

“We like to pursue a higher end product, and provide amenities for our tenants,” Marsh said. “This complex is planned with a rooftop patio, fitness centre, a business centre, hospitality room, and it’s pet-friendly.”

Ironclad Developments is a construction development company focusing on the design and production of multi-family apartments in Canada. Their main office is based on Symington Road in the RM of Springfield.

The new building will also feature 148 parking spots for bicycles, with the majority of those being indoors where the bikes will be secure, he said. There are 174 parking spaces for cars.

The building is located along the Rapid Transitway, which gives residents the option to take the bus either to downtown, Osborne Street South, or out to the University of Manitoba. The transitway also features an active living pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

The apartments will make use of the geothermal infrastructure in place on the old Fort Rouge Yards, to heat and cool the building.

That connection to the transitway is an integral part of the building’s design, which will feature a passageway to allow residents and the neighbourhood easier access.

“We’re very sensitive that this building is joining an existing community,” he said. “We held an open house on Oct. 3 of last year to hear the community’s opinions. Many were worried about the lack of parking in the neighbourhood, so we’ve addressed that. They were also concerned about the height of the building not overshadowing the neighbouring buildings.”

After presenting to the City Centre Community Committee in February, the company was directed to make further changes to the passthrough, ensuring it will be well-lit and avoid ramps or stairs, in order to make it accessible and help pedestrians feel safe at night. Ironclad’s in-house architectural firm, Architecture 77, is also incorporating different colours along the pathways as a visual guide for pedestrians, Marsh said.

Once completed in 2021, the property will be managed by Ironclad Properties. The building hasn’t received an official name yet, said Marsh.

“We’re expecting to see a mix of residents, from university students to young professionals, people with children and older adults,” he said. “The attraction is the location. People will be able to get anywhere in 15 minutes on the transit line. It’s part of the Lord Roberts neighbourhood, near to libraries, community clubs and schools, as well as businesses and restaurants on Osborne Street South and Pembina Highway.”

For more on the plans for Lot 6 on Berwick Court, see www.ironcladdevelopments.com