Significant reconstruction about to start for some downtown storefronts and apartments

By Casandra Turnbull

You can expect some delays next week coming in and out of downtown Paris as significant reconstruction on a block of downtown businesses is set to begin. Northern Rudder Holdings Inc, owners of 5, 7, 9 and 11 Grand River Street North, is undertaking extensive renovations to the old buildings, which will house a mixture of revamped commercial spaces and condominium residential units on the second and newly constructed third floor once the project is completed Space in downtown Paris is already considerably limited so the County of Brant Roads department issued a social media release yesterday advising traffic could be delayed at times, starting next week Currently, barricades and scaffolding are set up near the site and demolition is scheduled to take place from September 11 to September 15th Pedestrian access and two lanes of traffic will be maintained through the project’s duration, however, several of the parking spaces on both sides of Grand River Street North will be temporarily removed and the sidewalk will be relocated

“We aim to ensure the safety and convenience of everyone throughout the construction process,” the social media post stated County staff will closely monitor the site and work in collaboration with the developer and contractor to ensure modifications are executed efficiently and safely with minimal impact on the travelling public.

The redevelopment project is anticipated to be completed in 12 to 15 months, with a target completion date in the fall or early winter of 2024. The Paris Independent first reported plans to redevelop these buildings follow a July 2023 Communities Improvement Plan Committee meeting. During that meeting, county staff presented information about the Downtown Paris Community Improvement Plan and how they will continue to promote the CIP to all interested business owners looking to make improvements within the downtown core.

Henry Stolp of Northern Rudders Holdings Inc, and owner of 1, 5, 7 and 9 Grand River St. N. successfully completed a CIP grant in June 2021 to revamp 1 Grand River St N, the main office of Pinevest Homes (formerly Godfather’s Pizza!). Stolp is going through the process again to access more grants for 5, 7 and 9 Grand River St. N. He has big renovation plans for the buildings, some which have not seen occupancy since October 2021

“We are excited about doing it. It’s more of a labour of love than a huge financial reward, but it’s something that needs to be done downtown Paris and it will look fantastic,” said Stolp.

Plans are to renovate a total of five residential units above the commercial spaces, one with a complete river view. He’s contracted Lanca Construction to complete the work There are plans to change the exterior façade of 9 Grand River St N, The entire project has received approval from the GRCA and there will be no increase in the number of units, so therefore no impact on parking.