Downtown Windsor could be on the verge of one of its largest residential investments in decades.

The City of Windsor has announced nearly $300 million in proposed development tied to two long-discussed downtown sites. Together, the projects would deliver more than 380 new housing units, along with ground-floor commercial space, and are part of the city’s broader Housing Solutions Made for Windsor strategy.

Here’s what’s actually being proposed, where it’s happening, and why it matters.

Two Key Downtown Windsor Development Sites

The first project is planned for the municipal parking lot on Caron Avenue, near University Avenue West. That site has been sold to Farhi Holdings Corporation, which is proposing a three-building residential development with approximately 200 housing units.

According to the city, this project would include:

• A mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units
• Ground-floor commercial uses
• A coffee shop and restaurant
• A location within walking distance of downtown employers, services, and the riverfront

The second project is proposed for the corner of Riverside Drive West and Janette Avenue, also involving Farhi Holdings, in partnership with PCR Constructors and The Collavino Group. This development would feature a 28-storey residential tower with 187 units, including four penthouse suites, and additional commercial space at street level.

Combined, the two sites account for over 380 new residential units planned for downtown Windsor.

Part of Windsor’s Housing Solutions Strategy

Both developments fall under the city’s Housing Solutions Made for Windsor initiative, which was unveiled in March 2024. The strategy focuses on identifying under-utilized municipal lands and preparing them for residential development, with an emphasis on increasing supply and addressing “missing middle” housing needs.

Mayor Drew Dilkens has described the strategy as a long-term effort to attract residents, businesses, and investment back into the downtown core, even amid broader economic uncertainty.

Other sites identified under the program include the Pelissier Street parking garage, the former W.D. Lowe site, the former Grace Hospital lands, the former Windsor Arena site, and portions of other municipally owned properties.

Timelines and the Question Everyone Is Asking

One of the most closely watched aspects of these announcements is timing.

Farhi Holdings has indicated that construction on the Caron Avenue site could begin in 2026, noting that the project would be self-financed and not dependent on external bank lending. The city has also stated that both developments will be subject to development timelines that must be met.

For longtime Windsor residents, the scale of these projects is significant. Downtown Windsor has seen no shortage of announcements and conceptual plans over the years. What makes this round different, according to the city, is the focus on shovel-ready municipal land and clearer expectations around next steps.

Why This Matters for Downtown Windsor

If delivered as proposed, these projects would add hundreds of new residents to the downtown core. More residents typically mean more foot traffic, stronger support for local businesses, and greater demand for services and amenities.

Whether these developments become a true turning point or simply the next phase in a longer redevelopment story will depend on execution. For now, the plans represent one of the most substantial residential commitments downtown Windsor has seen in years.

What do you think?

Will these projects finally move downtown Windsor forward, or is it still a wait-and-see moment? Share this article with someone who cares about Windsor’s future and add your thoughts to the conversation.