A long vacant landmark in the Town of Essex is finally getting a new chapter.

The former Harrow District High School, once home of the Harrow Hawks, is set to become a residential development after the municipality sold the century old property to Windsor-based Horizon Investment Holdings. After years of sitting boarded up and deteriorating, the site is now moving toward active redevelopment.

According to reporting by CTV Windsor, Horizon Investments plans to build approximately 160 new residential units on the 3.4 acre property. The proposed development will include a mix of two-storey townhomes and three-storey sixplex buildings, offering both ownership and rental opportunities. This type of housing mix reflects a growing trend across Essex County as communities look to add density without large scale high rise construction.

Timeline and Developer Background

Horizon Investments CEO Wing On Li says the company is targeting completion by 2028, assuming market conditions cooperate. Horizon has been active in Windsor for years, particularly in South Windsor, and has completed multiple residential projects in under 25 months each. Based on that track record, the developer believes the timeline is achievable.

For residents wondering whether this project could drag on for years, that past performance is an important detail. Speed and execution matter, especially when a site has already been vacant for so long.

What Is and Is Not Being Developed

One of the most important takeaways from this project is what will remain untouched.

The ball diamond, running track, and surrounding green space are not part of the redevelopment. Only the footprint of the former high school building itself will be developed. Town officials confirmed that the sale effectively allowed the municipality to retain those recreational spaces while unlocking value from an underused asset.

In addition, roughly 7,000 square feet of the original high school structure will be preserved and repurposed as community space. This portion is intended to honour the history of the school and its role in Harrow for generations of residents.

Why This Matters for Harrow and Essex County

Across Windsor Essex, older institutional properties like schools, churches, and government buildings are increasingly being repositioned into housing. These sites often sit in established neighbourhoods with existing infrastructure, making them ideal candidates for redevelopment without expanding urban boundaries.

For Harrow specifically, this project brings new housing options, potential population growth, and renewed activity to a site that has been quietly declining for years. While not everyone will agree on redevelopment, most residents can agree that an active use is better than continued vacancy.

As one nearby neighbour told CTV Windsor, “it is reassuring to finally see something happening after decades of inactivity.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you went to Harrow High, live nearby, or simply follow local development, this project is a clear example of how communities are adapting to housing demand while trying to respect local history.

It is still early in the process, but this is a development worth watching.

If you found this breakdown helpful, please share this article with someone who grew up in Harrow or remembers the old school. Local development conversations are better when more people are informed and involved.