The transformation of downtown Guelph

By Wayne Karl
May 08, 2015

Toronto may have its Distillery District, and Vancouver its Gastown, now the small Ontario town of Guelph is developing its own unique waterfront community. Downtown Guelph is undergoing a major transformation on the grounds where John Galt founded the city almost 190 years ago.

Local builders such as Fusion Homes are taking a lead role in the revitalization, with The Metalworks, one of the most unique convergences of living, working and leisure in Southwestern Ontario.

The Metalworks is a distinctive project, given its historical and picturesque setting along the banks of the Speed River, and the variety of residences within the offerings.

Located on the west bank of the Speed River, the scale, planning and design of The Metalworks district is expanding the downtown area with up to 30,000 sq. ft. of cafes, galleries and shopping, all surrounding 600 condominium suites, townhomes and river lofts with a style that blends vintage architecture with modern simplicity.

River Mill Condominiums, by The Tricar Group

Guelph businesses are pleased with such new developments.

“It's great news that more people are choosing to live in downtown Guelph,” Marty Williams, executive director of the Downtown Guelph Business Association, told YPNextHome. “They want to be near vibrant centre of Arts and Culture, and the best dining, shopping and personal services in the city.

“People buying condos here have lots of options,” he adds. “Unlike larger cities where the price difference between detached houses and condominiums is significant, the gap in Guelph is much smaller. Why are sales so strong? Lifestyle. People are choosing to live where the action is, where they can walk or cycle and where there is easy access local and regional transit.”

Related reading:

Tricar and Fusion win 2015 Tarion Awards of Excellence

Neighbourhood profile of Downtown Guelph

About Wayne Karl

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

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