The recent demolition of a former foundation on vacant land behind the Algonquin Hotel will soon allow for the building of a new apartment complex to begin.
Last year, developer Steve Perzia presented his plan for more than 100 apartments to be built in an all-new building on that space at 100 Pim St., with an estimated cost of $20 million.
Reached by phone, Perzia said the recent demolition of the early 20th century-era foundation from the former Tara Hall apartments was completed as final plans are being drafted for the project.
Tara Hall was the oldest apartment building in Sault Ste. Marie when fire struck on Nov. 2, 1987. It was boarded up and left vacant, eventually leaving behind only the foundation which some referred to as the Sault's Stonehenge.
Perzia said he has spent countless hours with engineers, architects and landscapers to hash out the details for the project.
“We hope to have the plans completed in the next few weeks to apply for a building permit and we hope to start sometime this spring or in early summer ,” said Perzia.
If all goes according to plan, the project at the easternmost edge of downtown is expected to be complete by fall 2023.
According to preliminary plans shown to city council last year, the 103 units will be a mix of one bedroom and two bedroom apartments with amenities including a sauna, party room, exercise room, meeting room and television room.
By his own estimate, Perzia has built over a thousand apartment units in Sault Ste. Marie in the past 30 or 40 years. He thinks there is an appetite in the city for more.
“I believe the city could use these units in the downtown area. It’s a beautiful location. I don’t think there is any better location than that,” said Perzia.