Construction should begin in the Summer/Fall of 2026 on a bunch of new apartments in the downtown core!
In October came news that the five building lots on Water Street that include the blue cinder block building and the empty lots going south had been sold, after sitting idle for a number of years. Speculation abounded, with folks (and yours truly) wondering what might finally be built in that space.
For the time being: nothing.
This is the surprising news HelloOxford learned this week, in conversation with Casey Realty Ltd. representative Mikhial Mansour.
The real news is across the river — where his company is in the early stages of planning for two 12- to 15-unit apartment buildings. The addition of between 24 and 30 new apartments in the downtown area will address a dire need, as the demand for local rentals has been high. While Oxford has a number of houses and lots for sale, the rental sector has been under-served.
Mansour says while it’s early in the project planning process, they have the style of the building already in mind, employing volumetric modular construction, with an overall design resembling the east coast “Salt Box” architectural style. The two buildings will be situated in an “L” configuration, overlooking Black River. He says the idea at this point is to make the buildings on both sides of the river (once the Water Street development is completed down the road) feel like “one project.”
He cautions that the second phase, that being the properties on Water Street, will be developed after the Lower Main buildings are operational. While the additional residential capacity is welcomed in the area, many had hoped that the Water Street properties would be developed sooner. Mansour says the need to asses the existing building at 9 Water Street to see if it can be saved is one of the factors that will see that part of the initiative delayed.
Oxford Mayor Greg Henley is hopeful that this development will bring good things to Oxford: “The construction of 24 to 30 new apartments on Black River should help to encourage a revitalization of the downtown core. The residents in these apartments will be within walking distance to shops and services and hopefully there will be opportunities for entrepreneurs interested is establishing new businesses.”
At a special meeting held on November 12th, Oxford Town Council declared the lots surplus and accepted a proposal from Casey Realty Ltd. to buy the properties (PID#s 25210931; 25210923; 25247008) for a total of $72,500 (plus taxes and fees). The sale agreement requires construction to begin on those properties within 24 months. Given that part of the property is on the flood plain and bordering on two rivers, the project will need to have wastewater and other requirements addressed with regard to landscaping and building location before a building permit will be approved.
Mansour says at present, the plan is to include a walking trail on the property, leaving untouched the wooded section to the south along the River Philip and Black River. Casey Realty Ltd. is no stranger to Oxford, owning senior residences on Medawell St. and Foundry St. When the buildings are completed and available for rent, prospective tenants can apply via the company’s website. At this early date, the rental prices are not available.
It is great to see that this area of Oxford will be developed in a positive manner, it is long overdue.
I know what a difference it made for Mom to have the senior units available on Foundry St when she chose to downsize. I can only imagine what solid, affordable housing whatever the building style will mean to so many more. Hundreds of years of flood zones have given us the lessons to work with and around them. What an encouraging bit of news.
Glad to see some progress for the Town of Oxford, a much needed boost, hopefully not the last.