Possible new owners for Genosha
Tentative plans for apartments, commercial use; matter comes before special meeting of council next week
The former Genosha Hotel may soon have a new owner, with the matter set to come before city council in a special session next week. According to Councillor John Aker, there are tentative plans to turn the building into a mix of apartment units and commercial units.
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
The long list of those who have tried their hands renovating the Genosha Hotel is about to get one name longer.
Oshawa council has called a special meeting of the development services committee for July 27, immediately followed by a special meeting of council. While the agendas have yet to be released for these meetings, the topic of conversation is set for the Genosha Hotel.
According to Councillor John Aker, chair of the development services committee, city staff have been working with someone regarding the downtown hotel.
“Staff have been working with an individual for the last five months and he has been doing his due diligence to be investing in that property,” Aker says.
The councillor says tentative plans for the six-storey building will see the construction of 60 apartment units in the top five floors, with commercial use on the ground floor.
The city would not confirm to The Oshawa Express the new owner of the Genosha Hotel. It could not be confirmed if the building has been sold to a new owner, or if a partnership has been formed with current owner Richard Senechal and another party.
Calls to Senechal were not returned to The Express before press deadline.
Aker says a proposal will be coming forward at the upcoming meetings.
The proposal will most likely be for financial grants and subsidies under Oshawa’s Central Business District Renaissance Community Improvement Plan.
The plan provides tax breaks and grants to developers who plan to develop in the city’s downtown and surrounding area.
Senechal and business partner Richard Summers were the last to attempt to revive the historic property in 2009. They were given approval for more than $1 million in grants and tax breaks from the city. Senechal and Summers planned to convert the building into student housing and partner with UOIT. However, these grants were under the condition the work was completed by 2010. An extension was granted into 2011 for Senechal and his group, but the project was never completed.
The spotted history of the hotel dates back it its construction in 1929. It has changed hands numerous times over the years, with several owners pouring money unsuccessfully into the former hotel.
The building has been home to numerous businesses over the years, including a boarding house, strip club and, of course, a hotel.
Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI, even paid the Genosha a visit back in 1939.
The building was designated a heritage property in 2005.
“The business community in the downtown and the citizens of Oshawa would like to see the Genosha Hotel revitalized,” Aker said. “It has not been in a desirable state for several years.
“I truly believe that Monday (the 27th) will be a very important day for the downtown and I believe there will be a successful agreement reached between the new purchaser and the city of Oshawa.”
“This is terrific news,” he added.