The former Victoria School Annex is for sale again, but the current owner isn’t ruling out developing it on his own still.
Ken Vogel, owner of Vogel Construction and the current owner of the annex property, said he’s had a lot of interest in the property so he decided to list it to see if he could find the right buyer.
Vogel said he turned down an offer last week.
He said between permits, plans of subdivisions, and studies, it’s a long process to get to the construction phase.
“It’s a bit overwhelming,” he said, adding if there’s someone more experienced who can do it faster and wants to buy the property, he is willing to sell it.
The property (400 Maple Street) was officially listed last week through Re/Max Doug Gillis and Associates for $2.2 million.
In the meantime, Vogel plans to keep working on a proposal to build 19 units on the property. The current proposal is for four units inside the existing annex building plus an addition to the building of a five-car garage with a suite on top, then another 14 units on the property facing the street with a mix of single-detached homes and townhomes.
“The town supports what we’re trying to do,” said Vogel.
Vogel said the annex building requires a full interior “gut,” and he would over-frame the roof to allow room for proper insulation.
He said he’s had a price of $100,000 quoted to clean up the interior so it’s ready for renovation.
“The foundation is solid,” said Vogel. “The brickwork needs a fair bit of work. It’s similar to the Tremont that way.”
Vogel’s construction experience includes work on historic farm homes, so he believes it will help him when it comes to restoring the heritage features of the annex building.
There is currently a move by the Town of Collingwood to have the property designated a heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act.
According to Collingwood’s director of planning, Adam Farr, “representatives of the corporation that owns the property filed an objection to the Conservation Review Board.”
Farr said the town is moving forward to designate the property and will go to a conservation review board hearing unless the objection is withdrawn.
Vogel said he’s not opposed to a heritage designation on the annex building, but would prefer it be made after the property is severed into separate lots. Otherwise, the entire property is designated heritage and severed lots would have to be undesignated.
The town has also made requests of previous owners and Vogel to protect the property from exposure and damage “from the elements.”
“We intend to patch the roof so no more water gets in, even if it’s for sale,” said Vogel.
He did start work on an application for a plan of subdivision to the town, but put it on hold when he experienced some health issues. He said he’s better now, and will be starting the planning process again.
Though he’s not sure how long the planning and permit process will take, he expects to be able to start construction in about two years.
