By Mike Pearson, News staff

A long awaited condominium project is taking shape in the heart of Ancaster.

Homebuilder Winzen is constructing a 39-unit project on a vacant property at 95 Wilson St. W. at the corner of Dunham Drive.

Brian Zenkovich, CEO of the Winzen Group, said the company is shooting for occupancy by July. Winzen is complying with zoning requirements established by a previous owner. Under the terms of a 2010 minor variance, the three-storey building will have a maximum height of 16 metres along Wilson Street to accommodate a pitched roof. The approved plan also included a total of 49 parking spaces, 35 of which are underground.

At least two previous owners have applied to build a condominium or apartment building at 95 Wilson St. W. since 2004. City planning documents show the property was rezoned from commercial to residential in 2004.  Amendments negotiated by a previous owner in 2010 also increased the number of permitted units from 33 to 39.

With zoning and site plan approvals already in place, Zenkovich said all that was required to start construction was a city building permit. Construction commenced in September.

“It was giftwrapped for us,” said Zenkovich.

Along with a shovel-ready plan, Zenkovich said the property offers an ideal location, with major grocery stores, shops and banks all within walking distance. Winzen launched a marketing campaign for the condos shortly after acquiring the property last June. Since then, more than half of all units have been sold.

Ranging from 636 to 721-square feet, condos are available in one-bedroom or one bedroom plus den formats.

“They appeal definitely to empty-nesters primarily,” said Zenkovich.

The company has also received interest from single individuals and young couples, Zenkovich said.

Zenkovich said Winzen will honour the heritage characteristics of Ancaster’s  historic village core with custom design enhancements.

“I think it would be a shame to take away from the character that’s there,” said Zenkovich.

The development will feature dark brick colours, stone instead of stucco and window headers along with a pitched roof.

In addition to the Wilson Street project, Winzen is also involved in two single detached developments in the Stone Church and Upper Paradise Roads area. The largest development – Stoneride on Tiffany Creek – is nearing completion, with just seven of 138 lots still under construction.