New development will change face of Steinbach’s Main Street

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This article was published 21/06/2024 (324 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A proposed development that will fill a pair of empty Main Street lots was heralded by city council as the perfect fit for their vision of Steinbach’s downtown and by the developer as the most significant downtown development since the Steinbach Credit Union more than a decade ago.

Council unanimously approved a conditional use and variance for the planned building which exceeds zoning regulations by introducing a multi-family element to a commercial zone, includes more storeys than allowed and is taller than permitted.

The six-storey proposed building will feature four ground floor commercial units and 32 residential suites at 362 and 366 Main Street, between Shoppers Drug Mart and Adult & Teen Challenge.

Owned by Solomon Budala Enterprise Inc., the property is being developed by Avedo Inc., with president Stefan Hodelmann at the helm.

Hodelmann said half of the commercial space is already leased.

The building will tower over its neighbours at a height of 78 feet. That’s still smaller than Steinbach Credit Union, which reaches a height of 118 feet, but far above the allowed height without a variance of 50 feet.

Council had no issue approving the variance and conditional use with Coun. Susan Penner making the motion, saying this is the vision they’ve had since she’s been on council for more than 10 years.

“This is exactly the type of thing we’ve been wanting in our town,” she said. “I think this is a great project.”

Every councillor spoke favourably of the project, touting the increased density as a way to create a vibrant downtown.

“It’s good urban planning,” Coun. Michael Zwaagstra said.

Coun. Damian Penner pointed out that a vibrant downtown needs both population density and commercial development, something this project addresses.

Coun. Jac Siemens agreed. “When we first envisioned what the central business district would look like downtown, this was part of the vision,” he said.

Avedo Inc. president Stefan Hodelmann said the building will be constructed from concrete to create a structure with an expected lifespan of over 100 years. Insulated concrete forms will help achieve energy efficient goals.

“This project marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Main Street with the last major development, the SCU building, dating back 10 years,” he wrote in an email to The Carillon. “We commend the owner for their commitment to this proposal and are proud to be the builders responsible for bringing this vision to life.”