Niagara Falls city councillors say a 72-storey mixed-use building with hotel and residential units proposed for land on Stanley Avenue will be a "landmark" and "world renowned."

Politicians approved an application from a developer to transform an area that for years has housed a partially-built hotel that was never completed.

The applicant, 6609 Stanley Nominee Inc. (Jeremia Rudan) is proposing to build one of the tallest buildings in Canada. It would eclipse the Hilton Hotel & Suites on Fallsview Boulevard (56 storeys) as the tallest hotel in Niagara Falls.

"I'm delighted to be here today to see what we are going to end up with," said Coun. Wayne Thomson. "This hotel is going to be a five-star hotel. This is a unique building."

He said the land is zoned tourist commercial and is "exactly where it should be going."

A public meeting was held Tuesday night in council chambers where the applicant received amendments to the city's zoning bylaw and official plan to permit the development of the building and parking garage, which would cover three parcels of land encompassing an area along Stanley Avenue between Dixon and Dunn streets and including Level and Cleveland avenues.

The official plan currently allows for mixed-use buildings up to 30 storeys (90 metres) on the land.

Michael Attard, an architect representing the applicant, said the development's podium will house food and beverage offerings, as well as lobbies.

Above that will be a shared outdoor amenity space.

The hotel - with approximately 450 rooms - will sit above that.

Above that will be 275 residential units.

The tower will feature several "unique aspects," including a sky bridge.

Attard said there will be about 232 surplus parking spaces. Residential parking will be located on site, while off-site parking will be for the hotel.

David Falletta, a planning consultant representing the applicant, said the "really exciting project" will improve the physical setting of the site with a "world-class" modern building "that will introduce new tourism amenities, new residential units and an oversupply of parking."

He said construction will lead to between 350-500 full-time equivalent jobs, at an estimated $2.9 million and more than $9 million in city and regional development charges, respectively, and up to $5 million in additional property tax revenue.

As part of an agreement permitted under the Planning Act to secure streetscape and community facilities, in return for increased height, the city is estimated to receive around $2.7 million. That funding could benefit several community projects, including the new cultural hub and farmers market, the Millennium Trail and affordable-housing initiatives.

The city approved a plan in April 2000 by Rudan Holdings Ltd. for the 30-storey Crowne Plaza hotel with 300 rooms along with a convention centre, restaurants, stores and underground parking.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks and subsequent drop in tourism impacted the company's ability to get the financial backing it needed to finish the project, The Niagara Falls Review reported at the time. Construction was stopped in 2004.

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The stoppage left a two-level concrete foundation with a three-level underground parking garage on the site.

Coun. Mike Strange congratulated Rudan and the development team for the current proposal, saying it will be "world renowned."

"It's time we do something with that property," said Strange.

Coun. Chris Dabrowski said the project will complement other amenities in the area, leading to a "landmark" hotel.

The city received a petition signed by about 20 people opposed to the size of the development proposal, as well as concerns it will block views for neighbouring properties.

"We are not against this development as the current partially completed structure . has sat vacant for so many years and is an eye sore," reads the accompanying letter.

"What we are against is the plan for a 72-storey building in this area or anywhere else in this city. This height is far too tall and will only add to the concrete wall of hotels already in existence. You allow this one and many more will follow."

Raymond.Spiteri@niagaradailies.com

905-225-1645 | @RaySpiteri

- 72-storey hotel, residential development in Niagara Falls would be among tallest buildings in Canada