Windsor has turned to London-based developer Shmuel Farhi to breathe new life into a neglected downtown parking lot, marking the beginning of what could become a $1-billion vision for the city's waterfront district.
Major Investment for Downtown Core
Under an agreement with the city, Farhi Holdings Corporation has approximately five years to transform the vacant land on Caron Avenue between University Avenue West and Pitt Street West. The property, located just one block from the Detroit River, was approved for sale by city council specifically to address housing needs.
The development plan, which was selected over proposals from three other developers, includes three six-storey buildings with 200 housing units, along with 1,439 square feet of commercial space, a coffee shop, bistro, and on-site parking facilities.
Multi-Phase Development Strategy
Should the initial project prove successful, Farhi has committed to seeking bank financing for an additional apartment building on vacant land at the corner of Riverside Drive and Janette Avenue. This secondary phase would feature a 28-storey tower with 187 units, potentially making it one of Windsor's tallest structures.
Combined, these downtown projects represent a $300 million investment in Windsor's urban core. During a media event held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Farhi expressed his personal connection to the city, stating, "Even though it's not our residence from day to day, I call Windsor home. That's something very important to us."
Addressing Housing and Economic Challenges
The Caron Avenue project serves as the inaugural component of Windsor's Housing Solutions Made for Windsor strategy, the municipality's comprehensive approach to tackling the local manifestation of Canada's national housing crisis. Through this initiative, the city is offering several city-owned properties for private residential development.
Local contractor PCR Constructors Inc — The Collavino Group has been selected to build both projects, ensuring local employment and expertise contributes to the development.
Mayor Drew Dilkens addressed the significance of this investment during current economic uncertainties, specifically referencing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. "I just keep saying, play the long game. Mr. Farhi certainly plays the long game," Dilkens remarked. "He's looking beyond what's going on here between the United States and Canada and saying, Windsor is a great place to invest."
The city's housing strategy includes several additional properties available for development, including the Pelissier Street parking lot, former W.D. Lowe Secondary School, former Windsor Arena, former Grace Hospital site, former St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School, and part of the Roseland Golf Club parking lot.
