The property at the corner of Pitt and Second has stood empty for nearly 20 years, following a fire that ravaged the King George Hotel in 1997. The site, which was supposed to house a condominium building, might be acquired by Bourgon Construction. — photo Francis Racine
Future of Pitt and Second property still uncertain
FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
barracks, ballroom and concert hall. It became the American House around 1873; then the Balmoral House at the turn of the 20th century and finally the King George in 1910. Bourgon has already begun work on a feasibility study to assess the best possible use for the landmark ‘First on Second’ site, with an early focus on building first-class office and community space. While the condominium project was generally well-received by the community, too few units have been pre-sold to date to justify a construction start. “The current owners had an exceptional vision; however themarket simply isn’t there for luxury condominiums at that site at this time,” saidMarkell. “We are acknowledging that and moving forward.” Bourgon Construction had been previously involved in the Dominion project as the builder, not as the property owner. The planned acquisition gives the company the control to direct the final development of the site. “The First on Second site offers a tremendous location in terms of visibility and access,” noted Markell. “It has plenty
of onsite parking, with ample additional parking nearby. Our goal is to reinforce recent investments in downtown businesses by bringing people to the heart of the city.” To be included in the Bourgon downtown portfolio are three other downtown
properties that will be prepared for potential redevelopment or sale over the coming weeks. “We have confidence in downtown Cornwall as a business location.”
The future for what was once a staple property on Cornwall’s historic four corners ƐƟůůƐĞĞŵƐŚĂnjLJ͘/ƚǁĂƐĂŶŶŽƵŶĐĞĚĞĂƌůŝĞƌƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬƚŚĂƚĂůŽĐĂůĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶĐŽŵƉĂŶLJŝƐŝŶ talks to acquire the property, which has been ǀĂĐĂŶƚĨŽƌǁĞůůŽǀĞƌϮϬLJĞĂƌƐ͘ Bourgon Construction is in final negotiations to acquire four primedowntown development properties, including The Dominion condominium project at the corner of Pitt and Second Streets. “We strongly believe in the direction Cornwall’s downtown has taken in recent years, and the importance of a strong downtown to a vibrant community” said Bourgon Construction owner Chris Markell. The property has quite a historically important background, once housing the famed King George Hotel, before it burned down on Valentine’s Day 1997. The King George Hotel was built as a private residence by Dr. Noah Dickinson in the 1820s. It was never used as a home, as his wife died before it could be occupied. Instead, it served as the County Court House,
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The Journal Cornwall
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Wednesday, June 22, 2016
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