Look what they're doing with the old Alex Muir Public School (3 photos)

Sault Ste. Marie City Council tonight approved zoning changes allowing 188 Kohler St. to be converted into a 16-unit apartment building.

Ruscio Masonry and Construction Ltd. originally proposed a three-storey, 26-unit on the western part of the site just south of Wellington St. E., but ultimately decided to remove the upper storey.

Council agreed in 2016 to allow eight townhouse dwellings on the eastern side of the property.

Two townhouses built there have been severed from the property and six others are currently being built.

Twenty parking spaces will be provided for the new apartment building, including four barrier-free spaces.

The site plan shows a three-point turning area for the parabus near the trash bins, but Sault Transit has indicated parabus access will be refused if the vehicle has to back up on the property.

"Significant exterior alterations are proposed, including new windows, wall treatments and a gabled roof," says Peter Tonazzo, senior city planner.

"These exterior alterations will enhance the building's aesthetics and create more of a residential look and feel to the building, which will complement the older homes and recently constructed townhouses in the well-established neighbourhood," Tonazzo said in a report to Mayor Provenzano and city councillors.

City Council's rezoning approval requires that a 1.8-metre wood fence be built across the rear lot line adjacent to the proposed parking area.

"The site design will also facilitate the retention of the mature vegetation along the north and south side lot lines," Tonazzo said.

"In addition to providing appropriate buffering, this vegetation is also an important part of the character of the area."