Two 10-story student rental buildings could rise along Princess Street as a Toronto developer seeks approval for its first Kingston project.
Fitzrovia, a company that builds and manages student housing in Toronto and Montreal, presented plans to the City’s Planning Committee on Nov. 20 for towers at 525 and 555 Princess Street. The buildings would sit on opposite corners of Alfred St. and be linked by a skywalk, a design feature showcased in renderings included in the application. Each tower would contribute to a combined 488 units—nearly 800 bedrooms—with street-level commercial space and outdoor amenities.
The proposed skywalk over Alfred St. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY: Fitzrovia
About half the units are planned as studio apartments measuring roughly 400 square feet, a size that Fitzoria Vice-President (Development) Chris van de Water said in a Kingstonist article reflects demand from renters who spend little time inside their units.
The properties have a long planning history. A previous owner secured approval in 2022 for two 10-story mixed-use buildings, but later ran into financial trouble. Fitzrovia purchased the land and drafted a new plan that maintains the already approved height while requesting updated zoning for the skywalk, rooftop and amenity designs, and revised parking layouts.
At the meeting, residents raised concerns about sunlight for proposed rear-facing townhouses, suggested the inclusion of electric vehicle charging, and the need for consultation with residents.
Housing affordability also surfaced as a theme, with Sydenham District councillor Conny Glenn noting the challenge students face signing 12-month leases while only living in Kingston for eight. Fitzrovia responded that shorter leases would create costly vacancy periods between May and September.
City planning staff will continue to review the application and collect feedback. A recommendation on the plan hasn’t yet been released.
Tags
Alfred Street, housing, Queen's student housing, Student Housing
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