Carling Street | 27 Unit Conversion

Hamilton

Original Building: 3 Storeys | 27 Units
Final Target: 35 Units (8 New Legal Basement Apartments)

Project Overview:
Back in 2018, this property stood as a typical 3-storey, 27-unit apartment building in Hamilton, ON. Fast forward to today, and construction is nearly complete on 8 brand new 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments, created by converting underused basement storage rooms into legal residential units.

The original structure already had the space—we simply saw the opportunity to reconfigure and legalize it, maximizing both value and unit count without touching the exterior envelope.

Scope & Strategy:

• Converted basement-level storage into 8 fully compliant residential suites

• Designed for modern living: 1 bed, 1 bath per unit with full kitchens, fire separation, and ventilation

• Upgraded all life safety systems including fire alarms, exits, and mechanical systems

• Preserved the building’s original form while significantly increasing density

Navigating Zoning Challenges:
Hamilton zoning bylaws required additional parking for the new units—a common roadblock in intensification projects.
Our team:

• Worked closely with planning consultants to justify the variance

• Submitted a thorough case to the Committee of Adjustment (CofA)

• Won approval for reduced parking—unlocking the project's full potential without expensive site modifications

Investor Benefits:

• Increased unit count from 27 to 35—more rent, higher NOI, and stronger long-term valuation

• No building expansion required—just strategic interior redevelopment

• Legalized high-demand 1-bedroom units ideal for professionals, students, and small households

Current Status:
Construction completion.