Main Street E | 05 Unit Conversion

Hamilton

Property Type: Existing Mixed-Use (1 Commercial + 1 Residential)

Project Overview:
This property started as a modest 2-unit building—one ground-floor commercial space and one residential unit above. With smart design and zoning analysis, we’re transforming it into a 5-unit mixed-use building: 1 commercial unit and 4 residential units, all within the existing structure.

One of the key moves? Splitting the oversized ground-floor commercial space—creating a smaller, more manageable commercial unit while converting the remaining space into a new residential apartment. This not only boosts the rental mix but also improves building efficiency and cash flow.

Scope & Strategy:

• Reconfigured the main floor to create 1 commercial space + 1 new residential unit, while maintaining exterior integrity.

• Added two more residential units above through layout redesign and code-compliant fire separation.

• Upgraded mechanical systems, soundproofing, egress paths, and electrical metering to meet OBC standards for mixed-use buildings.

Challenges Solved:

• Navigated zoning permissions and mixed-use code requirements to add density without rezoning.

• Maintained commercial presence while optimizing layout for residential expansion.

• Designed servicing and HVAC to accommodate 5 distinct units within a constrained building envelope.

Investor Benefits:

• Increased total unit count from 2 to 5, maximizing rental yield on the same lot.

• Retained ground-floor commercial presence for visibility, value diversity, and community engagement.

• Transformed an underutilized layout into a balanced, high-performing mixed-use asset.

Current Status:
Design and permit approved! Finalizing the construction work!