Vanier Drive | 21 Unit Alteration

Chatham-Kent

Property Type: Existing 21-Unit Apartment Building

Project Overview:
This 21-unit residential apartment building in Chatham-Kent is undergoing a specialized exterior upgrade focused entirely on the existing balconies. The project involves the removal of all projecting balconies, which have reached the end of their service life, and replacing them with new Juliet balconies to modernize the building’s facade, reduce future maintenance, and improve safety.

Scope & Strategy:

• Coordinated structural review of existing balconies to support removal and ensure integrity of wall assemblies.

• Designed new Juliet balconies that align with current Ontario Building Code guardrail and projection standards.

• Integrated the retrofit design to blend with the building’s exterior, maintaining visual continuity while simplifying maintenance.

Challenges Solved:

• Ensured safe removal of structurally outdated balconies without disrupting tenant occupancy.

• Upgraded to a cleaner, more modern façade with Juliet-style guards, reducing long-term structural maintenance.

• Navigated permit and design requirements for a multi-residential retrofit involving envelope changes.

Investor Benefits:

• Improved building safety and reduced structural liability.

• Refreshed exterior appearance to attract tenants and improve curb appeal.

• Lowered future capital expenditure by eliminating costly projecting balconies in favor of simplified Juliet systems.

Current Status:
Permit Approved! Construction scheduled for late 2025.