Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) recently celebrated the groundbreaking for a new purpose-built rental development at 500 Upper Wellington St. in Hamilton.
LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is the lead investor in 500 Upper Wellington Street, which is being built in partnership with Fengate Asset Management and Ingenuity.
The groundbreaking ceremony last month featured remarks from LPFCEC chair Joseph Mancinelli; Andrew Konev, senior vice-president, development, Fengate Asset Management; and Mario Viti, Chief Executive Officer, Ingenuity. The opening remarks were followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking featuring Mancinelli, LPFCEC trustees and executives, and representatives of the project partners.
“LiUNA has an extensive footprint in the city of Hamilton and we are proud to continue this momentum and ensure reliable and affordable housing supply extends beyond concept and into reality,” Mancinelli said in a statement. “Together with LiUNA investments at 75 James Street, King William Residences, 20 Rebecca Street, among many others, 500 Upper Wellington will have a positive impact on our community as we work proactively and collaboratively to meet the future growth of our city.
“This purpose-built development will deliver in-demand housing supply to meet the diverse and evolving demands of our communities while moving our economy and city forward.”
The development is a six-storey, new generation, purpose-built rental building with 261 suites and over 6,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
The building will be pursuing LEED designation and is slated to include sustainability-focused features such as a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy-efficient building systems. Plans also include integrated technology features that will enable residents to manage their homes and access building services remotely.
Construction of 500 Upper Wellington Street is expected to be completed in 2026.