Horizon Investment Holdings purchases former Harrow High to build 160 units for sale/rent

- CAO Wing On Li hopes to keep part of the façade,

offer rec space, environmentally friendly features -

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

In November of 2021 the Town of Essex announced it was to purchase the former Harrow High School from the Greater Essex County District School Board for $845,900, after it had sat vacant since 2016, when the school board closed its doors to students.

  Since that time, the Town of Essex completed a building assessment that estimated it would cost over $10M to convert the facility to a recreation centre, and then issued two RFPs, with the first being unsuccessful with the inclusion of an affordable housing target of 20%, to find a developer.

  Last Thursday, it was announced Horizon Investment Holdings Ltd. was selected as the successful proponent for the Harrow High School foot print of 3.4-acres.

  The high school footprint will be developed into a high-density residential site with 160 housing units of varying styles, with a mix of townhomes and apartments up to six stories. Some will be for purchase, others for rent for those who want to live in Harrow. This development will also offer barrier-free units to ensure inclusivity.  

  A focus in the development will be environmentally friendly features, such as geothermal heating and cooling, EV chargers, and rooftop solar panels. The energy efficiency is to help residents pay as little in energy costs as possible.

  The remaining greenspace acreage will remain with the Town of Essex. Four-years ago, when the Town of Essex purchased the site, it eyed the opportunity to expand the current recreation opportunities in Harrow, enhance the greenspace, and increase access to the property by directly connecting to Pollard Park.

  Mayor Sherry Bondy was thrilled to make the announcement. Though the sale price has not been released yet, she noted Essex is more than breaking even with the sale, while still retaining the green space. After seeing the building assessment, the Town decided to sell the property, not able to justify putting millions into the facility.

  After a comprehensive RFP process, Horizon Investment Holdings’ vision “stood out as innovative, sustainable, and it aligned with our community’s goals,” Bondy said.  

  “This property holds a lot of memories for many people in this community, including myself,” Bondy said as a Harrow High grad.

  “Harrow High School served as a cornerstone for generations of students, and families. Today, we mark a new chapter for this site,” Bondy said.

  “This redevelopment is more than just about new housing. It is about creating a thriving, inclusive space that reflects the future we envision for Harrow. [It is] one that provides alternative housing choices for various age groups, incomes, household sizes, encouraging our residents to remain in Harrow throughout different stages of their life, while also welcoming new residents to our community.”

  Harrow is limited in its housing stock, she added. There are few smaller units available, if any. This development will give options to seniors wanting to downsize, freeing up their single-family homes for families.

  The Town, she added, is committed to working with Horizon Investment to ensure the final product reflects the shared goals of the development. The project is also proof Essex is committed to helping the province achieve its mandate of building more homes.  

  The fact Harrow High School is over 114-years old is not lost on Wing On Li, CAO and Director for Horizon Investment Holdings Ltd. He noted the new development will not wipe the whole school off the map.

  The plan is to retain 7000-feet fronting Wellington Street as amenities for residents, probably including members of the community. He is also looking to include a hall of fame for the Harrow High alumni.

  Bondy was pleased to hear this, noting if any piece of the façade could be kept, it would be wonderful.

  Li also plans to work closely with the Town to provide ample units of obtainable and affordable housing units.

  “We want to work diligently with our neighbours… I really want to make it really clear – we are good listeners, particularly of the comments of neighbours. If they don’t feel comfortable with us on day one, we will have a really bad experience,” Li said.

  He intends to host an open house so the plans can be presented to the community.   

  As long as the building permit gets approval from the Town of Essex and the County of Essex, Li is willing to start this project early, adding that it will be done using local trade workers. He suspects three-years would be an easy timeline for him to bring the project to fruition, so long as the market cooperates.

  Bondy noted the Town of Essex recently hosted an open house regarding the Harrow Fairgrounds and Soccer Complex areas. With the proceeds of this sale, it could potentially make more recreation options possible.

  The location for the residential development is ideal, she added, as there are park and community spaces, a daycare, and businesses nearby.

  The Town, Bondy added, has a grant application into the province to increase sanitary capacity at pumping stations to support growth.