A London, Ont., property management company’s vision for a high rise at the edge of downtown isn’t getting approval from local heritage advocates.

Farhi Holdings Corporation has proposed a 40-storey building at 435, 441 and 451 Ridout Street North, which is the northwest corner of Ridout Street North and Queens Avenue.

The president of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) London says these three houses make up one of London’s National Historic Sites.

“It would greatly diminish (the area) and greatly impact things in a very negative way,” said Kelley McKeating, noting the building would go around and on top of one of the houses.

“It’s also immediately next door to Eldon House, the oldest house in London.”

London city council‘s Planning and Environment Committee will be meeting on Monday to discuss this proposal.

Phil Squire, the chair of the committee says the proposal matches what the city envisioned.

“What city council is looking to do is build the highest density developments in the downtown area… The hope is (that) we’ll increase the amount of people downtown, which will help the area.”

“My understanding is, none of the heritage buildings are going to be torn down or removed,” added Squire, “so it’s really a matter of opinion of balancing density that we need downtown with the appearance and impact on heritage buildings.”

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