The University of Guelph wants to turn the Days Inn on Gordon Street into a student residence, at least for the next three years, possibly longer.
Located at 785 Gordon St., just south of Harvard Road, bigger plans to build a private 10-storey, 520-bedroom student complex are currently under appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In the meantime, planning consultants MHBC have applied to the city's committee of adjustment for a minor variance that would clear the way for the U of G to rent the existing building for three years, say documents filed with the COA that will hear the application at its June 22 meeting.
There would be an option for an additional three-year lease.
If approved, the agreement would kick in this August.
"The purpose of the variance is to add a University of Guelph residence as a permitted use, facilitating the use of the existing hotel as a residence operated by the University of Guelph, similar to other residences operated on the University’s main campus," reads the application.
The building currently has 86 rooms.
"No alterations to the exterior of the building are contemplated at this time. The existing hotel rooms will be used as student bedrooms within a ‘suite’ in the same manner as other residences operated by the University. The existing breakfast bar will offer grab and go food options, while the students will be required to participate in the University’s meal plan and will obtain the majority of their meals from the main campus."
The property is owned by a numbered company.
The U of G would manage the property, which it says in its application needs "very limited" interior renovations to facilitate the conversion.
