Barrie's first-ever high-rise tower 'unlike anything in Ontario,' developer says

As Barrie faces a housing shortfall, builders are looking to the skies, developing condo towers, including one that stands out unlike anything the city has ever seen.

A new residential tower along Dunlop Street West is reimagining the skyline and can be seen from just about every corner of the city.

“The building is built unlike anything you’re going to see in Ontario right now,” said Gary Silverberg, Barrie Waterfront Developments president.

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The building has twists and turns that create an optical illusion for those on the ground, putting the building in a new light from every vantage point.

“Whoever is living here will be in a unique situation. They’ll have the views and they’ll have the height that isn’t anywhere else in Barrie,” Silverberg said.

The development stands 33 storeys high, and is one of two towers that will be added to the downtown core. Once completed, nearly 500 new units will be added, as the City works to increase its housing supply.

The view 33-storeys up in a new high-rise condo tower in Barrie, Ont., on Dunlop Street West. (CTV News)

Silverberg, a longtime Toronto developer, was captivated by the waterfront and decided to dive into Simcoe County’s real estate housing market.

“Barrie is a wonderful place and there had to be some type of catalyst to get the downtown in the urban setting to start evolving,” he noted.

The building’s exterior colours will change, aiming to blend in with the sky the higher you go, and the interior will boast a variety of units.

“There's nothing in its class. So, it attracts people who are leaving Toronto or are looking for a place to live in this executive class of accommodation,” Silverberg said.

A new high-rise condo tower in Barrie, Ont., on Dunlop Street West. (CTV News)

The development will include an infinity pool, lounging area, patio space, four floors of parking, and retail stores.

“Our goal was to capitalize on a change in the way people are thinking and how they want to live here,” Silverberg said. “I see this building being one of many high-rises, and I just hope it inspires the other developers to create something as innovative and as special as this for the City of Barrie.”

Silverberg said the first residents of Barrie’s first-ever high-rise should start moving in early next year.