The Record

Peter Smith is willing to bet about $90 million that a moribund chunk of city-owned land in the core can be transformed into a vital and thriving collection of condominiums, retail outlets, specially designed units for artists and a central courtyard. Smith is the president of Brantford-based Andrin Limited, the developer who wants the nod from city council to redevelop the 2.6 acres of publicly owned land on the Centre Block, which is bounded by King, Young, Duke and Ontario streets. Yesterday, the public consultations began when a detailed model of the proposed development was made public in the City Hall Rotunda. Dozens of curious citizens studied the model and illustrations around the room.