Vermont’s first high-rise Airbnb approved for Waterbury
April 1, 2023 | By M. T. Haus | Special CorrespondentThe view from Park Row across the vacant lot today where Stanley and Wasson Halls stood until 2021 at the State Office Complex in Waterbury. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
HAMILTON, Ontario – A Hamilton developer has received unanimous approval from the Waterbury Vt. Development Review Board on its permit application #275-16 to build its first high-rise residential building south of the border.
The Waterbury board said it hopes the project – estimated to be completed by August 2024 – will largely address the problem the popular Vermont tourist town has with its supply of affordable homes for local residents being rented by visitors looking for a place to stay to enjoy fall foliage, winter skiing, summer mountain biking and the year-round craft beer scene.
Ontario developer Oliver Ashwise provided extensive site plans and architectural details for the board’s review. His firm, Premier Design-Build, has already obtained state permits.
The view across the parking lot from Park Row in April 2021 as demolition begins on Wasson and Stanley Halls at the State Office Complex in Waterbury. File photo by Gordon Miller
The site: Ashwise has purchased the 1.7-acre parcel along Park Row at the end of Randall Street from the State of Vermont where the former Vermont State Hospital's Stanley and Wasson Halls previously sat. The two red-brick buildings were demolished in spring 2021.
The new five-story structure will house 35 Airbnb suites with accommodations for 100 cars and it will have a private swimming pool and gymnasium for guests to enjoy. Solar panels will be installed on the roof and on a parking lot canopy as part of the design to make this a net-zero energy-efficient real estate showpiece.
Ashwise told Waterbury Roundabout that he expects a weekly or biweekly turnover of most of the one- to three-bedroom suites, particularly during the busiest skiing weeks, school vacations, and fall foliage times.
File photo by Gordon Miller
During the review, the town board asked Ashwise to explain how this isn't just a hotel, to which he replied that there would not be any of the usual hotel amenities such as room service for food and beverages, and the only change of linens and vacuuming would be after guests leave.
DRB member Peter N. Imby upon casting his vote stated that with this project, local homes will be less likely to be turned into Airbnbs and it could help open up Waterbury’s housing market for local buyers and long-term renters.
Officials from the Edward Farrar Utility District said they were delighted for the large new customer on the water and sewer system which will help keep user rates in check and delay the need for EFUD to take out more loans at 3.5% interest from the town.
Local restaurateurs, retailers and other business owners said they are eager to see an increase in foot traffic downtown because so many state workers have decided not to return to work in person at the State Office Complex since the pandemic.
Wasson Hall during demolition, April 2021. Photo by Gordon Miller
Randall Street residents registered concerns with the board about noise, traffic and the shadows the tall structure will cast.
Ashwise said he has asked his property managers to consider offering downtown residents gym and pool memberships as a gesture of bonhomie.
M.T. Haus is an international April Fool’s Day correspondent for Waterbury Roundabout.