The Paul Martin building facade being finished is the first step in a complete revitalization of Chatham St. in downtown Windsor.
That's according to Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association Chair Larry Horowitz, who says the potential for the University of Windsor's law school to now move into that building has people talking.
"We've already seen some changes [on Chatham St.]," he explains. "We've seen a new sandwich shop open recently, Bread Meats Bread, and we're starting to see again some of the buildings that weren't for lease, up for lease."
Horowitz predicts "major development" on Chatham St. over the next two or three years.
He also hopes to see the City of Windsor approve a community improvement plan for downtown this year, which he says will encourage more residential development downtown.
The DWBIA is ready to donate $50,000 to the law school, once plans to move it downtown become official. The city's already said it's willing to spend $15-million to make that happen, but is waiting to hear how much it can get from the province to help with renovations. It's asking for $20-million.