Historic Kitchener Tire Factory Primed For High-Density Intensification Listed For Sale

A significant piece of Kitchener's industrial history is now on the market. The former Dominion Tire Factory, located at 101 Glasgow Street, has been listed for sale, presenting a unique opportunity for residential development. This 14.5-acre property, situated between Downtown Kitchener and Westmount, is one of the largest urban infill sites in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Constructed in 1912, the factory was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, known for his work on industrial buildings in Detroit. The facility features early Industrial Modernism architecture, including a flat roofline, exposed concrete frame, red brick masonry, and large factory windows. A three-storey administrative building, built in 1919, complements the main structure.

For nearly a century, the site operated as a tire manufacturing plant under various names, including Dominion Tire, Uniroyal, and Uniroyal Goodrich, before being acquired by Michelin. The factory closed in December 1991 after producing over 160 million tires. It played a significant role in Kitchener's development, contributing to its reputation as "the rubber capital of the world."

Currently, the property is home to AirBoss Rubber Solutions, a major rubber compounding facility. However, the site's designation within a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) under the City of Kitchener’s Growing Together Plan allows for high-density residential development without restrictions on building height, density, or parking minimums.

The listing, managed by TD Cornerstone Commercial Realty Inc., does not disclose an asking price but highlights the property's potential for transformation into a residential-focused community. The unlimited floor space index (FSI) offers developers flexibility in design and scale, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

As Kitchener continues to grow and evolve, the sale of this historic factory site represents a blend of the city's rich industrial past with its future as a hub for residential development. The potential redevelopment could provide much-needed housing while preserving elements of the site's architectural heritage.