Polocorp Inc. has announced the sale of the Forbes Estate lands to Guelph-based residential home builder, Fusion Homes.
A press release from Fusion Homes says a collaborative effort between Polocorp and Fusion marks another milestone in their successful history of creating vibrant communities.
"With shared values of quality craftsmanship and community engagement, Fusion Homes is well-positioned to take the Forbes Estate lands to new heights while honoring its rich by seamlessly integrating new homes and walking trails within the existing community," the release states.
In 2022, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved a plan of subdivision for the former estate at 155 and 171 Guelph Ave. that divided the land into 16 blocks that would be registered in two phases for a maximum of 185 units.
The Forbes Estate house lot comprised Phase 1 of the subdivision and was formally registered as its own residential lot in March of 2024.
In May, the city worked out an agreement with the owner to protect the 1912 home that was once owned by the Forbes family, operators of the largest mill in Hespeler.
The balance of the former estate is known as Phase 2.
The release says Fusion Homes is eager to take the next steps in adding to the existing community in Hespeler, Cambridge, which will allow more people to access the great culture and businesses that Hespeler and the city has to offer.
“We are happy to work with Fusion Homes again as a local builder and developer with deep ties to the community. Polocorp has a long relationship with Fusion, and this is yet another great collaboration” said Joseph Puopolo, CO-CEO of Polocorp.
As part of this new development, Polocorp and Fusion Homes are also working in collaboration with the City of Cambridge to relocate a stone tower, believed to be a dovecote, currently on the Forbes site.
This initiative will ensure that this valuable heritage resource remains accessible to all members of the community, states the release.
As Fusion Homes progresses with the development of the Forbes Estate land, the Forbes Estate heritage home will be maintained under the care of a new steward.
“It’s exciting to acquire a property this size within walking distance of a Town Centre. We look forward to the type of community we can bring to Hespeler, and how it will enhance the vibrancy and connectivity of the area for residents” said Lee Piccoli, CEO of Fusion Homes in the release.
