There’s a refreshing enthusiasm overtaking downtown Oshawa this summer. From artists turning vacant storefronts into beautiful works of art to developers eager to revitalize a long-abandoned landmark to shoppers filling the streets to peruse sidewalk sales. This exciting air of downtown renewal isn’t anything new, however. We’ve been tempted and teased before with the possibility of remarkable developments, namely the redevelopment and reopening of the Genosha Hotel. But there’s a new player on the scene who, albeit on a smaller scale, has proven his ability to turn an old historical building into affordable yet attractive housing.

Last year, Rick Summers, owner of Summers & Co., a Courtice-based property management firm, transformed the former Oshawa House Hotel into an apartment building. Now Summers is buying the Genosha Hotel and plans to do turn it into luxury—yet affordable—apartments. Yes, we’ve heard this before, these plans to restore the Genosha to its former glory. But the looming, deteriorating and still empty King Street structure is a prime example of how some developers talk big but don’t act. Summers, on the other hand, has a better track record. First, he’s local, which is always a plus. Second, we’ve seen his success already. He already has one successful downtown property.

Third, he’s trying something different. Previous owners have looked at reopening the Genosha as a hotel but Summers’ plan to turn it into apartments seems a lot more feasible. Oshawa needs better, safe, affordable housing that looks attractive. In a lot of cities, downtown apartments are prime real estate, a coveted spot any urban dweller would be happy to occupy. Oshawa should be no different. If the goal is to completely revitalize the downtown then you need an excellent housing option. Finally, Summers seems genuinely driven to improve the area. He’s excited, enthusiastic and focused on this venture.

If anyone is going to restore the Genosha, Summers certainly seems the right man for the job. But Summers isn’t the only one trying to improve the downtown and add something new. Local artists Wendy Wallace and Hailey Yates have undertaken a project to renew vacant storefronts with artwork installations. They’ve already done it on Simcoe Street South, next to Fazio’s Restaurant, and are on the lookout for their next “canvas”. It’s a remarkable idea with ugly, empty windows marring an otherwise attractive streetscape.

While a store sits vacant, why not turn it into a mini-gallery? It’s an easy way to add culture to Oshawa and maybe attract some new art lovers. And who knows, maybe the next passerby will be an entrepreneur looking to set up the next fantastic shop.