Old courthouse and health unit building sold to York Developments

A pair of high profile properties at The Forks of the Thames have been sold to London-based York Developments, which plans to convert them into a "mixed use" facility whichcould include offices and residences.

Company president Ali Soufanwas vague on details regarding the vision but said it would be a "dense development" that could also include a food provider.

"There's significant heritage in the 399 RidoutStreet building, and we want to enhance and respect that and use it in the design elements," Soufan explained at a news conference Wednesday at the location.

York Developments has also purchased the adjacent building at 50 King Street, home to the Middlesex London Health Unit. Soufan said thatwould be the "first phase" for new development.

"We've formalized an agreement where the county can stay in their existing facility for up to four or five years," he said.

Sale price not disclosed

Neither Soufannor officials from MiddlesexCounty would disclosethe sale price forthe prime piece of downtown land.

Bill Rayburn, CAO for the county, did say the money would be re-invested into the county's services and infrastructure.

"We think that we've managed to hit a home run here, right at the perfect opportunity."

Rayburn said county council laid out a "difficult set of goals," and he's relieved to have satisfied them all.

The City of London was also interested in purchasing the land. While they lost the bid, Soufan hopes the city willwork collaboratively on plans for the new development.

"Whether it be the city or some of the other downtown London employers, we're very excited about what the future will hold," he said.