Construction of three new commercial buildings worth more than $1 million on Lambton Mall Road is a major boost to the local economy.
A new $580,000 Tim Horton’s restaurant is taking shape at the corner of Lambton Mall Road and Quinn Drive, says Alan Shaw, Sarnia’s chief building official.
On the same property, a former Chrysler dealership that has stood empty for at least six years, is being partially demolished and a $300,000 expansion added to accommodate five commercial units, Shaw said. “It’s good to see development at that property.”
And finally, a 491-square-metre building for retail use is being constructed on the northeast the corner of Exmouth and Lambton Mall Road.
Three building permits have been approved totalling $1.18 million.
Commercial developer Doug Lasenby applied for the Tim Horton’s permit, Shaw said. The other two permits were issued to local lawyer Francis De Sena on behalf of an unnamed owner.
This winter’s cold temperatures slowed building starts in Sarnia but a surge this month in permits indicates 2014 will be at least an average year, Shaw said.
“We’re getting much busier.”
WOMEN’S FASHIONS ON THE MOVE
An established Sarnia women’s clothing store has changed ownership and moved downtown.
LUX butik was located on London Road the past six years. Former owner Maria Nassikos sold the business in February to Maria Chowdhery of Sarnia and Laura Purkiss of London.
The two women were university friends and are fulfilling a dream to go into business together, said Chowdhery.
They held a grand reopening of LUX butik at its new location at 140A Lochiel St. on May 2, during First Friday festivities.
“I shop at other stores downtown and wanted to be part of it,” said Chowdhery, who is also an elementary school teacher at Queen Elizabeth II.
The shop was moved into newly renovated space next to the busy Coffee Culture restaurant where the new owners believe foot traffic is high and the number of trendy stores is growing.
“The biggest attraction was that it was a new space and we could completely design it for our store,” said Chowdhery.
LUX butik specializes in current women’s fashions and accessories. Call 519-333-6444 for details.
LAMBTON FINANCIAL AND MAINSTREET MERGER APPROVED
A vote overwhelmingly in favour of merging Mainstreet Credit Union and Lambton Financial Credit Union is paving the way for one entity serving 20,000 members in 13 branches.
The new organization will be known as Mainstreet Credit Union effective May 31.
“As the new Mainstreet board chair, I am pleased that both organizations’ members were supportive of the merger,” said Patrick O’Malley. “By coming together, it allows us to take advantage of greater market and resource opportunities, invest further in our now wider network of branch communities, and provide our members with exceptional and personalized service.”
The new Mainstreet Credit Union will have branch locations across Chatham, Sarnia, Lambton and Middlesex counties and have more than $625 million in assets.
Got an interesting business story? Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or call 226-932-0985.