Journal Staff
The four-storey complex preparing to open in Corunna next spring will be more than a luxury lifestyle residence for older adults ready to sell their home, management says.
“It’s going to be a community hub, and we’re already looking at different things we can do here,” said marketing rep Candiss Smeenk.
Wellings of Corunna is 132-suite residence currently under construction at 180 Bunker Ave., across from Simon and Sherrol’s No Frills.
It’s geared to active and independent older adults, and though not expected to open until April it already has about 25 suites spoken for.
“The bulk are coming from this area – Corunna, Sarnia, Wallaceburg – and there are some people in big cities like Toronto originally from this area who are coming back home,” Smeenk said.
One important aspect of the whole concept will be community outreach, she added.
Organizations could hold board meetings at a Wellings lounge, for example, and exercise groups might use the fully equipped gymnasium and the building’s key feature - an 8,000-square-foot sky-lit atrium - is well suited for larger community events.
“Our mission will be to help anyone who walks in the door, whether directing them to services or giving them information. We want to be a community partner,” Smeenk said.
Corunna is one of four Wellings properties under development by Ottawa-based Nautical Lands Group, all of which feature “atrium living.”
The Corunna floor plan shows suites overlooking an atrium courtyard that will have live trees and space for dining and entertainment.
Each apartment comes with a full-sized kitchen, washer and dryer, and other amenities include a fenced-in pet area, bicycles for community use, a gym, theatre and on site Paramed services.
Rents start at $1,995 a month for a one-bedroom. The largest suite available costs $3,895 a month.
When the company approached St. Clair Township council there was discussion about a possible second phase involving single-floor villas. The first phase came with a $11.5-million building permit.
Smeenk said moving to this area to oversee the project locally has been an eye-opener for her personally.
“Corunna is stunning,” she said. “People are very friendly and the community is very welcoming.
“I absolutely love it.”