Cathy Dobson
Concrete work for a 15-storey rental highrise on Sarnia’s waterfront is underway and expected to be complete early next year, says a spokesperson for the developer.
Jen Grozelle of The Tricar Group said the $31.5-million project at 275 Front St. should be ready for occupancy in late 2021.
The property, directly across from the Legion, was the former location of the Sarnia Gazette building.
It’s one of the few properties on the west side of Front Street still available for development. But it sat empty for years after the Gazette was torn down.
Fourteen years ago, an Ottawa developer purchased the land and intended to construct a 15-storey condo. He hired a contractor who began driving piles 140 feet into the ground but ran out of cash.
Tricar – a London-based company with two other highrises already built on Front Street– has owned the land since 2008.
In 2018, Tricar announced plans for The Bayfront, a 123-unit tower with amenities that include a roof top lounge with a view overlooking Sarnia Bay.
It’s taken a couple of years for approvals and to get additional piles driven into the ground to support the building.
A giant crane has been on the site for months now and concrete work is coming along as the building rises above street level.
Grozelle said The Bayfront will offer a combination of one and two bedroom units, as well as a fitness centre, billiards room, guest suite and media room. Rental prices are not yet known.
Tricar also owns property at the northwest corner of Christina and London Road but Grozelle said the company has no firm plans for that location yet.