Cathy Dobson
Extensive research went into the $15-million, six-storey apartment complex breaking ground just off London Road this month, says a spokesperson for the local development company building it.
“We are a small group of entrepreneurs looking to make a difference,” said Lauren McDonald, VP of growth and external affairs for Sarnia-based Vensuris Group of Companies.
McDonald said Vensuris worked with Lambton County and CMHC officials to ensure the 70-unit apartment building, known as The Addison, will be both affordable and provide amenities for mid-range renters.
The building is expected to be ready for occupancy in November 2022 and will offer one-bedroom apartments starting at $1,290 a month, as well as two-bedroom apartments starting at $1,775 a month.
“Mid-range priced apartments haven’t been built in Sarnia for two to three decades, said Rob Dawson, Vensuris’ owner and CEO.
The original proposal called for an 11-storey building but a sharp increase in material costs during the pandemic and concerns about area traffic volume convinced the group to downsize, Dawson said.
“A smarter, safer build gives us certainty that we can do it,” he said. “We hope to do a second one in Sarnia in the next year or two.”
Demolition in under way on the east side of the former Zellers plaza, at 1250 Afton Dr. The new building will fit into space south of Crabby Joe’s restaurant, with the main entrance on Afton Drive, close to shopping and the Howard Watson Nature Trail.
The ground floor will be 1,000 square metres (10,000 square feet) of commercial retail space facing the plaza parking lot on London Road.
“We’re still looking for tenants for that. There’s been a lot of interest since we announced it in September,” said McDonald.
The apartment building is the last of three phases started in 2016 to redevelop the property after Zellers closed. Tepperman’s Furniture, Giant Tiger and a new Goodwill location were done the first two phases.
“This is Vensuris’ first foray into multi-residential development,” said McDonald.
Dawson said the company is partnering with Windsor-based general contractor Amico and its advanced manufacturing arm, ALINX Building Technologies.
The Addison – named for Dawson’s daughter – is using prefabricated light-gauge steel construction. Much of it will be built in a manufacturing centre and shipped to London Road for assembly.
“We are incredibly excited to build it,” said Dawson. “With vacancy rates of three to five per cent over the past few years, the need is stronger than ever.
“The Addison will provide more opportunity and choice to the Sarnia-Lambton community.”