Cathy Dobson
The developer of a four-storey adult residence under construction in Corunna says the concept is unique to the area.
A year before it opens, 25 of the 132 apartments have already been leased, said spokesperson Natalie Tommy.
She speaks for Nautical Lands Group, a company based near Ottawa that has built almost a dozen residences across Ontario for adults 55-plus.
Nearly all are in smaller markets such as Paris, Tillsonburg and Goderich. In fact, Corunna-Sarnia is the largest market chosen by Nautical Lands Group to date.
“We’ve had more inquiries in your region than for our other properties and it is the largest facility we’ve built,” said Tommy. “We’ve won awards for providing affordable adult apartments and the only way to do that is to stay away from large cities.”
The project is called Wellings of Corunna. Each apartment will offer luxury finishings, full kitchen, a balcony, and one or two bedrooms.
The building going up at 180 Bunker Ave. across from Simon and Sherrol’s No Frills also features an enormous central atrium. The 8,000-square-foot space will accommodate a dining area, gaming area and live trees. Tommy said large skylights will provide a bright, airy feel.
Apartment hallways surrounding the atrium will have an unimpeded view of the indoor courtyard.
Atriums are the company’s “signature” feature, she said.
“We’re working hard to make it feel like home, a place that will inspire people to pursue what they love.”
The residence is being marketed to independent older adults who want to remain active and social, added Tommy.
Rents start at $2,000 a month per apartment. That includes a meal in the dining room each evening.
Nautical Lands Group began building retirement communities in 1999. It does its own financing, design work and construction, and in most cases the retirement projects have been sold to an operator. But Tommy says Nautical Lands Group intends to operate the Corunna property itself.
“We are really focusing on two Wellings projects, one in Picton and this one in Corunna,” she said. Picton will open first, followed by Corunna in early 2017.
When the company approached St. Clair Township council there was discussion about a possible second phase that could involve single-floor villas.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2015 the developer said it would take about 18 months to complete.
St. Clair Township issued a building permit for $11.5 million for first phase construction.
For more, contact leasing agent Rachel Henry at 613-818-4125 or visit http://www.wellingsofcorunna.com.
Got an interesting business story? Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.