SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A former alcohol addictions centre is in the process of being torn down and rehabilitated into a seniors residence by owners Granite Ventures, according to the company this week.
Proposed condos going at the old location of the Green House on Franklin Avenue. - Artist rendition courtesy of Granite Ventures |
Greg Littlefair, the company's director, said construction of a 26-unit, four-storey condominium project catering to seniors is being proposed for the site. The company, which also includes city councillor Niels Konge and Alex Arychuk, was formed last year in order to provide the city's housing market with infill development projects with green, high energy-efficiency standards.
The building is planned to be the first of its kind in the city in that it would be exclusively for people who are 50-years-old and older.
"We are in the final stages of the design for the building," said Littlefair this week. "We have been specializing in green construction and eco-housing here in Yellowknife. We are going to continue that with condominium-style apartment buildings."
Konge was highly optimistic about the project, pointing out that the location is close to Avens Manor, the downtown core, Somba K'e Park and other amenities.
"We think it is a great place and that the area is ripe for redevelopment," said Konge.
"It was an older building that was there and we are removing that and building something that is nice and new and something that should be good for the next 50 years in Yellowknife. Or longer. "
This will be the company's third building project, since the company has completed a duplex on 49A Avenue this year and two four-plexes on 45 Street.
The company aims to build buildings that have environmentally-efficient materials, such as cork flooring and solid hardwood, triple-pane windows and radiant-style heating. The buildings also exceed the Energuide 80 standard.
A member of Alcoholics Anonymous, who asked to remain anonymous, said the building was widely used until about two years ago, during which time former owner Les Rocher sold the building to the current developer.
"There were various groups using the basement and there were meetings being held, including for a period of time a meeting every morning," said the source. "So there would be a morning group every day and then there were about four other groups holding meetings there. So it was quite well used. "
Alcoholics Anonymous currently meet 10 times a week at a variety of locations, including the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Stanton Territorial Hospital and Northern United Place.
