But when a condominium development is slated to be constructed in the forgotten downtown of Transcona, it certainly piques the interest of the larger community -- as seen last Monday night.
It was a who's who of Transcona's current and former movers and shakers. They had gathered in a basement banquet room at the Canad Inns Transcona to hear about the yet-to-be-named (now being called the 'Bond Project,') a $4-million, upscale condominium development, planned for an empty patch of land near downtown Transcona.
"There is no doubt that the neighbourhood, downtown Transcona, is in a period of transition, and sometimes there are hiccups along the way," Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt said to a group of about 40 people, sipping wine and noshing on appetizers.
"Sometimes you've got to go through the rough times to get back to the good times."
Wyatt, former Winnipeg deputy mayor Bernie Wolfe and former Transcona mayor Paul Martin were among those who gave short speeches, commending the Calgary-based developers, NVR Holdings Ltd. on their initiative and vision to construct an 18-unit condominium on the long-abandoned former Dominion Lumber yards.
Located across the street from the CN railway shops, which were built in 1910 and once employed thousands, the 'Bond Project' is one of two multi-family, upscale developments in the area's downtown in the past two years.
Wyatt said the city's multiple-family/mixed-use dwelling grant was expanded last year to include areas outside of central Winnipeg, providing incentive to developers like NVR to build in areas in need of revitalization.
"So this project, for example, will be receiving up to $15,000 per unit door as a tax credit up to $270,000," he said, "coming back into the community as incentive and as a way to provide housing that is affordable."
The development's proponents say they believe the project is among the first steps toward turning the old downtown, which runs along Regent Avenue from Bond Street to Kanata Street, into a vibrant urban village similar to Osborne Village or Kensington in Calgary.
"I grew up in Transcona," said Vic Reykdal, CEO of NVR. "And I've always come back to Transcona. Every year, I drive through the area, and I had seen it fading, fading and fading and then, finally, I just said to my partner a couple of years ago that I see an opportunity here to work with the city."
His partner, Tim Anderson, is also a former Winnipegger who moved to Calgary several years ago. He said he, too, sees downtown Transcona as a diamond in the rough -- an older, depressed neighbourhood with the potential to be a busy, cultural hub of boutiques, caf ©s and restaurants.
"We've seen a reawaking across the country of the urban village with human-scale street retail," said Anderson, a commercial real estate agent in Calgary.
"We feel we can be part of this transition and upcoming change," he said, adding a 54-suite condo and side-by-side homes project are planned if the first phase of the 'Bond Project' is successful.
Winnipeg abounds in character architecture that is ripe for redevelopment, Anderson further added, something lacking in other Western Canadian cities like Calgary -- where much of the growth has come in the last few decades.
It's just a matter of getting Winnipeggers onside, he said.
When NVR first proposed the upscale project at Bond Street and Melrose Avenue, it was met with some skepticism, even from people who are now the project's biggest boosters, real estate agents Bob and Deborah Goodfellow.
"I have to tell you. Bob and I went from not wanting to do the project," said Deborah Goodfellow, "... well, to make a long story short -- to becoming the first sale a couple of nights ago."
Like many longtime residents, the Goodfellows have deep roots in the community of close to 40,000 and view the 'Bond Project' (a contest with a $1,000 prize will determine its name) as an anchor to keep its citizens from drifting away to other areas of Winnipeg.
"It's been home to us for so many years. We always hated over the years when we had to sell people homes outside of the area when they were already rooted with family, church and so forth," she said.
"I know many times people have made comments about Transcona, but let me tell you: Transcona's time has come, and it's going to get the reputation that it finally deserves."
The Bond Project
18-UNIT, four-storey condominium project proposed for corner of Bond Street and Melrose Avenue in downtown Transcona.
ALL UNITS have two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, premium carpet; upgrades include hardwood floors and granite countertops.
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION for long-lasting sturdiness and soundproofed units.
FIRST FLOOR contains indoor, heated parking, fitness room, lobby with gas fireplace, storage and office space; condo units on second, third and fourth floors.
'SKYE' ROOFTOP TERRACE is fully landscaped, including garden boxes for tenants, covered lounge and barbecue area, plus large patio.
PRICES expected to range from $220,000 to just over $230,000.
Construction to begin once first eight units have been pre-sold, which is expected to take about two months; expected occupancy for eight months after construction begins.
$1,000 WINNER of contest to name condo will be announced at Transcona's Hi Neighbour Festival, May 30 to June 1.
CONTACT Debbie Goodfellow at 224-2551 for more information.
