"Getting to this point has taken a little longer than anticipated, but we finally have two display suites that people can come look at to see what we're offering," says Greg Grewal, the sales agent for the Wolseley-area reclamation project, a turn-of-the-century apartment block converted into a modern 14-unit condominium complex. "The whole complex should be fully complete in three to four months."
Were it not for a suspicious fire that caused minor damage to the building's main floor in late fall 2007 -- and the resulting repairs and red tape that the project's developer, 3Y Group Real Estate Development had to deal with -- the display suites would have come on line long before now.
That said, Grewal isn't complaining.
"To be honest, we got lucky with the insurance company -- they were great, and their assistance got us to this point sooner than we thought possible. All I know is that we were excited to take on this project to breathe life into a Wolseley classic just over a year ago," he says. "And we're excited that it will be coming fully back into play in fairly short order."
Eight months of painstaking work is finally paying off. Proof of that are the two display suites, which feature, among other things, dark engineered laminate floors, maple cabinetry, oversized double pane (gas filled) windows and a new boiler to heat the building via its old-fashioned corrugated heat registers.
Other original features that have been retained include six-inch baseboards and original trim over doors and ornate woodwork higlighted in select areas of each unit.
"Each suite will also come with its own balcony," Grewal says. "Unit sizes will range from about 700 sq. ft. to 775 sq. ft.; there will be three one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units with den/sunroom. The design in the kitchen/great room area will be open-concept, something that will be enhanced by the fact that ceilings (with the exception of basement suites) are in the 10-foot-high range. Kitchens will have a fridge, stove and dishwasher, with stainless steel appliances being an option."
Meanwhile, the bedrooms are -- for relatively compact units -- a good size (storage room is decent), with large windows, the aforementioned dark laminate floors, new lighting fixtures and (most importantly) large windows to ensure the entry of lots of natural light. Colours are soothing earthtones such as beige, blue and brown to keep the interior feel bright and upbeat.
With an olive and white acrylic stucco finish, peaked covered entrance -- and chocolate brown porcelain foyer that will (by the time construction is finished) take you to the building's original, winding oak staircase (which will be fully refinished) that leads to floors two and three -- Grewal says the building will be a combination of new and old that will help it recapture its former glory, and improve function.
"It's going to be an affordable place to live, in a great location. I think it will appeal to university students, or young professionals just starting out looking for a place close to downtown that fits into their budget," he says. "Prices will start at approximately $119,900, and condominium fees will be about $180, including heat, water and laundry."
Ultimately, says Grewal, The 7 (a.k.a. 52 Fawcett Avenue) deserves a second new lease on life.
"Years ago, it was part of a vibrant community," he says. "It's nice to be able to bring it back to life so it can be part of the community again."
For more information on The 7 on Fawcett, call Greg Grewal at 453-7653.
