Eganville – Bonnechere Valley (BV) Township’s biggest construction project to date, a new 80-unit apartment complex, is shaping up and PFT Construction has started accepting lease applications from tenants looking to move in this fall.

The former site of the St. James Separate School in Eganville, which was previously in a state of disrepair, is being transformed into an extravagant apartment complex. The two new 30-unit properties at 78 Queen Street will be completed in the next few months and fully finished by the end of fall.

According to PFT owner and Project Manager Chad Patrick, the high-end project caters to retirees, professionals, or even homeowners looking for something a little more modest.

“We’re providing a nice unit at a fair price, but a really good quality unit where someone can stay for a long time,” he said.

“Pricewise, it’s comparable to other new builds in the area. Ours are just a little better.”

The new units will go for between $1,800 and $2,200 for single and double bed plus den apartments respectively, and open between October and November. While the modern units are not technically condos or for sale, Mr. Patrick said they are being built just like it.

“It’s going to be super nice and we’re really happy with the way everything has turned out,” he said. “Our buildings are insulated to the nines. We have top (of the line) energy efficiency, way beyond code requirements. All of our systems are new.”

In addition to all of the standard state-of-the-art appliances, like a fridge, stove, dishwasher and microwave, tenants are also given their own laundry machines, pre-arranged internet deal with Bell as well as their own parking spot and full control over their unit.

“Sometimes units are built when there’s not even half a parking spot per apartment, but we’re way beyond that. Noise is the biggest complaint with the apartments, so soundproofing is to the max. We use soft-close cupboards, vanities and everything.

“Our boilers, air units and heat pumps meet the highest apartment modelling in the province. They’re so efficient. The heated floors, everybody can operate their own heat. It’s very good for the tenants and they’ll have very stable utilities. Their only bill is the hydro.”

Mr. Patrick assures prospective tenants they provide their apartments with the best features money can buy. Heated floors, nine-foot ceilings, and a balcony with every unit make for a truly luxurious stay and the three-story buildings also include elevators and a common room on each floor for tenant get-togethers.

“There’s no shared heating or air. If someone’s cooking food in another unit, you don’t smell it in yours,” he said. “Everybody has their own air system. (There are) big kitchens, pot lights everywhere, ceiling fans in the bedrooms. Everybody has a big closet and their own HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) and air.”

While the buildings don’t include amenities like a pool or gym, they make up for it with high-end appliances like laundry machines, radiant floors, individual heat/air conditioning and hot water units. They also include tile bathrooms, glass shower doors, and stone countertops.

“Our amenities are mainly the way we have designed how each unit is built. Your doors are bigger, it’s all flat surface, tile and good-quality flooring,” he said.

Mr. Patrick is certain people will be attracted to Eganville to fill the new apartments and is confident they will open up housing options in the community.

“It’s a super nice spot. Everybody’s great, and it’s a nice small town,” he said. “There are so many lakes around here, and so many things to do in the summer. We’ve had a lot of people interested.

“The people moving in here are the people you want to keep around. With these units here, we won’t lose them. They could sell their house and move to Pembroke, Renfrew or Ottawa, but with these units, they’re getting the same style unit they would there at a comparative price, and they get to stay in their community.

“The one thing I always remind people of is that, let’s say half of them sell their house to move into our units, they’re staying in the community, but it also frees up the housing stock.

“The housing crisis is everywhere, and a lot less housing is being built this year again… More people are coming in and being born, the population is increasing, and we’re not building as much as we were a few years ago.”

PFT Construction has their work cut out for them going forward. As the owners of the old creamery on Bonnechere Street West, they’re in the early planning stages of its rehabilitation next year. They’re also planning to construct a 40 to 50 home subdivision over 14 acres adjacent to Legion Memorial Field.

Mr. Patrick said the project is going according to plan despite minor delays and he’s thrilled to welcome folks to the little slice of heaven that is Eganville.

“Construction costs always go up, and it always takes a little longer. Project-wise, everything is in balance with where it should be. It’s all basically what was planned.”

Contact Katie at (613) 296-2191 or office@brskmanagement.com for rental or tour inquiries.