By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – A new retirement facility by the city’s waterfront cut the ribbon on a project that was years in the making.
Government officials gathered to mark the official opening of Riverdale Terrace Waterfront Retirement Residence, a 95-unit building that offers seniors a “new experience.” The building is located at 1200 Second Street West.
“It has turned out very well, and I’m pleased,” said Riverdale Terrace president and developer JC Godard. “It’s creating a big family, jobs and gives seniors a nice place to live.”
Mayor Bob Kilger called the project a “gutsy move.”
“You’ve added something to Cornwall that’s really needed and that gives another choice for seniors looking for a home,” said Kilger.
MP Guy Lauzon said that Riverdale Terrace has created 26 new jobs.
Cornwall city councilor David Murphy, who stood for MPP Jim McDonell, commented on the projects magnitude and how quickly it was constructed.
“The riding could use a few more,” he said.
Godard bought the property on August 21, 2008. It took three years of planning and development before any construction started. In August 2011, a determined schedule of 12-15 hour construction days, up to seven days a week, wrapped up in November 2012.
Godard owns and operates Tri-Star Living Inc., a company that “focuses its energies on Custom Home building and Tri-Star Living facilities.” Riverdale Terrace is the 15th retirement home he has worked on. The difference this time is, he gets to run it, instead of just building it for a company.
“We have a three-year plan to fill this place,” said Godard.
He acknowledged the hard work of his staff and construction company as the reason for the successful opening of the building.
Grace Andress, 84, and Seymour Boileau, 95, were two of the first residents to live in the facility.
“I watched it grow and I was impressed,” said Boileau. “There’s friendship and good food here. Plus I don’t have to do any work.”
The 115,000 square foot three-storey building has 54 one-bedroom apartments, 41 studios (all with in-floor radiant heating systems and individual air-conditioning and heating). The project cost $15.5M and $1.8M was spent on the lower level alone.
The amenities include a theatre room, two-lane bowling alley, billiards room, hair salon and a nine-hole mini-golf area. The facility is protected by video surveillance.
For more information on Riverdale Terrace, click here.
