Work on a 148-suite condominium at Michener Hill Village could begin this year.
Medican Developments plans to build Sierras of Michener Hill next to Extendicare Canada’s continuing care facility, which is currently under construction. It will be located west of Michener Avenue, between Ross and 55th streets.
Glenn Marty, a sales manager with Medican, said work on the first phase of the four-storey condominium will begin once 25 units have been sold.
Medican recently opened a sales office in Parkland Mall. As of Tuesday, it had closed a dozen deals, with others pending, said Marty.
“If we get what we need we will start construction this year. If not, we’ll start the spring of next year.”
He anticipates that it will take about a year for the first units to be ready for occupancy.
“If we get started in November, we could have people in October of 2010.”
The first phase will consist of 50 suites and shared facilities like a fitness centre, billiards room, hot tub and sauna, and library. Subsequent phases will be undertaken as demand dictates, with 40 townhouses also planned for nearby.
Sierras of Michener Hill will be linked to the Extendicare building, with residents able to obtain meals from there.
Suites in the condominium will range from 775 to 1,805 square feet. Options begin with one-bedroom units and progress to suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a den.
Prices start at $195,000 and go as high as $500,000, said Marty.
The sales process is difficult now, he said, because prospective buyers can’t view completed suites.
“A lot of people are visual, they have to see something.
“Once we get a show suite in there, they sell themselves.”
Medican is currently offering a $10,000 price discount to spur sales, with this incentive available until Nov. 15. Early buyers also have the best selection of locations, said Marty.
Buyers must be 40 or older, with the condominium’s proximity to the Extendicare facility an incentive for many seniors. Marty said more than 60 people visited the sales office on Saturday.
Interest has come from throughout the region, he added.