News & Media
First residents to move into The Addison
August 30, 2023
Author of the article:
Melanie Irwin
The first residents of a new apartment on Afton Drive will be unpacking at their new homes this week.
Vensuris Group of Companies Vice President of Growth & External Affairs Lauren Pomerleau tells Sarnia News Today that they're ready for people to move into The Addison.
"We're just coming off a wonderful weekend where we had our grand opening and open house," said Pomerleau. "We were able to celebrate with the community, start to show people the building; the community room, and barbeque, and suites. Now, we're going to have our first set of people starting to move in later this week. So, it's really exciting to be at this milestone."
Pomerleau said some individuals have been eagerly waiting for their suite to be ready.
"These early move-ins, most of them have been with us almost since the start, on our waitlist and following along," she said. "They were some of the people that came in when we started our pre-leasing process in March to secure their suite. So, it's been great to be able to get them to this point and now I can't wait to welcome them to their new home."
Pomerleau said units are still available.
"Those are available on a first come, first served basis. We'll be starting those move-ins in October and November," she said.
Pomerleau said now that this project is pretty much wrapped up, they're investigating future projects.
"We would love to build more and bring more needed housing to the market. We have our eye on the market. We've been assessing different land opportunities and hope to tie down some land and announce another building shortly," said Pomerleau.
She said The Addison was initially delayed at the beginning, but was on time as soon as they "got in the ground."
"When we started the pre-leasing process in March, we told people they would be moving in on September 1. So, to have some people moving in August 31 feels really great to be able to hit that accomplishment," Pomerleau said.
First tenants secured at The Addison
April 26, 2023
A new apartment on Afton Drive has secured its first tenants.
Vensuris Group of Companies Vice President of Growth & External Affairs, Lauren Pomerleau –while showing Sarnia News Today the model suite this week — said pre-leasing has been going well.
“We started with those that are on our waitlist and have now opened up to the general public,” said Pomerleau. “We’ve been inviting people in to see the model suite, so they can see what the building finishes will look like, what is included in each of the suites and meet with someone from our leasing team. We’re already almost 30 per cent leased.”
The suites are being offered on a first come, first served, basis.
“We have 70 suites. Ten two bedroom suites and 60 one bedroom suites. Right now we’ve attracted three different types of residents; young professionals, recent retirees and your seniors looking to downsize,” she said.
While pre-leasing guarantees a spot, full leasing is expected in July, when you’ll be able to tour the whole building.
“As we’re bringing people into the model suite, it’s still an active construction site, which is why we can only show you this suite at [this] time,” said Pomerleau. “Everything is moving quite quickly around. You’re going to see a lot of progress on the outside of the building. We already have the bump outs being framed, there’s brick work along the base and exterior of the building, all of the siding is going up and inside we’re continuing to finish suites off floor-by-floor.”
Pomerleau said each suite has central air and is individually metered for its utilities.
“All of the finishings in our suites are the same, so that’s your countertops, your flooring, your ceiling height. What you’re seeing [in the model] is what you’re going to get in your own suite. All of our suites come with a full size, stackable, washer and dryer, four stainless steel kitchen appliances — that’s your fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher — all full size as well,” she said.
The model was outfitted by the neighbouring Tepperman’s store.
“Their interior design team helped pick all of the items that you’ll see in the suite and they’re offering a VIP program and pricing to all of the residents that move into The Addison,” said Pomerleau. “They have all of our floor plans and are able to work with our residents on figuring out what could fit in their suite, if they wanted to keep some of their existing pieces and just add it, or if they wanted to do a full refresh.”
The Addison is expected to be move-in ready this September.
Model suite opens at new Sarnia apartment building on Afton Drive
April 25, 2023
Author of the article:
Construction of a six-storey apartment building at the former Zeller’s plaza in Sarnia isn’t finished yet but several of the 70 units already are spoken for.
Vensuris, the Sarnia-based company developing the site, has begun booking appointments to view a model apartment on the ground floor of the building as construction continues.
“We’re actually almost 30 per cent leased already, which has been a great response,” said Lauren McDonald, a vice-president with Vensuris.
Tenants so far have been an “even split” between young professionals, early retirees and seniors looking to downsize, she said.
Construction of the building began in early 2022 at the southeast corner of the plaza and largely has remained on schedule, McDonald said.
Model suite tours are being held evenings after construction has ended for the day.
More than 300 people put their names on a waiting list for the apartments and initially were given priority for tours of the model suite, McDonald said.
“Now, we’ve opened up tours so anyone who is interested can book a tour and come meet with us.”
Information on the building and tours can be found on its website, theaddison.org.
McDonald said “substantial completion” of construction is expected by the end of July.
Full tours of the building are expected to begin then, including its other amenities and all of the suite options, she said.
“Of course, whatever is available at that time can be leased and we’re starting move-ins in September,” McDonald said.
The building faces Afton Drive and will include a lane there for dropping off and picking up. Visitors also will be able to use an entrance off the parking lot in the plaza. There will be a common room for residents on the main floor as well as storage lockers, an indoor storage area for bicycles and scooters, and an outdoor patio with a barbecue. Secure parcel delivery also will be available in the lobby through a third party. Brick work on the exterior, near the ground, has been completed and siding is going up on the upper floors.
Each unit has its own washer and dryer, kitchen appliances and central air conditioning. Rents start at $1,500 for one-bedroom and $2,175 for two-bedroom units. Rent doesn’t include utilities which will be metered for each unit.
“Residents will be able to control when they want to turn the air conditioning on, when they want to turn their furnace on,” McDonald said.
There are eight different suite types with 60 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units.
Upcoming work at the site includes demolishing the remaining part of the original Zeller’s building to make room for additional parking.
The Addison – named after a daughter of Vensuris’ CEO – is the company’s first multi-residential project, McDonald said. It has worked previously in commercial real estate, including the redevelopment of the former Zeller’s plaza.
“This was the last piece,” she said about that redevelopment. “We chose to build here because we feel it’s so convenient for people,” with grocery stores, restaurants and other services nearby, McDonald said.
“We are actively looking at other opportunities and land in Sarnia,” she said. “We would love to build more” mid-rise apartment buildings, McDonald said.
“The need is here.”
Rental rates released as construction of The Addison continues of The Addison continues
January 30, 2023
The pre-leasing process is expected to start in the coming weeks for a new apartment on Afton Drive. Vensuris Group of Companies Vice President of Growth & External Affairs, Lauren Pomerleau said people will be able to apply to confirm a suite inside The Addison.
“We are actually going to be opening a model suite in mid to late March, where people will be able to book a timeslot to come and view what a one bedroom will look like, and learn more about the building and put in an application then as well,” said Pomerleau.
The six storey building, at the southeast corner of the London Road Shopping Centre, has 70 one and two bedroom units. “Our one bedroom [apartments] are going to start at $1,495 per month and our two bedrooms will be starting at $2,175 per month. Those are both, plus utilities.”
Pomerleau said each suite is individually metered.
“Our building has been designed to be 44 per cent more energy efficient than code. So, we’ve got great insulation, and windows. We anticipate that utility costs will actually be lower because of the efficiency of the building itself.”
Pomerleau said there continues to be a lot of interest in the building.
“We do have a wait list, and I would encourage anyone that’s interested in either applying or just receiving more information about The Addison to reach out to be added to our waitlist.”
She said those on the wait list will be prioritized.
Pomerleau said lots of progress is being made on the inside and outside of the building.
“Over the past week, we have sealed our concrete floor, we’ve added insulation, drywall is going up. We’ve got some of our tubs and our fixtures being installed on certain floors and on the outside our masons and bricklayers are there. You’ll be starting to see some of the brick work going up and some of the exterior siding over the next few weeks.”
Each unit will have its own washer and dryer, central air, stainless steel appliances and a private balcony.
For more information, or to be added to the apartment’s waitlist, visit vensuriscommunities.com
Skyline changes as new apartment on Afton Drive takes shape
November 11, 2022
Crews building a new apartment in Sarnia have been working hard to get the project ready for winter.
Vensuris Group of Companies Vice President of Growth & External Affairs, Lauren Pomerleau said there has been a lot of action at the Afton Drive site, at the southeast corner of the London Road Shopping Centre, over the last few months.
“All six storeys are up and the roof is being put on and sealed,” said Pomerleau. “There’s an exterior vapor coating being put on right now to seal in and waterproof the exterior sheathing and that will basically put us in a great position to continue working through the winter on the inside, framing out the suites and building everything inside.”
The building, which will be known as “The Addison”, will include 70 one and two-bedroom units.
“We have made a bit of fluctuation in terms of our schedule and what we’re prioritizing. We are looking at right now, launching our model suite and starting our pre-leasing process in early 2023, with move-ins starting in late spring. This is a bit of a change from before. Now we’re focusing on bringing all of the units to market at the same time, versus moving people in floor by floor.”
Pomerleau said the decision will minimize disruptions for future tenants and allow workers to continue to move at the pace they’re moving.
“We’re currently sitting at about 150 people on our waiting list. We just released the fact that we’re going to be opening a model suite in January or February and we’re really excited about that. That will give people the opportunity to come in and really get a look and feel at what the building is going to look like and that’s going to be the kick off for our pre-leasing.”
Pomerleau said they’re interested in accommodating long term renters.
“This building is best suited for individuals that are young professionals, or retirees, anyone looking to downsize and live in an area that is super convenient with all of your amenities within walking distance around.”
For more information, or to be added to the apartment’s waitlist, visit vensuriscommunities.com
Construction of Sarnia apartment complex ‘progressing quite nicely’
August 2, 2022
By Natalia Vega
A London Road apartment complex in Sarnia expects to begin pre-leasing rental units in late fall.
Vensuris Group of Communities has been working to develop a six storey building called “The Addison” at the southeast corner of the London Road Shopping Centre.
Plans for the complex were announced in 2016 and will include 70 one and two-bedroom units.
Vice President of Growth & External Affairs Lauren McDonald said the company broke ground in March and second-floor walls went up last week.
“Construction has been progressing quite nicely,” said McDonald.
The pre-leasing process is expected to begin in the fall and early move-ins are anticipated in the spring of 2023.
McDonald said there has been a lot of interest in the building. They have started forming a “waitlist” of interested people and so far that list includes 74 names.
A floor plan is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Following that, further details about the rentals will be released.
“We’ve been working on developing our layouts so everyone can get a sense of what the building is going to look and feel like down to all of the amenities that we’ll have,” she said.
“We’re still confirming our exact market rents right now based on fluctuating rates and where we’re at with economics so we’re going to be determining that closer in the fall.”
McDonald also said they’re planning to have their model suite completed by the end of this year for people to view.
Those interested in being added to the apartment’s waitlist can email contact@vensuriscommunities.com or call (519) 419-1390.
Construction begins on new apartment building in Sarnia
March 23, 2022
Author of the article:
Work is underway on the foundations for a six-storey apartment building being constructed at the former Zeller’s plaza in Sarnia.
The Addison, a 70-unit building that will front on Afton Drive, is being built by the Vensuris Group of Companies as part of the plaza’s redevelopment following the closing of the Zeller’s department store in 2013.
Construction was originally scheduled to begin in October but was delayed for a few months because of the pandemic’s impact on the building industry, said Lauren McDonald, vice-president of growth and external affairs for Vensuris.
“We just broke ground and started construction about a week ago with footings and foundations,” McDonald said. “We’re very excited that the program is a go.”
Plans are to begin moving tenants into the building’s one- and two-bedroom apartments in the spring or summer of 2023, McDonald said.
“We’re really excited that all of them will have in-suite washer-dryer” and four stainless steel kitchen appliances, she said.
Each apartment will have a balcony, and there are common areas on the main floor, along with an outdoor terrace and barbecue space, McDonald said.
Redevelopment plans for the plaza were announced not long after Zeller’s closed as part of Target’s ill-fated attempt to enter the Canadian market.
Since then, a Giant Tiger store opened in a renovated section of the former Zeller’s building, followed by construction of a Tepperman’s furniture store and new commercial space.
McDonald said there has already been interest from potential tenants for the apartment building, “which is really exciting.”
She said they are starting a wait list. The company can be contacted through its website, vensuriscommunities.com, or by email at contact@vensuriscommunities.com.
“We’ll look to start the pre-leasing in the late fall of 2022,” McDonald said. Rents for the units are still being finalized, she said. “We’re excited to share updates as soon as they’re available,” McDonald said.
We have broken ground!
March 10, 2022
Sarnia, ON: We are extremely excited to say that construction is underway at 1250 Afton Drive! The COVID-19 pandemic might have temporarily delayed plans, but we stuck by our values and goal of bringing some much needed high-value rental units to Sarnia-Lambton and could not be happier about today’s announcement.
We anticipate welcoming home residents of The Addison in Spring/Summer 2023!
Email contact@vensuriscommunities.com to add your name to our waitlist today and receive additional details on our lease-up process including how to apply to secure your suite.
Innovatively built, mid-rise apartment complex coming to Sarnia, Ontario.
September 23, 2021
Sarnia, ON: Development has begun on a new 70-unit rental apartment building at 1250 Afton Drive in Sarnia. The new development, called The Addison, is owned by Vensuris Communities and will be ready for occupancy beginning in November 2022.
“We are incredibly excited to offer new, high-value rental housing in Sarnia-Lambton,” says Rob Dawson, Founder & CEO of Vensuris Communities, a subsidiary of the Vensuris Group of Companies. “With vacancy rates of three to five per cent over the past few years the need is stronger than ever. The Addison will provide more opportunity and choice to the Sarnia-Lambton community.”
Partnering with Windsor-based general contractor Amico and its advanced-manufacturing arm, ALINX Building Technologies, The Addison will be built using prefabricated light-gauge steel construction, a technology quickly revolutionizing the status quo of traditional building methods. This advanced engineering and construction technology allows a majority of the exterior and interior structure to be made in a climate-controlled manufacturing centre and then shipped to site for assembly, leading to a finished product with superior speed-to-market, meaning more people have access to more housing, quicker.
“Our manufacturing process dramatically improves every aspect of the construction cycle, reducing time, risk and material usage for an efficient, economical and strong build every time,” says Dino Fantin, Vice-President, Design Build at Amico. “We’re excited to partner with Vensuris Communities to bring more high-value rental units to Sarnia-Lambton.”
Featuring a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units, each resident in The Addison will have six stainless steel appliances including in-suite laundry, a personal balcony, access to a common room including an outdoor terrace with community BBQ and secure, technology-enabled building access and management. Couple this with a central location on a public transit route, easy access to the Howard Watson Trail, grocery stores, fitness centres, restaurants and more, The Addison brings high-value, convenient living to enhance the rental experience.
The Addison, the multi-residential, mid-rise building, is part of the third and final phase of re-development of the former Zellers Plaza that began in 2016. In addition to the multi-residential building, this phase will include 10,000 square feet of commercial retail space now leasing through the listing agents at JLL. Vensuris Communities is committed to choosing as many local partners and sub-contractors as possible to build The Addison.
Those interested in renting at The Addison can visit www.vensuriscommunities.com for more information and apply to be added to the waitlist.
About Vensuris Communities
Vensuris Communities aims to create sustainable growth and impact in the multi-residential rental housing industry, bringing much needed inventory to market in a fast, efficient and accessible manner. Partnering with leading advanced manufacturing companies and local municipalities, Vensuris Communities ensures each build enhances the rental experience and becomes a high-value addition to the community. Vensuris Communities is part of the Vensuris Group of Companies, a for-profit group of businesses led by visionary achievers driving financial performance and social impact around the world.
