Condominium development finally a reality

Signpost Photo by Wendy Spence
Barry Wade in his Bridge Street office with some of the plans for the new detached condominium development on Hamilton Road.

    After more than seven years, archaeological reviews and changes in property ownership, construction is finally set to begin on a condominium development on the north side of Hamilton Road, just west of the Valleyview subdivision. A settlement had to be reached between the current property owner – a numbered company – and the Oneida National Council of Chiefs concerning the treatment of archaeologically significant artifacts that were discovered in 2004.
    Designer and builder for the Village on the Thames detached condominium development, Dorchster resident Barry Wade, owner of Barry Wade Design Construction Management says, “We had to design the sight to work around the artifacts.” The Oneidas wanted to preserve their history and Wade worked along with them to make that happen. The name for the development speaks of its history. There was a native village at the same site 700-800 years ago.
    He says the portion of the development that includes artifacts is probably less than 10 per cent. Those areas will be turned into parkland areas, covered with natural stone and grasses and designed to keep people from walking on the findings. There will also be a small plaque in one of the larger parkland areas with a history of the development.
    The plan is to eventually build 55 vacant land detached condominiums. Wade says this allows for flexibility in the layout of the homes. “The concept is to have a sense of your own personal property.” Residents in the adult lifestyle community will own their home and the land it’s located on. The property is to be maintained by the condominium corporation who will be responsible for cutting grass in the summer and plowing snow in the winter. That will help keep condo fees low, according to Wade. The homes have been designed to be easily accessible, with wider hallways and doorways to accommodate those with special mobility needs.
    There are four different models to choose from, ranging in size from about 1,300 to just under 2,000 sq. ft. Wade points out that the plans can be customized to suit the owners’ needs. The largest model is a two-storey design. Up to 15 lots could accommodate in-ground pools. The master bedrooms are located on the main floor and the basements can be finished to almost double the living space. All home designs include a two-car garage. There will be a variety of colours to choose from for the exterior windows, trim and stone, to give the neighbourhoods a unique look. It’s the first development in Dorchester where one developer has complete control, which will make for a consistent appearance, in Wade’s opinion.
    Wade designed the development to ensure as much privacy as possible and says, “We’re a big believer in urban design planning.” His company is conscious of the fact that neighbours are relatively close. The patios will be grade level and landscape packages are included in the price of the homes.
    Wrought iron fencing and stone pillars will be featured on Hamilton Road and the front of the homes will face the road.
    The homes will be built as they’re sold, starting with phase one which includes 24 houses. The builders will start work on phase two once the first phase is 75 per cent full. Wade says the marketing of the properties is underway. The Assist-2-Sell office on Hamilton Road is the temporary showroom until the model home is completed at the site of the development. Construction on that building will begin soon as will the installation of services for the site.
    Almost 40 packages have gone out to interested buyers. Wade says, “We have quite a few people that have been waiting quite a long time to start up.” He anticipates that the community will be desirable to people who live in a rural setting and want to get off the farm, but stay in the area. The homes are designed to allow people to remain in their homes as long as possible and not have to worry about maintenance. “It makes life easier.”
    Wade is eager to break ground on the new development. “It’s something we’re excited and eager to do. It’s good for the economy. It’s good for everyone.”
    Thousands of people will have a chance to look at the plans for the luxury detached condominium development at the Lifestyle Home Show in London this weekend.