Legion, developer team up to build vital community
It’s the type of deal Truman Homes says can happen more often.
Earlier in June, the Kensington Legion was handed the keys to a new building, measuring 40,000 square feet, constructed by Truman Homes. This replaces a brick building that’s been the organization’s home since 1956.
Truman took on all expenses related to the development that now covers one-third of the site on Kensington Road N.W. In return, the seasoned home builder received ownership of the balance of the property that previously belonged to the Kensington Legion, and it will be used for a new condo development.
“You can help veterans, you can help social organizations, everybody wins, and the community builds together,” says Oliver Trutina, vice-president of Truman Homes.
Construction of the building, including two levels of underground parking, took 14 months.
“It shows, if you have the opportunity to do this — it can be done quickly, and it can be done well,” says Trutina. “Everybody’s happy.”
Mark Barham, dominion treasurer of the Kensington Legion, agrees.
“Everybody wins,” he says. “We are over the moon with this.”
The new building opens the door for the Kensington Legion to implement a three-stream revenue source, says Barham.
“It’s the way to go moving forward, with legions across the country,” says Barham. “This one will be very successful. And when I say successful, I mean this will allow us to give back to the community.
“This pattern of success, we think can be repeated across the country, because legions, typically in larger centres, are asset rich and cash flow poor. That’s where we have to go next.”
On the main level, there’s a restaurant called 1918 Tap & Table, which is open to the public.
“Because it’s not- for- profit, money we make there, we give back,” Barham says.
The second floor is a legion member’s lounge, and the third and fourth floors are commercial office space that have been leased out.
“It removes the onus on membership to ensure the viability of the branch. It just makes it a lot easier,” Barham says.
Truman’s recent multi-family developments include Orchard Sky, 1741, Savoy, and Reflections Townhomes.
The company expects its condo building next to the new Kens- ington Legion, yet to be named, will come to market in early 2018. The building, set to contain about 228 condos, a “spectacular” rooftop amenity, water features and prominent landscaping, is planned to be an attractive addition to the streetscape, says Trutina.
“We have an eight-storey building that steps every two storeys,” Trutina adds.
“Eight to six is one level, then it steps back, six to four, and then down. It cascades down like a staircase.”
It will have about 30,000 square feet of commercial development, as well.