Sleepwell Management has big plans for Pembroke’s core

Sleepwell Management of Ottawa recently acquired a significant portfolio of residential and commercial properties in downtown Pembroke and plans to invest roughly $1.8 million in the renovation of the buildings. The acquisition of the 16 commercial and 26 residential units closed at the end of November, 2016 and includes: 18 to 40 Pembroke St. W., 75 to 100 Pembroke St. W., 197 Albert St., 225 Victoria St., 239 Pembroke St. E. and 205 to 211 Church St.

Sleepwell manages residential, commercial and condominium corporations. They have their own staff available for 24-7 service, all equipped with company-branded vehicles, and their own service technicians. This gives their tenants and landlords faster and more consistent service. They also provide full renovation services for their landlords. Sleepwell administers 1,500 units in Ottawa, where they ’ve been in the property management business for 10 years.

Tenants have welcomed the change in ownership.

“It’s been night and day,” says Shawn Gillies, branch manager of Meridian Credit Union. “The Sleepwell team came by to introduce themselves and see our business, and went to work right away addressing any issues we had with our building.

“The changes will only be positive for downtown businesses and customers.”

In 2014, Sleepwell acquired 12 commercial units in The Mews at 143 Pembroke St. W. and 12 residential units at 192 Prince St. In 2016, the company purchased 188 Prince St., a seven-unit residential building. The buildings have been extensively renovated and most are fully leased. Sleepwell has renovations well underway at the former Pembroke police station located at 169 William St. Sleepwell purchased the 10,000-squarefoot building in early 2016 after the Pembroke police department moved to its new facility, and will be converting the building to commercial and professional offices. Leasing began last month, with occupancy scheduled for April.

“Sleepwell’s investment in the revitalization and development of our city is great to see,” Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay says. “Their vision for our downtown core provides not only economic stimulus, but also lifestyle benefits for our citizens. We are looking forward to seeing positive changes in downtown Pembroke thanks to Sleepwell and other dedicated property owners.”