ALAVIDA'S LATEST SENIORS PROJECT, ASTORIA, SET TO OPEN NEXT YEAR
Construction of Alavida Lifestyles' most recent development in Ottawa's Central Park neighbourhood is continuing, with upwards of 344 rental units dedicated to seniors expected to be on the market starting next year.
To be known as Astoria, according to the company, which is a division of Choo Communities, the goal of the eight-storey and 10-storey complex is to change the way senior independent living is approached.
Amy Richer, Choo's vice-president of operations, said the complex located at 130 Central Park Dr. will cater to those “people ready to make a change. This will be more of a carefree lifestyle because they don't have to worry about condo fees and property taxes.”
“They know what their monthly bill is going to be, and it is a lot less stress.”
Meanwhile, David Blakely, the architect of Astoria, said all suites have been “designed with an understanding of the residents' needs and lifestyle.”
“A variety of floor plans have been carefully designed and are the genesis of the building's form. The building is a design of its time, rich in contemporary detail, and positioned to provide an abundance of exterior spaces.”
The eight-storey building contains 154 units that range in size from 407 square feet to 864 sq. ft with studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom units available.
Monthly rental rates range from $1,899 to $3,799.
The 10-storey complex contains 190 “senior suites” and allow tenants to have access to meals in a communal dining room, housekeeping, access to a physician within the building and what Richer describes as “everyday living activities.”
Studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and two-bedroom suites are available and they range in size from 407 sq. ft to 864 sq. ft.
Monthly rates start at $3,949 and go up to $6,629.
Once built, Astoria will be adjacent to Alavida's Park Place and form what Richer described as a “campus that we are building out right now.
“The four buildings will make up our retirement community and there will be a full continuum — from your active independent senior to whatever kind of care service an individual may need.
“On the property right now, there is a light assisted building where people can have access to medication administration and housekeeping meals, all the way up to full assistance, and even endof-life care.”
There are also an assortment of amenities such as a bistro, a golf simulator, a games room featuring billiards and card tables, relaxation hubs, and a salt water pool.
In addition, there will be a dining room, workspaces, library, theatre and lounge.
All amenities will be accessible via the purchase of a monthly club pass, the price of which will be released at a later date.
As for the overall design, according to a release, apartments and suites include a fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, ensuite washer dryer and stone waterfall countertops.
Other features will include:
Shared spaces, which Alavida says “are carefully curated to create different moods that reflects its usage. Patterns and pops of colour accentuate the space to create a more distinct vibe or personality.”
Dividers that “strategically weave themselves throughout the space and further serve to define the area. The ceilings manifest themselves using a range of levels and material (wood and painted gypsum).”
Fireplaces will be located in three venues in the complex: in the lounges near the pool table, across from the dining room and in the basement “to bring ultra-cosy vibes.”
David Choo, CEO of Choo Communities, an organization made up of several divisions that also includes new home and condominium developer Ashcroft and Envie, says that “simply put, Alavida Lifestyles is about authenticity; there is passion and genuine care in everything we do, from the service and food to the buildings and amenities.”
“My goal is to provide an active, vibrant lifestyle for the retirement community, and I want to bring resort-style living to the city you call home. We are listening to our seniors, we understand what they are looking for, and we adapt.”
Move-in dates for the apartment building are expected to take place next spring. The senior suites will be available for occupancy six months later.
Visit www.alavidalifestyles.com.