SUNDRE – The former Foothills Lodge seniors care centre that for years has sat vacant could potentially become the latest available residential rental options in town.
The municipality received an official request from an applicant who’s expressed interest in converting the former senior care facility into a variety of residential rental options while also making available commercial amenities such as meeting spaces.
Administration informed council on June 26 during the last regular meeting before the summer hiatus that the applicant was seeking an amendment to redesignate to central commercial district from general residential the parcel of land the building sits on at 124, 1st Street NW.
If approved, the zoning change will allow the applicant to begin the process to convert and renovate the existing multi-unit, two-storey structure into a mixed-use development that contains residential units as well as a commercial unit, reads part of the briefing notes prepared by administration and included in council’s publicly available agenda package.
The applicant requested the zoning redesignation with the intention of renovating the building, which was vacated in 2016, and converting the structure into a vibrant rental opportunity, reads the background.
The plan to upgrade the building calls for 26 suites – nine studio units, and 17 one-bedroom units. The property will also consist of additional amenities including but not limited to kitchen, dining room, lounge areas, laundry facilities, as well as meeting spaces.
Although the applicant proposed the amenities be primarily for the use of the building’s residents, public access will also be provided to some of the amenities such as meeting spaces and small function areas to, for example, host various celebrations.
“The applicant’s desire is to become an integral part of the community, combining quality living spaces for residents with services and amenities to the town,” reads part of the briefing background.
Council gave the land use bylaw amendment first reading and then proceeded to set a public hearing date on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.
