It’s hard to say what impressed members of Armstrong council more, Tuesday, as they visited the construction site of what will be Heaton Place, a seniors’ residence slated to open later this year.
Some, like Coun. Shirley Fowler, were impressed with the surrounding landscapes from the third- and fourth-floor suites.
“That’s an incredible view of Rose Swanson Mountain,” said Fowler, whipping out her cell phone to take a picture of the sun-baked mountain which looms on the horizon of Heaton Place.
Others, like Mayor Chris Pieper and Coun. John Trainor, were admiring the workmanship that was going into the entire facility.
“I’m impressed with the quality, the soundproofing, all of the extras in the building,” said Pieper.
“We all looked out all of the windows at the views of the city. It’s pretty neat.
“I’m really excited about it. This will allow seniors to stay in Armstrong and Spallumcheen.”
Located on Okanagan Street and Wolfenden Terrace, Heaton Place will be a retirement community that features amenities and services that will enable active seniors to enhance their lifestyle, maintain their independence and preserve their wealth through direct ownership of their suite.
Council and members of the media were given a 45-minute tour of the facility under construction by Caretenders Inc., which will manage the 76-unit facility.
Site superintendent Josh Smith led the tour.
“There’s three types of units on each floor, one- and two-bedroom units,” said Smith.
“Each suite has a living room and dining room. There will be an 8,000 square-foot common area featuring all kinds of activities.”
The common area will feature a lobby and reception area, spacious main lounge, fireplace, media and activity room, a beauty and barber shop, library and cards room and will be smoke-free.
It will also included enclosed scooter parking.
Each of Heaton Place’s four floors is puncutated by wide hallways with handrails, an electronic security system, 24-hour emergency response system, laundry facilities and a sprinkler alarm fire system.
There are stairs and elevators for each floor.
Residents will be able to enjoy continental breakfasts, five-course evening meal, weekly housekeeping and laundering of bed and bath items.
Heaton Place will be staffed 24 hours a day.
What also excited council about its visit were the green features being employed by Caretenders Inc., including geothermal heating and cooling, Energy Star appliances, B.C. Hydro Power Smart argon-filled windows and fluorescent light fixtures, an in-house recycling system and Eco Space elevators.
Originally slated to open around Christmas, it appears Heaton Place will be ready for occupancy in the fall.
“We are really happy with construction schedule,” said Pieper.
“It looks like they’ll be finished ahead of schedule in fall, and hope to have a show suite open in June.’’
The City of Armstrong owns six of the 76 units at Heaton Place, part of its commitment to affordable housing initiatives.
