Apartments and commercial area to be built over two years
An old school is getting new life after many years of sitting vacant.
Petrolia developer Jim VanderWal has purchased the former Alvinston School on the corner of Centre and Walnut Streets. The plan is to create new housing and commercial space.
At the Oct. 13 meeting, Brooke-Alvinston Council gave VanderWal approval to transform the one-story building into 5,000 square feet of commercial space and four, two and three bedroom apartment units.
In a report to council, Lambton County Planner Frank Garardo says the plan is to allow commercial services such as a laundromat, office, restaurant, convenience store, clinic, bake shop or a health club.
The plan also calls for two, fourplex apartments on the back of the property, bringing the number of new units to 12. The development will require 35 parking spaces which will be located between the converted school building and the new town homes.
“I think it is a real positive for our community,” says Mayor Don McGugan adding he was a bit surprised about the scope of the project in Alvinston. “His timeline was to start as soon as he was permitted,” adds McGugan. “It could take two years to build.”
Another restaurant, I could see a Laundromat again. Good luck on what ever you folks decide, just keep the little village growing, proud to call it my roots.Friendly little place so everyone remarks.Arena has brought great times to so many families and the ball park,community spirit live and growing way to go people God Bless
laundry mat would be awesome!! already have to many over priced convinience store so laundry mat or walk in clinic sounds good to me or something that can create jobs for those whom don’t drive summer empolyment for kids also would be awesome.