Seniors looking to downsize will have some more options in Queens County.
A local developer is set to start building accessible apartments in the former Milton Centennial School.
Eric Goulden moved to Liverpool from Ontario several years ago and since then has started several new developments, mostly aimed at seniors.
These units will be no exception.
“I want to make it accessible to someone with a wheelchair … everybody will have their own individual door, so everyone will have their own individual homes as opposed to a central hall in an apartment.”
Goulden says he wouldn’t turn down a younger person or couple but the goal is to provide amenities seniors might want like raised electrical outlets and plenty of space for walkers and wheelchairs.
The apartments are also not intended to be “affordable” or subsidized housing.
Rent will likely range from $800 to $1,000 a month but Goulden hasn’t set the price yet.
The Prince of Wales Masonic Lodge purchased the building several years ago and relocated their lodge their after the original building had to be removed to replace an aging bridge.
The lodge will continue to be located in the building as long as it exists.
“The masonic lodge has the rights to that building as long as it’s a masonic lodge, after that it will be turned over to me, the area will be reused for purposes that will suit the tenants,” says Goudlen, adding that could be a gym or whatever else residents want at that point in time.
The Region of Queens Municipality voted to rezone the property for multiple units after a public hearing on April 24.
Goulden expects construction to start in the next couple months.
Story and photo by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
