Architect Anthony Leaning’s sketch of the proposed Cornerstone building on the corner of Booth Street and Eccles Street.
Cornerstone, a women’s support centre, unveiled tentative details Wednesday night at the Dalhousie Community Association meeting, about their plans for 314 Booth St.
Though the purchase of land is not yet completed, Cornerstone plans to "demolish the old grocery store and begin construction of a new building in spring 2010,” a pamphlet read. It wants to build a four-storey, 42-unit apartment complex. Twenty units will be reserved for senior women; the remainder will be for women in need of affordable housing.
Sue Garvey, Cornerstone’s director, proudly displayed many colourful sketches of what the new building might look like, and patiently answered all questions raised.
The 16 residents in attendance seemed pleased with the proposal to replace the dilapidated former grocery store. One attendee said: “It’s much better than what’s there now. And given your track record, I think you’re great.”
Cornerstone already operates three facilities in the city that offer a wide range of support for women – from basic shelter to computer classes.
“It’s really important to us to be good neighbours,” Garvey says. “Part of being good neighbours is taking time with the people who will become our neighbours to sit and talk with you about our plans.”
Garvey was accompanied by Anthony Leaning, the building’s architect. He explained the great care taken to ensure the building would match the feel and appearance of the area.
The complex would also include energy-efficient heating-and-cooling systems, barrier-free hallways and apartments to accommodate seniors’ wheelchairs, and “would use materials manufactured within a reasonable distance from the site,” Leaning says.
The current structure’s approximate footprint would be maintained, though the structure itself would be replaced.
Garvey says she hopes to secure ownership of the site by the end of the year. Construction should begin in spring 2010 and should be complete by spring 2011.
She says gaining the trust and respect of the community is integral throughout the entire process. Garvey will maintain her close connection with the community with an office on the main floor of the new building. She says residents can feel free to “drop in and see me. I’ll be there.”