For further information:
John Gilvesy, Seaway Centre Sarnia
519-842-6444
info@firstsarniaplace.com
Sarnia, ON(October 20, 2010) – The building that started the revitalization of Sarnia’s downtown more than 30 years ago is pursuing a further transformation, which would expand the diversity of retail offerings in the city’s historical centre.
First Sarnia Place, the luxury condominium/professional office tower on the waterfront at 201 Front Street North, would like to transform its street level commercial office area into retail store space.
Seaway Centre Sarnia spokesperson John Gilvesy said the ongoing revitalization of the city’s downtown, including the construction of Lambton County’s new art gallery, has opened the door to new retail possibilities that would be well suited to First Sarnia Place’s residential-commercial mix.
“Our interest in converting our ground floor from offices to retail space reflects the suggestions of our residents and professional tenants,” said Gilvesy, “and it is consistent with our long-term commitment to Downtown Sarnia’s continued renewal.”
Gilvesy said that current considerations cover a diversity of retail possibilities, such as a delicatessen-style grocer, a commercial fine art gallery, a high-fashion boutique, a niche travel agency and a relaxation/pampering spa.
Some of the space is already available, although no timeline for the complete transformation has been set as yet, since the final-stage conversion would need to accommodate the specific requirements of the selected retail tenant.
The introduction of retail space is the latest in a series of design enhancements for First Sarnia Place that have consistently helped to attract more people to the waterfront structure and the surrounding downtown area.
Originally opened in 1978 as the world headquarters of Polysar Rubber Corporation, the stately tower was the first high-rise ever built in Sarnia’s historical business centre. Its construction signalled the commencement of downtown revitalization and waterfront beautification efforts.
In 2006, the tower became the city’s largest, multi-use structure, when construction began to transform 7 of the tower’s 14 floors of commercial office space into 38 luxury condominium suites. Since then, all but 5 of the waterfront residences have been sold.
Seaway Centre Sarnia, a division of Gilvesy Enterprises Inc., owns and manages First Sarnia Place, at 201 Front Street North, Sarnia, Ontario. The company’s senior representative, John G. Gilvesy, P.Eng., is president of Gilvesy Enterprises Inc. and has extensive experience in real estate, development, construction and property management. The Gilvesy group of companies, which also includes Riverdance Holdings Inc., Gentrac Building Corporation and Permterra Development Corporation, has been involved in several prominent local projects, most notably the original development and construction of First Sarnia Place and the restorations of Sarnia’s Lawrence House and Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
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