CORNWALL, Ontario – A pair of east-end citadels are celebrating an anniversary this year.
Lorneville Apartments were built 40 years ago, two of the first high-rise like buildings to be constructed in Cornwall at that time.
The seven-storey apartment buildings, which today house about 500 tenants, are being honoured later this year with an anniversary celebration and officials are in the midst of collecting memorabilia going back over the decades.
“We’re hoping to put together a scrapbook with anecdotes and memories,” said Bryan Gardiner, a member of the tenants association.
Gardiner said in many ways he owes his existence to Lorneville.
“My parents (Len and Ann Gardiner) were next-door neighbours,” he said, adding he has lived at Lorneville all his life. “My mom was very much the girl next door.
“I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Lorneville.”
The buildings were started in 1976 and one was completed the following year, while another was wrapped up in 1978. At the time the buildings were owned by Kucor Construction and Developments. Today Realstar holds the deed.
“There was a lot of construction going on at that time,” said Gardiner, pointing to things like the Cornwall Civic Complex, Cornwall Square and what is today the Nav Centre as examples. “It’s a lot like today. There’s lots of construction.”
Anyone with old photos or other items from Lorneville over the years are invited to call 613-938-8104, or email lorneville@realstar.ca to share their memories.
