CORNWALL, Ontario – What was once the beating heart of the Cornwall economy has undergone a transplant that was unveiled Thursday.
RMP Construction and Cotton Mills Cornwall unveiled to the public the first of its nearly-completed buildings in what is a $60-million redevelopment of the aged infrastructure on the city waterfront.
RMP president Bob Pelda said a liberal dose of history has been incorporated into the repurposing of the buildings which will house condominiums, a pharmacy and professional office spaces as well as an art display and a terrace.
“Our goal to reinvent this heritage…has now been met,” said Pelda. “Now (people) will see the community rich in heritage and history.”
The future, though, is very much now at Cotton Mill Cornwall.
Its three-phase development project has turned the Weave Shed into a commercial/residential hub, with offices created for professionals in one sector, while loft-style living is being created elsewhere.
And the word is out.
While some availability remains, already the likes of a retired Supreme Court justice, an ambassador and a host of business professionals have signed on to take ownership of the loft-style condos.
Millions of dollars has been invested by local financial firms in the project.
“This is not a gated community,” said Pelda. “It is an open campus.”
The City of Cornwall contributed tax savings programs and grants to help secure a viable financial foundation from which to grow the project, he added.
“It allowed us to make new homes affordable,” said Pelda.
Because of that Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy said the entire community can look at the Cotton Mill project as a success.
“The people of Cornwall should recognize that they have contributed to this project,” he said. “This wouldn’t have happened without the foresight of citizens of Cornwall.”
The project is already about 65 per cent occupied. Dozens of residential units are planned for the project, which will continue with more construction to begin in the new year.
