A local developer sees the need for attainable housing in Athabasca, and has designed a subdivision to meet that need.
Michael Mallock’s new housing development will be located down Woodheights Road. He believes there is a need for attainable housing in town.
“People who are presently renting and paying from $800 to $1,400 per month will now have a purchase option in this same monthly price range,” he said.
The developer noted that not everyone needs a 1,700 square foot home with a full basement.
“The cost of that kind of house is being driven by a number of our local businesses who are hiring young tradespeople fresh out of school,” he said. “The price is also being driven by service businesses that are not able to pay the higher wages that are required to afford some of the higher priced homes in town.”
Potential employees have accumulated debt from completing post-secondary education, and haven’t had a chance to save for an expensive home, Mallock states.
“We are able to put these people into a new home for about what they are paying for rent here in Athabasca,” he said. “A 1,100 square foot home in our urban village is priced at about $220,000. I believe that the closest priced new homes in other areas are about $325,000 plus.”
The cottage-like houses are intended to bring the rural lifestyle to an urban setting.
“These homes are designed to emulate dwellings you would normally find in cottage country, with higher pitched roofs and chimney chase on each home as well as porches on the front of the homes.”
“The landscaping will be professionally completed and maintained by the condo association along with snow removal and any other site maintenance.”
The perks of owning a house without having all the outside upkeep to worry about should appeal to a working professional, according to Mallock.
“If having someone else shovel the snow, trim the trees and cut the grass appeals to you then the village will be the place to be,” he said. “We have direct access to walking trails along the riverbank that lead right into town along with a planned playground on site.”
Pre-sales are happening currently, before construction of the development has even begun.
“We hope to start construction early in the spring of 2013.”
