One of 58 new suites in development at the Belleville Estates Retirement Community building, formerly the site of the Bel Marine Retirement Residence. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
The former Bel Marine Retirement Residence building is in the process of getting a major facelift.
The former seniors/assisted housing building, located at 228 Dundas Street East in Belleville, was shut down in February of last year due to a number of electrical and overall safety issues, as well as not meeting up with fire code.
MLAM Properties 2 Inc. out of the Toronto area purchased the property in July of 2017 with the intention of renovating and restoring it to its former glory. MLAM is a real estate development group with multiple investors.
The future site of an open area with plants and natural light at the new furbished long-term care facility at 228 Dundas Street East in Belleville (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Alexis Kofman is the national director of the firm B.I.G. Renovation and Design out of Ajax, who was hired to do interior work. She says lead investor Murray Martin of MLAM really put in the time and effort to ensure the concrete building would be refurbished for long-term use.
The extensive renovating and refurbishing period started last summer almost immediately after the property was bought, according to Kofman.
The lobby of the unfinished Belleville Estates Retirement Community building, formerly known as the Bel Marine Retirement Residence. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Kofman says the building will be designed as a state-of-the-art living space with amenities including a media room and a private dining room.
She explains what else will go into the building.
Kofman says she feels the return of the facility to prominence in the city of Belleville under new management will be a huge assistance to city residents who are in need.
Kofman says the project will be completed in mid-July, with inhabitants moving in August 1, one year to the day of the start of rehabilitation.
She adds there is a waiting list of 15 people for leasing applications as well.
One of 58 new suites at the Belleville Estates Retirement Community building. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
