Proponents of a 180-unit, eight-storey seniors' residence under construction on South Surrey's 16 Avenue say the project is the result of listening to the needs of seniors.
"This is built for them… for what they need and want," Judy Freeman, executive vice-president and chief executive officer at PrimeTime Living, said of The Residences of Abby Lane.
"There'll be lots of beautiful things here."
Construction got underway last October, after a lengthy delay attributed in large part to the 2010 Olympics.
"We couldn't get anybody to pay attention," said John Hitchcock, chief operating officer at PrimeTime, said. "We weren't the sexy thing on the block."
In December 2013, Surrey council gave final adoption to the zoning and Official Community Plan amendments that enabled the project – on lots, at 15285, 15291 and 15321 16 Ave., and including the Hilltop Medical building – to get back on track.
"We have been working on this site for 10 years," Freeman said.
Freeman said once complete, Abby Lane will offer "the whole continuum" for its residents – everything from healthcare to leisure opportunities.
Of the 180 units, 28 are independently owned condominiums – already sold out, at $600 per square foot – and 92 are independent-living rental units. Another 30 units will be assisted-living; with the remaining 30 dedicated to "memory care" residents.
The complex is to also include an in-house theatre, library and onsite professional services such as medical, dental and physiotherapy.
"It will be the largest, privately owned medical centre in B.C.," Freeman said.
Phase one is to open Dec. 1; phase two is scheduled for completion in July 2018.