Landen Homes received city council’s blessing Monday night to move ahead with its plan to build 65 executive townhomes at 228 James St. E.
The new development has been christened Churchlea Mews and, according to Landen Homes promotional material, it “is the most anticipated luxury townhouse community opening up for those who want it all: a luxurious private residence in an idyllic location.”
The Orillia-based company’s website says the townhomes will be popular for many demographics. “Whether you are a large family, empty nester, single or married couple, there is a thoughtfully constructed home design and a signature style to meet your needs,” it says.
Of the 65 townhomes, 32 will be “freehold townhouses” and they will range from 1,535-square-feet to 2,200-square feet and have a price tag starting in the mid $300,000 range.
The project can now move forward after city council approved a draft plan of subdivision and draft plan of common elements condominium. That approval follows a public meeting held Oct. 23 of 2017.
The City of Orillia purchased 228 James St. E., which had been the home of David H. Church Public School, in 2010. The city bought the 5.4-acre parcel of land and the “prohibitive-to-repair” elementary school for $1.1 million and sold it to Landen Homes for $2.02 million. The purchase of the David H. School in 2010 was part of a bigger transaction that saw the municipality buy four school properties for $2.75 million from the Simcoe County District School Board.
Landen Homes has been behind several housing projects in the city since 1990. Recent developments include Forest Heights on the former Orillia Community Centre site and Coldwater Grove at the top of Coldwater Road.
