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Sparwood apartments revamped and ready for renters

Sparwood’s Pinecrest Apartments are in the process of a long-awaited makeover and the first phase of construction is about to be unveiled.

Sparwood’s Pinecrest Apartments are in the process of a long-awaited makeover and the first phase of construction is about to be unveiled. One of the three 12-unit buildings located on Pine Avenue has received a major refresher and is ready to be rented out for February.

Located in a prime location across from the schools and close to the Rec Centre, with views overlooking the Iron Rails Overpass, the apartments had deteriorated over the years, becoming an eyesore and a concern within the community. With new owners in place, a major project to turn the Pinecrest Apartments around began in the fall.

“This was left unattended for four years, so we just couldn’t save half of it, we had to gut the whole thing,” said Project Manager Tim Conrad. “We’ve basically gone from the bottom up and made everything brand new.”

A crew began work on the first building in September and they certainly had their work cut out for them. After revamping the building’s exterior, they went on to re-drywall, install new flooring and heating systems, paint the entire interior, and put in brand new kitchen cabinets and appliances.

“What it was, and what it is now, is just night and day. It’s crazy,” remarked Conrad.

11 of the 12 renovated units have already been rented out for February, leaving just one more vacancy to fill. With limited rental options in Sparwood, Conrad doesn’t expect it will stay empty long.

“This has got to be one of the nicest locations to rent an apartment in Sparwood. Teck’s bus stops right in front of us, and their office is just down the hill,” he said. “I honestly think that it’s going to attract long-term people that want to stay in nicer housing. They’re not going to have to stay out of town anymore in Fernie.”

He went on to say, “I think it’s really going to increase the livability of Sparwood. It’s a beautiful town and we want people to be proud of this place.”

Now with the first building just days away from completion, it’s time to move on to the next. Conrad expects to have the second building complete by the beginning of April, and the third by mid-June.