Exciting news is brewing at the Thunder Bay Country Club, where construction is set to commence on a massive 109-unit apartment building, transforming the landscape of local housing.

After a lengthy hiatus, the ambitious project spearheaded by Di Gregorio Developments aims to redefine living on the club grounds. Originally envisioned as condominiums back in 2012, plans stalled after only a foundation was laid. But in a surprising twist, the company has opted for apartments instead!

Silvio Di Gregorio, the president of the development firm, candidly explained why the shift occurred. The current market conditions simply don't favor luxury condos. With projected costs reaching upwards of $600 per square foot, prospective buyers are scarce. 'Nobody’s going to shell out $600,000 for a 1,000-square-foot condo in Thunder Bay,' he remarked.

The construction will start with a robust shell encompassing six stories, complete with elevators. However, work on the interior will kick off only after ensuring the building is watertight. Di Gregorio is optimistic that material prices will stabilize, allowing for a smoother construction process.

With completion of the new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex on the horizon, the project could attract more local tradespeople, alleviating workforce concerns. Di Gregorio expressed hope that as the jail nears its finishing touches, trade availability will improve, keeping local talent employed.

In a commendable move, Di Gregorio has committed to collaborating with local contractors for the entire project—besides the supply of elevators, which must come from elsewhere. 'Supporting the local economy is paramount for us,' he emphasized, ensuring that Thunder Bay firms are at the forefront of this significant development.

As Thunder Bay looks towards a revitalized housing market, this project could be just the boost the community needs. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting transformation unfolds!