A new upscale development in Nanaimo is underway.
Developers, investors, realtors and the leading construction company were at the 3500 block of Planta Road on Oct. 20, where they held a ceremony to mark the beginning of civil construction of a brand-new subdivision called Beban Woods at Stephenson Point.
When completed, Beban Woods at Stephenson Point will feature 16 custom-built homes on more than two hectares of land. Part of the development includes the extension of Bonnie Drive. The project is being led by developers David Steingard and Mike Harris and includes Nanaimo-based construction company Ecklundson Construction.
Steingard said he’s excited to see Beban Woods at Stephenson Point finally get going and that once it is completed it will fit in with the surrounding area.
“It’s going to be a great neighbourhood,” he said.
Christopher Cross of Ecklundson Construction said the project is estimated to cost anywhere between $15 to $20 million and that his company will turn to Nanaimo-based contractors and suppliers as best as it can, adding that the development will help the local economy.
“It’s all local for us,” he said. “We are big believers in Nanaimo. We try to get everything from Nanaimo.”
Jack Anderson, architect with the project, said the new homes will incorporate plenty of environmentally friendly elements such as door and window frames that allow minimal heat to leave the building. He said the homes will also be designed in a way that newer green technology can be incorporated into them down the road.
“Part of the design focus when I design a building like this is to recognize what the orientation of the building is to the sun. So, we are designing roof slopes at six and 12 that are optimized for flat-plate solar panels on the roof line,” he said. “For many, we may be a few years away from it being economically feasible, but in the life span of every one of these houses it will be feasible.”
Construction is expected to begin in April.
nicholas.pescod@nanaimobulletin.com
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