Arbutus Gardens

Overview

Arbutus Gardens is a renovated and well-located 55-suite apartment building in one of Vancouver Island’s emerging cities – Nanaimo. With population growth, declining vacancies and increasing pressure on rents, Arbutus Manor is well-poised to capitalize on the growing demand for rental accommodation.

Highlights

• Constructed in 1972, Arbutus Manor is a four storey, elevator-serviced wood-frame apartment property
• Atop Brechin Hill, north facing suites (and certain end units on the east and west elevations) enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of Departure Bay, Newcastle Island, and the dramatic peaks of the Sunshine Coast further in the distance
• 55 suites; 6 bachelors, 31 one-bedrooms and 18 two-bedrooms
• Since 2009, over $1,600,000 has been spent in an ongoing, extensive and high-end renovation of the building
• Lower level of the east wing features four suites and multiple rooms containing storage lockers for tenants – one for each suite – that have not yet been converted to an additional income source.
• Second floor features the building entrance, more storage areas, the laundry room, as well as 11 suites
• Third and fourth floors each contain 16 suites and the upper floor of the west wing has a further 8 units
• Parking: 39 stalls in an asphalt lot at the rear of the property, 14 of which are covered underneath a portion of the building
• Building access for guests is by Enterphone, and the modernized, entirely re-decorated lobby features new mailboxes, durable flooring and new high-efficiency lighting
• Two make-up air units on the roof provide fresh-air for hallways
• Domestic hot water is provided by way of a gas-fired boiler
• Electric baseboard in-suite heat

Upgrades

Since 2009, over $1,600,000 has been spent in an ongoing, extensive and high-end renovation of the building:

• Roof replaced
• Boiler converted to natural gas and replaced
• Elevator upgraded and modernized (approx. $60k)
• Balconies entirely re-built, re-surfaced, and railings replaced
• Condominium-quality suite renovations (variations in stone counters, new kitchens with backsplashes, flooring, entirely re-built and re-appointed bathrooms, stainless steel appliances) in 43 of 55 suites
• Painted exterior
• Common area/lobby: Modernized and completely renovated, new mailboxes, high efficiency lighting
• Access: keyless FOB access system installed throughout
• Laundry room: 5 new washers and 5 new dryers

Location

Arbutus Gardens is located one block east of the Island Highway (also known as Terminal Avenue), opposite Estevan Road from Terminal Park Shopping Centre, in the triangular-shaped block formed by Estevan Road, Poplar Street and Brierley Hill. A very walkable location, Estevan Road also connects at Terminal Avenue, providing quick and convenient access to and from the property. The site sits at the top of Brechin Hill, which gently slopes toward the ocean, providing panoramic views to the north and east in particular. From this location, a full range of shopping, numerous parks and golf courses and recreational amenities are available on foot or by car. Other notable nearby destinations include the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, the Harbour Walkway and Newcastle Island, Harbour Air Terminal, and Nanaimo General Hospital.