overbuilt, overengineered, and expertly positioned for seniors housing
- purpose-built healthcare facility
- institutional-grade construction
- sold through demographic strategy
listing
description
1909 Ash Street was unlike any asset I’ve ever brought to market. Originally commissioned and constructed by the Province of British Columbia, this 35-unit seniors housing facility was purpose-built to institutional healthcare standards — with an extraordinary level of mechanical, structural, and life safety systems rarely seen in private-market real estate.
From its oversized refrigeration and commercial kitchen to the enormous bunker-like basement and complete handicap accessibility, every inch of this building was overengineered to public-sector specifications. After being shuttered for political reasons in the early 2000s, it was acquired privately, extensively renovated, and repositioned as one of the finest independent living facilities in the Kootenays.
But bringing a building like this to market in a small town like Creston required more than marketing. It demanded a deep understanding of seniors housing, customized economic base analysis, and demographic segmentation to prove the opportunity in a niche location. I delivered that through a targeted campaign built around growth fundamentals and a tailored strategy to highlight Creston’s aging population and limited local supply.
investment
thesis
A rare, fully renovated seniors rental property built to institutional standards. Occupancy driven by aging demographics, rising demand, and no comparable supply in a growing rural hub.
policy
context
Zoned P1, the site permits public and quasi-public institutional uses, including healthcare and seniors housing. With no requirement for rezoning or policy amendments, the asset aligned seamlessly with Creston’s long-term community planning and was ideally suited for continued private operation in a high-demand demographic segment.
buyer
appeal
The buyer saw a unique, purpose-built opportunity with no peer in the region — but what made the difference was data. I delivered customized demographic and economic analysis that distilled the region’s strongest drivers: rising median age, population growth among seniors, and lack of comparable product.
That clarity, combined with my experience navigating specialized asset classes like seniors rental housing, created confidence in a deal that most brokers wouldn’t know how to price — let alone sell. It’s a rare example of how strategic insight and analytical rigour can turn complexity into value.
Institutional-grade construction
Seniors housing specialization
Sold through demographic insight
specifications
Sold Price: $2,500,000
Total Units: 35
Suite Mix: Mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units (primarily studio and 1-bed, purpose-built for seniors)
Lot Size: 1.81 Acres (approx. 78,843 SF)
Zoning: P1 (Institutional)
Year Built: 1980
Year Renovated: 2019
Rentable Area: Approx. 30,000 SF (main floor plus full basement)
Construction: Institutional-grade concrete and steel frame
Mechanical Systems:
Oversized commercial HVAC and ventilation
Full sprinkler system
Industrial fire panel
Emergency backup systems
Special Features:
Commercial kitchen with quadruple-capacity refrigeration
Fully accessible layout
Bunker-sized full basement (storage, mechanical, utility)
Common areas include dining hall, lounges, and staff space
Parking: 30+ surface stalls
Occupancy at Sale: Vacant, recently repositioned
Use: Independent seniors rental housing (non-licensed, non-assisted living)
Previous Use: Government-commissioned seniors healthcare facility
Municipality: Town of Creston, British Columbia
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