A fall opening is the target now for remaining units at Sarnia's Fairwinds Lodge.
The Michigan Avenue retirement residence was devastated by fire in January 2023.
While the south areas of the building -- that were completely restored or renovated -- reopened last November, General Manager Tina Mel said the work in the north section will take a bit longer than originally planned.
"As you all know, with many major projects, there were a couple delays with our north end, however we are happy to share that we are on track with our current schedule and expected to open the north end, or phase two, in late fall," Mel said.
She said interest in occupying the space has been high.
"We have about a third of our north end suites already reserved and it's been very busy with tours as well. So, it is very exciting and something we're looking forward to. To fully reopen Fairwinds again," Mel said.
She attributes an interest in the local real estate market for increasing demand.
"The housing market in Sarnia is moving and that directly affects us here as well. So, we are back to very similar occupancy levels, [compared] to what we were prior to closing. I would say that we've sold out of our two bedrooms that are currently available," Mel said.
She said crews are working toward the drywall stage in the north building now.
"So, things are progressing very well. A very significant amount of work was required in the north end, obviously given that was the location of the fire. [It's] much different than the work that was completed in the central and south [areas], but it's nice to start to see walls going up," Mel said.
There were no injuries in the fire and the cause was deemed accidental.