A historic section of downtown Bracebridge has a new lease on life and a new look to go with it.
The collection of commercial and residential properties on Manitoba Street between Taylor Road and Entrance Drive is nearly as old as the town itself. However the section of the block between 9 and 17 Manitoba Street needed a little TLC when Pamela Alexander purchased the properties in late 2021.
“I saw a huge opportunity to invest and improve the downtown core in Bracebridge,” said Alexander recently while visiting one of the renovated residential spaces that are located above the storefronts.
The property encompasses eight apartments and five commercial properties, including Bracebridge Hall, a century-old former carriage house which is located behind the row of stores.
Alexander is based out of Toronto but has been a lifelong cottager on Pine Lake. When her real estate agent daughter told her about the availability of the Bracebridge property she jumped at the chance.
“I’ve always looked at Bracebridge as a spot with so much potential for increased curb appeal – especially this section of the main street – it’s an area that could use a little more life,” she said.
The property’s main building, which dates back to the late 1800s and was at one point the Dominion Hotel, needed a complete revamp – both inside and out – and Alexander hired a local team to get the job done right.
Ian Johnson served as the project manager, working through the quirks that come with a historic building, to make sure everything was functional and up to code.
“It was a huge challenge,” said Johnson. “Safety was a big issue. The hallways, the lighting, the emergency staircase all needed work. All of the plumbing and electrical had to be redone to get up to code.”
Air conditioning was brought in for the residential units and the heating was upgraded. Nearly $1 million has been invested over the past two years to upgrade the property.
Designer Valerie Den-Hartog, working with Johnson, handled the aesthetic end of things, turning outdated living spaces into modern, functional units. Drywall was removed, warping floors were leveled and all new appliances were installed.
“The long-term tenants are thrilled, I think it feels like more of a home to them now, ” said Den-Hartog.
The idea is to rent out the available residential units to clients who may be staying in the area for a few months for employment. Alexander says that could be healthcare workers, teachers or young professionals.
“I think it could benefit the area, especially during the high season. Some people can’t come here to work simply because there is nowhere to live,” she says.
Kim Gronfors is the property manager, and has been since before Alexander took over.
“Kim came with the building,” said Alexnder while sharing a laugh with Gronfors. “In all honesty, she’s a big reason why we decided to invest. We could never have gotten this done without her focus and dedication.”
Outside, the back half of the building had to be repainted, and the entire front facade of the building was completely revamped, including Juliette balconies and new signage for the commercial tenants.
Alexander says there has been a lot of local interest, as the property is such a vital piece of the downtown area.
“We had a vision when we took over to restore it to its former glory and I feel like with this team we’ve been able to accomplish that,” says Alexander.
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