THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay developer Ahsanul Habib needs to work quickly if he expects to renovate the former Dawson Court Home for the Aged by the start of the school year next fall.
Habib has told Tbnewswatch he plans to convert the nursing home to a 195-bed student residence by September.
He bought the property from the city for $450,000, barely one-third the list price of $1.2 million. However, the city offset the price reduction by retaining 2.4 acres of property between Dawson Court and the Thunder Bay District Jail.
Habib says washroom and kitchen facilities will be upgraded in time for the new school year.
Market research, he said, has proven the need for additional student accommodation in the city.
"We interviewed students, we interviewed college and university, and some of the aboriginal groups (about) their needs."
Habib plans to implement a shuttle service to help students get to and from their schools.
He emphasized that the residence will be student-focused "so that it's a fun place, it's a place for education and study. The location is beautiful."
Habib said he also has safety in mind, so a student will be chosen to be in charge of each of several wings.
The plan includes a separate section for indigenous students. "The aboriginal wing would have their own staff to supervise their students and look after their needs."
