The George Hotel and Residences project still has some hurdles to clear at Gibsons Town Hall, but Klaus Fuerniss Enterprises is confident enough now to launch a big marketing campaign.
In a release announcing the opening of a sales centre, developer Klaus Fuerniss said, “My vision was always to create a residence and hotel property that Gibsons will be proud to call its own, one that will enhance the existing community, create a sustainable economic hub and benefit the social and cultural fabric of the region.”
Diana Robertson, a marketing consultant for the George, said the recent approval of a form and character development permit (DP) by Gibsons council puts them in a position to start lining up potential buyers.
“The form and character development permit allows a developer to disseminate more information about the actual suites and go forward … It’s at the preview stage right now – in fact the [floor] plans will probably not be available for another few weeks,” Robertson said.
The company has also created concept art showing the interior look and feel.
About a dozen people from the Lower Mainland attended a May 31 event to learn more about the project and take a tour of the Gibsons area.
“It was great. It was a nice introduction, not just for the project but also to show off Gibsons,” Robertson said.
Suites will range from 511 to more than 2,000 square feet, with a starting price of $699,900 for a two bedroom.
According to Robertson, they expect most of the interest to come from Lower Mainland buyers, although there have been a fair number of inquiries from locals. “Initially we expected that we would see a lot of interest from ‘downsizers’ from the Vancouver region,” she said. “The market’s very hot right now in Vancouver and a lot of the 50 to 70-year-old generation is actually looking for a change. This is a great place to make that change … and still have the best of both worlds.”
Robertson said they expect the development will appeal to buyers who plan to be owner/occupiers, as opposed to holding it as an investment property. The ownership will be a strata model, and Robertson pointed out that it would be up to the strata council to set any rules around owners renting out their suites.
The company’s release also said, “The project has received overwhelming support from the Gibsons business and residential community during a three-year public consultation and approval process.”
Opposition to the project, however, is still ongoing. Around 30 protesters turned up at the May 17 meeting where the form and character DP was approved. It’s one of five the developer will need to get before construction can begin. The others cover geotechnical hazards, environmentally sensitive areas, and the aquifer.
The Official Community Plan and zoning amendments were adopted late last year.
