Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff
Leigh 14 takes a unique approach to combining commercial and residential space all in one unit. The project nearing completion on Leigh Road in Langford offers commercial space on the ground floor of the two-storey development, with residential space above.
“It’s the only project we know of that’s zoned fully commercial and fully residential,” explained Mike Hartshorne, a member of the South Island Home Team with Royal Lepage. “It’s unique to have legal residential and commercial, a great way to do live/work. It’s a great option if you’re looking for storage for your business or want a tenant upstairs to keep an eye on things, or to rent out to reduce your cost.”
All of the 14 units are two bedroom and are up to 2,400 sq. ft., including commercial space, said Jenn Raapana.
“They’re funky, loft-style, with over height ceilings,” Raapana said. “The units are bigger than what you typically see on the market, with air conditioning and finishing that’s a cut above.”
Another great feature is that the building is steel construction, Hartshorne said. “It’s much beefier than standard residential construction.”
Raapana said as far as they know, the project is the first of its kind in the area, with easy access to the Trans-Canada Highway and Bear Mountain and Westshore parkways. “It’s a great opportunity for someone who has a home-based business or is looking for a commercial space with a high visibility location.”
Another benefit is that the owner could provide staff accomodations above the business, which is a plus in Victoria’s tight housing market, Hartshorne said.
Owners could also rent out the residential and commercial components separately, he added. The project is expected to be completed by late fall, with units starting just under $500,000.
Hartshorne and Raapana recently re-branded from the Mike and Jenn Home Team to the South Island Home Team. “These are exciting times on the West Shore,” Hartshorne said. “It’s a great place to live, start a business, or relocate or expand your existing business.”
For more infiormation, go to southislandhometeam.com.
reporter@goldstream