Future expansion planned for a privately-owned student residence on Scottsdale Drive could help ease the student housing dilemma in Guelph.
ALMA opened in Guelph in November 2022 at the former home of the Holiday Inn on Scottsdale Drive. It's a privately-owned, purpose-built student accommodation exclusively for University of Guelph students.
There are currently 164 units, a mix of one-and-two bedroom units, totalling 177 beds – 151 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom units.
Forum Asset Management, which owns the property, said ALMA will expand on-site.
"We are in the process of expanding ALMA to include more phases," said the company in an email. Although this would have to be approved by the U of G first since it owns the property.
There is no indication as to how many more units that might involve, although a large portion of the property is vacant parking spaces.
ALMA, which opened mid-semester last November, is currently 75 per cent occupied and "are close to fully occupied for the September 2023 school year," said the company that owns the building.
"Per our ground lease, we are only allowed to lease to U of G students," said Forum Asset Management in an email to GuelphToday.
One bedroom units currently range from $1,499 to $1,599. The two bedroom units are $1,425 per person. Included in the price is parking, a fitness centre, access to a shared kitchen, study rooms, a games room and an arcade.
There is no meal plan.
Starting in 2024, year lease terms will be offered from May 2024 to April 2025 and September 2024 to August 2025.
Residents of the building have access to a 24-hour emergency line for immediate assistance and staff are onsite during weekdays between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the management company says.
Onsite security will be moving to a seven-day schedule from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
There are security cameras at the building entrances, common areas, and hallways. Residents have access to an app so they can view camera footage from the building entrances.
"We are a student residence and thus security is paramount to our offering and operation," said in the email.
