< Previous 3436 Rideau Road, Ottawa, ONPhone: 613-822-9494miscellaneous metalsof structural steel andFabricators and erectorsSince 1996Imagination and innovation Though the firm previously worked in the condominium sector, it built its last condo in 2005, preferring instead to carve out a different path into the future. Francis observed that both the younger generations and the baby boomers were increasingly seeking out apartment living, looking to escape the headaches that can come with ownership without sacrificing on quality of lifestyle. The existing rental market, however, didn’t necessarily offer the breadth of amenities or the attention to detail that are Lépine’s calling cards.To meet this growing need, “Francis decided to redesign and bring apartment rentals to the 21st century,” said his sister Francesca Lépine-Willson in an interview with the Ottawa Citizen. This meant seeing the apartments through a prospec-tive tenant’s eyes, and building in the features, finishes and flourishes that would take the spaces to the next level.It starts from the literal ground up, whereby the company not only designs effi-cient buildings; it also builds them efficiently. Through 10 its decades of experience, Lépine Corporation has developed and finessed innovations in construction methods that save time and money during the build. The buildings’ exterior panels, for example, are made of massive slabs ranging from five to ten tonnes in weight and traditionally, these are lifted into place and held via crane while being welded to the build-ing’s frame. The process would take about half an hour, during which time the crane was out of action as far as completing other work on the site.Instead, what the company does now is have its contractors bolt the panels to the building prior to welding, freeing the crane to be used to retrieve another panel. The crane is back with the next panel by the time the weld is complete, result-ing in a seamless and efficient workflow with no wasted downtime. The money thus saved on construction costs can then be passed on to tenants in the form of additional, premium features. “One truly has a sense that the Lépine family is creating buildings to a living standard that they would want for themselves.” Building for the future New apartment projects are in the pipeline for Orléans and Stittsville, and a second building in Kanata is planned for construction in the next few years. Les Terrasses Francesca on Vanier Parkway was recently completed, with nearby shopping at the Trainyards and St. Laurent Shopping Centre. Residents of this development are just a short walk from Strathcona Park, the Rideau River, and downtown. The building itself boasts features such as 24/7 door security, a reception room with full kitchen, underground parking and free guest parking, a saltwater pool, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, and a lounge with pool table and large-screen TV. A beautiful baby grand piano greets guests in the foyer.Meanwhile, low-rise Johanne’s Court in Carleton Place has now opened its first phase, with the second phase ready for occu-pancy in the spring of next year. Each building will have fifty suites with underground parking, and together, they will form a central courtyard with a pond. The Carleton Place setting is ideal for those seeking a small-town atmosphere with an easy commute to the city.Next is the Saint Émilion development, a mere two blocks from retail and entertainment complex Kanata Centrum in Kanata Lakes. This 154-unit property, to open in October, is surround-ed by a garden-like space and is just minutes from golf and other activities. And in Barrhaven, eighteen-storey Howard Grant Terrace is slated to open in spring 2021 but has already begun leasing a range of suite sizes to new tenants.Keeping it in the family As the company’s comprehensive website describes, “The family’s principles of uncompromising quality and investment in the future of real estate have been their guiding compass while charting a new course for the homebuilding industry.” One truly has a sense that the Lépine family is creating buildings to a living standard that they would want for themselves. This firm is a family affair. Francis’s son and daughters as well as other family members all play an active role in the company’s success. Most of the company’s buildings are also named after family members. The new Saint Émilion development is named after Francis’ son Émile; William’s Court, a five-building complex near the Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre, is named after his son William; and Johanne’s Court is named after his wife.“Through its decades of experience, Lépine Corporation has developed and finessed innovations in construction methods that save time and money during the build.”14 Undoubtedly, Lépine Corporation’s family legacy seems assured for another generation as the company fills a small but growing niche in the upscale end of the rental market. The Ottawa-area real estate market remains red hot, and Lépine’s offerings provide an alternative to ownership while sacrificing nothing. The company is making its mark on the city skyline by creating homes, lifestyle, and community – and underpinning it all with rich experience and family values.SUPPORTED BY TOBAN ELECTRICALPIAMONTE PAINTING & WALL CANADA TRIM SIMCON STEEL As featured in206 - 555 Legget Drive, Tower A, Kanata, ON, K2K 2X3 | P: 613.591.9090 | E: home@lepinecorp.comJuly 2019Next >