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The Fraser Hotel Project
The Fraser Hotel has been Cobalt’s dominating landmark for over a century. Originally, the Bilsky Block was built to house The Royal Exchange and professional offices. It was converted to a beer parlour in the 1930’s and became the much revered Fraser Hotel. It was home for many people over the years but has been closed and fallen into a state of disrepair over the last decade.
It was acquired by a foundation which in turn donated it to the town for this new project. The restoration of the Fraser comprises a number of facets. It will house the Bunker Military Museum at the Silver Street Level and the two upper floors are housing.
The Cochrane-Temiskaming Native Housing Authority has 15 rooms which will be rented to individuals who qualify for affordable housing. The eight Cobalt apartments are studio apartments (one small bedroom) all with spectacular naural light, with the two larger front apartments looking out over the square,
All the rooms will have cooking facilities and the apartments will have a fridge and stove. The walls and ceilings are done. The rooms have been painted. The floors are next to be installed and the cabinets.
The preparatory work has already been undertaken for the installation of an elevator. When you consider that the building originally had plans for an elevator, it is exciting to see that one is being installed after 100 years.
The entire community is anxious to see this project completed. We hope to have an open house early in the year. We will keep you posted.