It’s Small Business Week and 94.1 myFM is celebrating entrepreneurship across St. Thomas and Elgin County with local profiles each day, presented by Once Upon A Letter.
Today, we spotlight Highlands Apartments. A new kind of living experience has arrived in St. Thomas, blending modern design, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community.
The Highlands officially opened its doors on August 1st, offering a boutique-style apartment experience at the corner of First and Talbot Streets — a site already home to familiar spots like Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Wild Wings, and COBS Bread.
While speaking with President Lee Greenwood, he explains what first inspired the mixed-use development, a first of its kind in the city.
It was the brainchild of Greenwood and his business partner, Jeff House, a St. Thomas native who saw an opportunity to raise the standard for apartment living in the growing city. The units have high ceilings, large windows, and bright, modern finishes, with access to a long list of amenities shared Greenwood.
The Highlands is already approaching 50% occupancy, notes Greenwood, attracting a mix of professional seniors and young adults looking for modern, maintenance-free living close to shops and services. And we wondered how residents are liking it so far?
As St. Thomas continues to grow, Greenwood says the timing for The Highlands couldn’t be better — especially with large-scale developments like Volkswagen’s PowerCo project drawing new residents to the area.
Beyond apartments, the development also supports the local economy. The Highlands Plaza currently houses 17 businesses, contributing to the city’s tax base and offering employment opportunities to local residents. Greenwood says their team takes pride in being both a developer and a community partner.
Looking ahead, Greenwood hints there could be more on the horizon — including a potential second apartment building on the site.
The Highlands Apartments is located at the corner of First Avenue and Talbot Street in St. Thomas, and will be home to 162 units once fully complete.
More information and leasing details are available at highlandsapartments.ca.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
