MOOSE JAW — Atria Mulberry Estates welcomed the community back with open arms — and a fresh new look — during its grand reopening celebration recently, following more than a year of renovations.
The event, held exclusively indoors due to rain, drew more than 100 guests including residents, their families, and members of the public invited to tour the retirement residence and enjoy a day of live music, games, and local vendors.
“Today is our grand reopening. We just finished a whole refresh that took over a year to do,” said Tricia Oblander, marketing manager at Atria Mulberry Estates. “We got all new flooring, painting, furniture, décor, and a brand new elevator as well. So we're all set, ready to go, and we just want to show it off.”
Although some outdoor activities had to be cancelled or moved inside — including a planned inflatable castle — the residence still hosted a full slate of family-friendly programming. Face painting, children’s toys, raffle prizes, and a barbecue lunch kept the energy high throughout the day. Live music was provided later in the afternoon by Clean Break Entertainment, a Regina-based duo who frequently perform similar shows for residents.
The renovations, which began in 2024 and continued through this summer, included upgraded flooring, a new elevator, interior and exterior repainting, updated furniture in common areas, and a redesigned activity room complete with a bar-style island counter and new cabinets.
“This summer, we're 23 years old, so it was time for a little bit of a facelift,” Oblander said. “Last summer, we painted the exterior and worked on some of the other renos, and now it's finally done.”
In addition to the entertainment and tours, several vendors set up tables to showcase their crafts and businesses — many of whom had a personal connection to the residence.
Resident Lana Hawman offered hand-quilted and knitted goods in an effort to downsize her collection. Among the items for sale was a keepsake sign from her former diner in Kerrobert, Sask.
Dee Wilby, another resident and recent apple pie bake-off champion, attended with her grandchildren — Ellena, Calynda, and Kaiden — who helped her sell homemade baked goods, create festive balloon animals, and provide temporary tattoos. Artist Charlene Douglas was also present, along with Mary Kay representative Yvonne Gabriel and Avon representative Shirley Tillie.
“A lot of residents have invited family, and then of course we have guests coming from outside of the community as well that we've invited in,” Oblander said. “We just want everybody to come and see all the changes that we have, and just check out our environment. It's a very happy, friendly environment, and it's good for everybody to see that.”
Saturday’s event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and organizers said they were pleased with the early turnout. Those who couldn’t attend are still welcome to tour the newly renovated residence by booking a visit.
“We are always inviting guests in, so people can come in whenever they want,” said Oblander. “Just give us a call.”
Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane. For more information or to book a tour, call 306-694-5020 or visit AtriaRetirement.ca.
