A building being constructed adjacent to the Hillcrest Health Clinic on Thatcher Drive could be the new home for other medical-related services and businesses.
“We felt there was a need in Moose Jaw for a high-class strip mall,” explained Os Montanini, one of four owners of the property. “We thought it was a good location.”
The ownership group is still talking with companies about moving into the building, although no leases have been signed yet, he continued. He would not say who those organizations could be since discussions are still ongoing. However, some of the services that could be offered include pharmacies, another medical clinic, hearing and vision support, skin care, and even a coffee shop.
The names of the companies that could become new tenants is expected to be made known in a couple of months.
There are four individuals who each have a stake in this new build, Montanini said. What’s positive about the co-owners is they are long-time Saskatchewan residents. However, this group is completely separate from the owners of the Hillcrest Health Clinic.
“It is Saskatchewan people doing (a project) for Saskatchewan people,” he added.
C&S Builders Ltd. began building the strip mall around the beginning of April, explained general manager Sam Shaw. He expects construction to finish by the end of October.
All the company is doing is constructing the shell of the building for leased tenant space, added Bryce Chelsberg, project manager.
C&S Builders is installing the roof, concrete floor, asphalt paving and installation of exterior lights. The building will be just under 1,170 square metres (13,000 square feet) in size.
“It will be a good size building,” Chelsberg said. “The (health clinic) next door is 10,000 square feet.”
Montanini was unwilling to say how much the project is worth. However, Shaw with C&S Builders estimated that the building could cost $2 million. Once the purchase of the land is factored in, plus interior renovations, the cost of the project would likely exceed $3 million. However, Chelsberg pointed out the final costs are not yet known.
“How exciting is it for us? I think the more excitement should come from Moose Jaw. We’re building a very top quality building,” said Montanini. “(It’s a) very aesthetically exciting project.”
The ownership group has purchased this previously empty piece of property and is developing it, he continued. The municipality will soon have a new building from which to acquire property taxes. This will be a first-class building that improves the sightlines in the area.
“We’re showing faith that the Moose Jaw economy will continue to grow,” Montanini added, “and support something like this.”
