Team Powerhouse realty
Sound Off

Downtown living brings new energy to our city

May 9, 2019 | 8:58 AM

Downtown Prince George is the heart of our city. In recent years, we’ve seen major investments being made in this area, from UNBC’s Wood Innovation & Design Centre to the Marriott Hotel.

It’s a space that is very much open for business, enticing local entrepreneurs to develop new restaurants and retail stores. Events such as Summerfest, Winterfest and the CrossRoads Brewery Street Festival Series are providing experiences downtown throughout the year.

But every thriving neighbourhood needs residents.

To create a truly vibrant downtown, we need people to live there, and the fact that developers are now coming in and spending significant dollars creating living opportunities downtown is really exciting. It’s exactly what is needed to build on the investment and energy organizations and entrepreneurs have already been putting into our city’s core.

City Hall will be getting new neighbours at Park House Condominiums. Currently in Phase One of development, and over 40% sold, the high quality finishes and features of this property are appealing to professionals and downsizers who want the convenience of an urban lifestyle.

Under construction on the boundary of downtown and the Crescents neighbourhood, Nine on Seventh is a condominium development offering nine luxury units. This project will bring more diversity to the housing stock in an area known for its heritage homes.

A proposed development beside the Marriott Hotel is making its way through the approvals process. A plan is underway to build student housing on the site. Providing students with an option for easy access to downtown amenities and entertainment would be a fantastic boost for the area, and I’m really looking forward to watching that project move forward.

Tenants recently began moving into the newly renovated former Economy Inn building that includes 28 affordable housing suites. Olive’s Branch is managed by the Association Advocating for Women and Children, and will open up a much-needed housing option for vulnerable people.

Vibrant urban centres need a diverse range of housing options to suit a diverse range of needs, and it’s great to see that being considered as more opportunities for downtown living come onto the market. These new developments are part of a bigger trend that is going to make downtown Prince George a very exciting place to be.

Click here to report an error or typo in this article