An artistic rendition of what the project at Spirit Square will look like when completed.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Arpa Investments
February 21, 2018 - 2:30 PM
KAMLOOPS – Spirit Square on Kamloops's North Shore will soon be undergoing some massive changes.
Two mixed-use buildings will be built by Arpa Investments, the company announced in a news conference at Spirit Square today, Feb. 21.
One will feature 7,000 square feet of restaurant and commercial space with approximately 33 market units, and the other building will feature 5,200 square feet of commercial and office space, along with 43 affordable housing units for seniors which will be owned and operated by ASK Wellness Society.
The City of Kamloops and Arpa Investments worked in collaboration to try and figure out what would help to transform the area.
“We looked at the square and had a real vision of what that square could become," Joshua Knaak, a partner with Arpa Investments said. "The whole design of this project is what could bring life and vibrancy to this existing space.”
Bob Hughes, Executive Director of ASK Wellness, is excited about the prospect of Spirit Square transforming.
“We’ve seen this space be empty, a vital part of the neighborhood just be neglected. And haven’t seen people come here and enjoy this property,” Hughes says. “I see it as becoming this the centre of the neighborhood.”
Hughes hopes that the affordable housing project can help fill the need of seniors finding housing. He says that the senior population is growing and the need is there. This project is a step in the right direction.
Knaak expects the construction will take roughly 18 months to complete. They will start with one building and then begin work on the other. Barring any unforeseen rezoning or building permit issues, Knaak hopes to have the construction start in June. The total cost is still unknown, but Knaak expects the project to cost around $15 million.
The City of Kamloops announced earlier this year two separate affordable housing projects being built on either side of the city.
For more information, check out the website for Spirit Square Kamloops.
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