Southeast Red Deer continues to be a hot spot for new development despite the economic climate.
Calgary-based Developments 2 is busy on its Timberlands Square project, which will be anchored by a 40,000-square-foot Co-op grocery store along with a liquor store and gas bar. They will open next year.
A representative could not be reached for comment but the latest site map shows a number of tenants including: Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant, Papa Johns, Motion Fitness, Pet Valu Rush Nutrition, as well as dentist and orthodontist offices.
On the other side of 30th Avenue, Melcor Developments will soon have almost 10 more acres of developable land, freed up by the creation of the nearby roundabout.
“We’re built out on the existing Clearview Market Square,” said Guy Pelletier, regional vice-president. “We will be expanding into that area that is freed up now that the road is closed.
“There’s about an additional 10 acres there that we’re working on plan right now. We would be more active on that site next year.”
Envisioned is a continuation of the “main street” feel of the existing development that is pedestrian-friendly and a departure from big box power centres.
“It’s worked out well for us,” said Pelletier. “So far, the tenants seem to be doing just fine up there. There’s lot of activity there.”
There is also about four acres to the west of the Your Independent Grocer that is earmarked for a multi-family development. It was sold to Covenant Hill, which operates the nearby seniors project on 30th Avenue and Carrington Drive.
The area will also be seeing a lot of residential growth. St. Joseph’s High School is expected to be ready next September and Melcor expects to have homes going up in its Evergreen community to the north.
Laebon is also building in the Timber Ridge and Timberstone Park neighbourhoods east of 30th Avenue. The city is developing neighbouring Timberlands.
Pelletier said many are predicting a “stable or improving” market for next year. “We’re down quite a bit from what a typical year would be in Red Deer for building permits, but we’re still building.”
Melcor is also building in Laredo and Vanier Woods in the southeast corner of the city. Once that is built out, most new home development will switch a few blocks further north.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com