Fresh changes have come to what was formerly a run-down strip mall in downtown 91原创.

The plaza at Fraser Highway and 206 Street was purchased by Elevate Development Corporation when the organization鈥檚 owner, Gord MacPherson, recognized the potential to refurbish the site to create an attractive new focal point for tenants and patrons alike.

鈥淲e鈥檙e a local development company and we were having to look outside of the Lower Mainland for projects to develop or redevelop,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a property I鈥檝e known for years.鈥�

Now known as Fraser 206, the complex will have its renovations complete as soon as paving and landscaping are finished. Waiting for those final touches hasn鈥檛 prevented the first tenant, Submission Spin Club from opening their doors and inviting patrons in.

鈥淭hey are already up and running,鈥� MacPherson said of the first tenant. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really going through the retenanting [process] right now.鈥�

The 28,000 square foot shopping centre had fallen into disrepair over the years. Some of the buildings were about 30 years old while others had been rebuilt about 15 years ago following a fire. Unfortunately, the roofs were leaking and previous tenants complained of air conditioning systems that only worked sporadically. MacPherson knew this was a diamond in the rough.

鈥淔rom our standpoint we just wanted to freshen up the building, 鈥渉e noted. 鈥淭he buildings just looked tired.鈥�

Flat roofs were replaced, cedar shingles became new durable metal roofing systems, new air conditioners were brought online and all the brick received a much-needed fresh coat of paint.

鈥淲e were really hoping to put a bank back in the city, as was the mayor, but none were interested,鈥� he explained, but added that the new look will likely work to create more redevelopment in the downtown area. 鈥淚 would like to think that it鈥檚 a real positive influence.鈥�

With plenty of parking and proximity to the future-proposed light rail system, access to Fraser 206 will be easy.

Overall, the project was a success in MacPherson鈥檚 eyes despite it being more expensive than anticipated, though there were no major surprises.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to say we鈥檙e going to be a catalyst for more of this,鈥� he said. 鈥淕iven how positive the support of the mayor has been and the staff, I鈥檇 say it [Fraser 206] has a real bright future. It鈥檚 been a good project and we鈥檙e very proud of how it鈥檚 turned out.鈥�