More exterior construction progress is visible on the newly named Townsite Market, formerly known as The Warehouse, at Marine and Ash avenues.
“I’ve decided to change the name and branding for the building to Townsite Market,” said building owner and developer Steve Brooks, “as one of my main influences for the building has been Chelsea Market in New York, and I really want to focus my marketing on the artisan and public market aspect of the building.”
Chelsea Market is an international destination in New York, located in the Manhattan area known as the Meatpacker District.
Brooks said he believes changing the name from The Warehouse to Townsite Market will draw more people to the building when it is completed.
“As people drive by on Marine they are more likely to be attracted by a large Townsite Market sign,” he said. “The Warehouse may confuse some people.”
When it first opened in 1941, the building served as a social and shopping hub for Powell River’s original Townsite.
According to Brooks, construction on the building is progressing, with canopy beams that overhang the exterior east wall built, and other brackets and prepping going on outside.
“It all took a bit more time, but the assembly over the last few weeks has gone really smoothly and looks great,” said Brooks.
Work that has been done on the inside of the building includes hanging drywall, finishing windows and electrical and plumbing work, which was completed a few months ago, said Brooks.
Currently, the only tenant occupying Townsite Market is the Powell River Climbing Co-op climbing wall, which occupies two floors of the entire northwest corner of the building. The wall cannot open to the public until occupancy permits are obtained from City of Powell River.
According to Brooks, the climbing co-op has been finishing its buildout and washrooms, flooring and electrical.
“We haven’t set a date for the opening of the climbing gym yet, but I think it will open in the next couple of months,” said Brooks, adding that he wants to make sure other construction and noise does not spoil the climbers’ experience.
Brooks said a couple of other yet-to-be-announced businesses are working on their buildout as well. One business that had planned to move into Townsite Market has backed out.
“Discussions continue with various parties about lease space,” said Brooks. “Our target date to open the whole building in the spring is still on track.”
