Workers have been busy for months at the James Nisbet apartments. (NIgel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Positive changes

Downtown building receiving makeover

May 6, 2020 | 5:00 PM

A downtown apartment building, across from Gateway Mall, is receiving a second lease on life.

The James Nisbet building at 80 13th St. W, has been boarded up for months. On Wednesday, paNOW was able to reach the Alberta owners by phone who confirmed the building is being gutted and the plans are to reopen. June Nguyen explained options include the possibility of a student residency, or a home care facility.

“We haven’t decided yet. We have to clean up inside first,” she said.

Carolyn Carleton, executive director of the Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District, told paNOW she was unaware of Nguyen’s plans.

“Anybody who is building into or improving, it’s all great to see,” she said.

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One of the driving factors for the interest is the impending arrival of the new University of Saskatchewan campus which remains on course for a fall opening. Carleton said as a result of that announcement, a lot of the buildings in the downtown, which have been for sale for a while, are now being purchased.

In the case of the Nesbit apartment building, Carleton said she was aware of its reputation, but explained there has been extensive work done inside it. She noted part of the problem in cases like this building, is suites are rented out and left unsupervised.

“I think the owners have learned from their past and they are moving forward and hopefully they are making positive steps forward because if they are going to make an investment in it, I think they will know better this time around,” Carleton said.

Prior to COVID-19, Carleton said there was a lot of momentum happening in the downtown, which she hopes will continue once life returns to normal. She added in recent weeks she’s been meeting with respective owners and encouraging them to use their time to their benefit. Grants are available, she said.

“A lot of these owners who have buildings downtown have really good intentions. Sometimes it’s just a matter of coming alongside them and helping steer them in a direction, and maybe look at a different perspective,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow