Loop almost ready for tenants

By Zander Kelly

The downtown Windsor property formerly known as the Loop Complex is almost ready for new tenants.

The exterior work should be complete by the end of October and then the hunt for tenants begins, said Sheila Luno, property manager at Mid-South Land Developments.

The company concentrated on the exterior of the building, cleaning the brick and replacing the windows. The interior will remain empty until the first tenant moves in and further construction will continue from there.

Debi Croucher, Executive Director of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, is hoping the development attracts retail shops, boutiques, and professional services like print shops to assist University of Windsor and St. Clair College students.

“What we want are cool, unique shops that attract students, faculty and residents,” said Croucher. “Everything from arts and crafts to soaps and apparel.”

There are 7,500 residents in the downtown Windsor area, said Croucher, and it would be a great benefit to have more businesses like hairdressers or grocers in the area. Having new business downtown would be a convenience to nearby residents and a draw for ones who live farther away.

“Chatham used to be our busiest street about 10 years ago,” said Croucher, referring to the street running from the Transit Windsor Terminal to Caesars Windsor and beyond. The street has seen many empty storefronts in recent years and Croucher remembers when it was a bustling thoroughfare.

“We would like to see that come back,” said Croucher.

Given the upcoming legalization of cannabis October 17th and the planned opening of the first provincially-owned dispensaries April 1st, Croucher said having one downtown would “absolutely” be a good idea.

Contact Mid-South Land Developments Ltd. at 519-944-4466 if you are interested in the space.