Within two months, the next phase of commercial development will begin along Drovers Run with the construction of a new strip mall. The property will introduce three new businesses and provide expanded space for two established ones.
Local developer Ray Dowse, on behalf of Stonefield Developments Inc., says his team has been working to get this project off the ground for more than four years.
Together, the five attached units will provide almost 16,000 square feet of commercial space. The aesthetic, Dowse says, will provide unique curb appeal to match that the Blue Crescent Hotel that’s planned for the lot immediately to the west.
The two units on the westerly end of the strip mall will share a front patio with timber frame pergola. The business on the west end has requested a drive-thru lane and window.
At this stage, Dowse says he’s unable to divulge the nature of the businesses that will open here. But in the coming weeks, each will seek conditional use permits from town council.
“I’m really excited about this [project],” says Dowse. “The mix of businesses are awesome, and they just complement the community. A couple of the businesses are existing businesses that are expanding, so that’s pretty neat too. It’s good to see that local business growth.”
Dowse adds that three of these business owners have been collaborating together in the hopes of enhancing the offerings they collectively provide.
Unlike some other commercial strip malls, this one is being fully customized to meet the very specific needs of its tenants.
“That’s why it took four years to put all this together,” says Dowse. “We did three or four different designs on it. Some of them wanted future expansion options, [so we looked at] the potential engineering for second floor options and allocating extra parking.”
The strip mall, located north of the completed apartment block, will have two access points from Range Road and one access to be shared with the upcoming hotel.
With this project now finalized, Dowse has one remaining 2.3-acre section of land along Drovers Run. He is proposing a mixed-use project for this lot, including both commercial and residential options.
