After a few tumultuous years, the Downtown Chatham Centre (DCC) has new, local ownership.
The new group of local investors and developers announced on Friday morning that they have brought the mall at King Street and 5th Street and they're touting it as a significant step in the revitalization of downtown Chatham.
The new DCC owners are open to ideas for the site. Rob Myers doesn't see the mall lasting long in its current state, saying shopping centres don't work. Mayor Darrin Canniff wants an entertainment district where families can dine and have fun. Myers said he can't rule out a new arena as part of the project, saying everything is on the table. The deal has been in the works for two months and all the new owners want the timelines to move fast.
The group said it's also exploring possibilities on how to restore the property to its prominent role in the downtown. It is actively seeking ideas and welcomes suggestions on how to best pivot in the future.
Rob Myers and Don Tetrault who recently purchased the former Navistar property on Richmond Street near Keil Drive have been joined by the owner/operators of Retro Suites Hotel Jessica and Pete Tsirimbis, general construction contractor Ron Nydam, and real estate developer Jim Bullock.
"I am excited to be part of this challenge and opportunity," said Myers. "I truly believe that anything is possible and that with the group of partners we have working on this project great things will continue to happen in downtown Chatham. This just feels natural and the next logical step to developing Chatham-Kent. Just like at Navistar we aim to create jobs, stimulate the local economy and bring new life to a beautiful core."
Tsirimbis said they are looking for new shops and the current shops inside the mall will get the support they deserve and should have received over the past five years. The mall has changed ownership several times since 2016.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said he is "absolutely ecstatic" about the announcement.
"The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has recently been informed of some very exciting news," said Canniff. "We are thrilled to learn that a group of local investors lead by Rob Myers, Ron Nydam, Don Tetrault, Jessica and Pete Tsirimbis and Jim Bullock have purchased the Downtown Chatham Centre. "The team of investors each offer something unique and their combined efforts make this endeavour a recipe for success."
Ron Nydam of JP Contractors has been involved in the development of downtown Chatham for decades. He has been investing since the mid-1990s and was the lead contractor for Retro Suites Hotel along with purchasing and restoring many historic buildings in the area.
The Tsirimbis’ have also shown their commitment to Chatham's downtown core, recently investing in the expansion of Retro Suites Executive Residences. Jim Bullock is the former President of Cadillac Fairview Corporation.
The price tag for the mall was not revealed.