A real estate developer named Louai Alrifai is spearheading a transformative project at the struggling Gateway Mall in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The mall, facing challenges, will soon host a unique housing solution on its rooftop. Alrifai’s company plans to construct 500 modular housing units atop the mall, a move reflecting a growing national trend of denser urban living arrangements.
The innovative project envisions one-bedroom homes spanning 329 square feet each, catering to students, young professionals, and healthcare workers. Alrifai anticipates that these units will be ready for occupancy by 2027, offering a monthly rent of $1,000 inclusive of utilities. The total investment in the housing development and mall refurbishment is estimated at $50 million.
Alrifai’s approach of repurposing underutilized space aligns with the city’s need for more housing options. City officials have expressed openness to such innovative developments, pending thorough assessments and reviews to ensure feasibility. Alrifai remains optimistic about the project’s success, emphasizing its broader goal of revitalizing downtown Prince Albert.
The proposed project has garnered attention from experts like Scott Bell, a geography and planning professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Bell views the initiative as a novel approach, blending compact housing solutions with urban redevelopment strategies. He notes a shift towards denser housing construction within city limits, catalyzed by federal incentives like the Housing Accelerator Fund.
The Gateway Mall redevelopment project represents a creative response to urban housing challenges, pushing boundaries and potentially setting a new precedent for urban growth strategies. With positive reception from local authorities and advisors, the project signals a promising future for the mall and the city of Prince Albert.
