The newest doctor in Grand Forks and the physician who recruited him are hoping to redevelop a downtown commercial building that could attract further medical professionals.
Dr. Gary Sandhar and Dr. Mark Szynkaruk are applying to rezone 125B Market Avenue, where Szynkaruk previously sought to create a brewery and restaurant.
They would now like to turn most of the building into apartments, although they haven’t ruled out maintaining some commercial spaces.
Sandhar said at a minimum, they expect to create six one-bedroom residential units, with the possibility of a couple of two-bedroom units as well.
“We’re aware there’s been a need for commercial units in the past, so by keeping that west end [of the building] kind of a question mark for now, we can always allow the market to dictate which way things go,” Sandhar said.
“If partway through this development, we realize that there’s a fair amount of commercial space needed, then we’d be happy to tailor it.”
Sandhar said they intend to maintain the building’s form and character, specifically regarding its brick exterior. He added they expect the building will attract medical professionals who want to live there, although it would not be limited to them.
“Any young professionals would, I think, benefit from being so close to downtown,” he said. “But I think that would be an easy start for us in terms of making sure we get housing for people who want to be here in the longer run.”
Sandhar said he spoke to a couple of temporary nurses who had their privacy invaded by a landlord, which led to them to move out. With no substitute housing readily available, they cut their time in Grand Forks short.
Szynkaruk also said he has a verbal commitment from a physician to come to Grand Forks in September, but the doctor’s biggest concern is housing: because his partner doesn’t drive, they need to find a place somewhere downtown, so she can walk everywhere.
Sandhar said an architectural review is pending, but based on their initial assessment, they don’t expect any large structural or engineering modifications will be needed. Assuming they receive rezoning and subject to closing conditions, they expect redevelopment could begin in mid-May with an estimated construction timeline of 12 to 18 months.
Council directed staff to begin the rezoning process, which would include a public hearing.
BC Assessment indicates the building, which is over 6,300 square feet, was constructed in 1929. It has been on the market for about the last year. In recent times it’s been home to a lawyer’s office and a bakery, among other things.
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