Post by Ducky on Dec 4, 2004 10:17:08 GMT -5
Sat, December 4, 2004
Arena wins kudos
For reinvigorating downtown
By BOB HOLLIDAY, STAFF REPORTER
The preliminary results are in -- the MTS Centre is a hit with fans and surrounding businesses. "There's a much more lively atmosphere downtown. Everybody's happier," said Mark Godde, sale supervisor with A&B Sound, which is located directly across Portage Avenue from the new arena.
"We've definitely had more foot traffic and a slight increase in sales."
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Mountain Equipment Co-op, also located near the new arena, has also seen more customers -- especially following last Sunday's Manitoba Moose game.
"There was an increase in traffic, and they were different people than we're used to seeing," said Ken Berg, the store's acting manager. "It's definitely a good thing for downtown."
Doug Stephen of WOW Hospitality said there's been a 25% increase in business at Pasta la Vista in nearby City Place. He said the presence of more people walking the downtown streets is "a glorious sight."
There are still vacant boarded buildings remaining but the Downtown Business Improvement Zone is making strides in the search for new tenants, said executive director Stefano Grande.
"At least three owners say the time is right. The market is very, very strong so we'll start to see things happen very soon," he said. "There is definitely more business happening and a lot of spinoffs are occurring or are about to occur."
One of those spinoffs could be the completion of the downtown skywalk system, proposed in a joint provincial-city study.
Meanwhile, a $15-million, five-storey Credit Union Central building on Donald Street between Portage and Ellice avenues is expected to open next year.
City Place is in final negotiations with three new retailers and has received inquiries from other merchants, said mall general manager Craig Stoddard.
As well, a $12-million, 100-room luxury hotel is slated to open in early 2006 west of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and CTV will vacate its Polo Park studios and move downtown.
"Everything is coming together and, of course, there'll be a huge spinoff when 2,000 Manitoba Hydro employees move downtown," said Godde.
Arena wins kudos
For reinvigorating downtown
By BOB HOLLIDAY, STAFF REPORTER
The preliminary results are in -- the MTS Centre is a hit with fans and surrounding businesses. "There's a much more lively atmosphere downtown. Everybody's happier," said Mark Godde, sale supervisor with A&B Sound, which is located directly across Portage Avenue from the new arena.
"We've definitely had more foot traffic and a slight increase in sales."
MORE CUSTOMERS
Mountain Equipment Co-op, also located near the new arena, has also seen more customers -- especially following last Sunday's Manitoba Moose game.
"There was an increase in traffic, and they were different people than we're used to seeing," said Ken Berg, the store's acting manager. "It's definitely a good thing for downtown."
Doug Stephen of WOW Hospitality said there's been a 25% increase in business at Pasta la Vista in nearby City Place. He said the presence of more people walking the downtown streets is "a glorious sight."
There are still vacant boarded buildings remaining but the Downtown Business Improvement Zone is making strides in the search for new tenants, said executive director Stefano Grande.
"At least three owners say the time is right. The market is very, very strong so we'll start to see things happen very soon," he said. "There is definitely more business happening and a lot of spinoffs are occurring or are about to occur."
One of those spinoffs could be the completion of the downtown skywalk system, proposed in a joint provincial-city study.
Meanwhile, a $15-million, five-storey Credit Union Central building on Donald Street between Portage and Ellice avenues is expected to open next year.
City Place is in final negotiations with three new retailers and has received inquiries from other merchants, said mall general manager Craig Stoddard.
As well, a $12-million, 100-room luxury hotel is slated to open in early 2006 west of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and CTV will vacate its Polo Park studios and move downtown.
"Everything is coming together and, of course, there'll be a huge spinoff when 2,000 Manitoba Hydro employees move downtown," said Godde.