By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
On Sept. 8, the City of Humboldt, Span West Construction Ltd., Centra Realty Group, and various other involved members were present for the Gabriela Estates groundbreaking ceremony.
The event marked the official start of development of the old hospital grounds north of Humboldt. The City had bought the land from the St. Elizabeth sisters earlier this year and put out tenders for development.
"We purchased the property that included the convent, the park, and the site of the old hospital," said Mayor Malcolm Eaton. "We had plans to keep the park and preserve it. It'll be named St. Elizabeth Park."
According to Eaton, when they put out proposals, they included some conditions that required adherence to infrastructure capabilities. Following that, it seemed Span West offered the best proposal and the best price for the land.
Along with Tamarack Ventures, Span West purchased two acres with the option of developing two more in the future.
"Gabriela Estates offer ground level heated parking, 22 homes on three floors, and two to three bedrooms," said Shirley Seidel, a broker for Centra Realty.
The name itself is a tribute to the sisters that once owned it and Span West is keeping it for that same reason.
"The hospital is an important part of Humboldt," said Josh Remai, the developer from Span West Construction. "The work that the sisters had done there was of great significance to the community."
To build on their community connections, the construction company uses local companies and construction people. Materials and workers are also bought or hired locally.
"We're no stranger to Humboldt. We love Humboldt," said Remai. "We've built three condos and eight to 12 townhouses here over the last three years."
