The first pieces of Woodward's Village are coming together, signalling an era of renewal in Port Alberni's Uptown.
Victoria developer Chris Le Fevre in 2021 purchased two large parking lots and a small commercial building from what used to be first Woodward's, then Zellers. In 2013 when Zellers pulled out of Canada, the Coulson Group bought the main building as well as the smaller one across the street so they wouldn't sit dormant. The former Woodward's show windows were offered temporarily to non-profit organizations to decorate for different events.
Now the first houses have quietly been built and are ready for their first homeowners.
The prospect is exciting for Dave Koszegi, the real estate company owner tasked with selling the first fourplex. Koszegi was born and raised in the Alberni Valley, and said he has watched Uptown Port Alberni decline as fast as the once-booming resource industries dried up.
"I look at what's going on right now in that part of the community, with Le Fevre coming in, it's sort of the renaissance of the downtown," says Koszegi. Aside from Le Fevre's projects, the former 7-Eleven lot that is kitty-corner to the Coulson building is now a flurry of construction on what is rumoured to be a professional building. "It's kind of what we needed," he adds.
"It's definitely a game-changer to note that buildings that have been sitting empty for a long time, now something is happening. It's igniting the Uptown market."
Plans are underway for a second fourplex that will face the first development. There is a fence in front of those buildings that was erected so residents won't have to see construction out their front windows while the next fourplex is built. The fence will come down when the second fourplex is ready for occupancy, Koszegi said.
Le Fevre hasn't wavered from his initial vision: a mix of housing from single family dwellings to townhouses, smaller cottage dwellings and more. While the fourplexes are well underway, another type of housing development is also planned: 40 units for families and seniors under the M'akola Housing Society's umbrella. Guthrie Le Fevre and Alan Fletcher of AFC Construction are undertaking that project with both M'akola and BC Housing.
"It feels very good to bring this activity to fruition," Chris Le Fevre says. "The zone has a warm heart and I am privileged to be a part of it. To receive the support and cooperation of the municipality in these ongoing endeavours is deeply appreciated."
Alison Dahlie Griffin is the third part of a trifecta for Woodward's Village. She recently leased the building across from the Coulson building, which has housed a sporting goods shop, marine business and movie rental business during its time, and she has a multi-phased plan for it. Griffin moved to the Alberni Valley from Ucluelet a few years ago for the educational opportunities for her children. She has owned and operated four storefront businesses in the past, including wedding and event planning.
Griffin needed "big floor space" for her next adventure, House of Dahlie. She wants to start with a flower shop, and eventually branch out to event planning and interior design services with a showroom. "I want to get other designers here in other capacities," offering a range of services under one roof.
Because she only took possession of her space in mid-June, Griffin doesn't anticipate opening for a few months. She is waiting on a sign permit, going through all the paperwork necessary to open a business in Port Alberni and "just feeling out the town.
"It's a good community, and good people."
