The Uchucklesaht First Nation plans to begin construction of its new administration building and cultural centre in Uptown Port Alberni in late February.
The $6 million building will include “a cultural centre, administration offices for the new Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, three short-term rental rooms for patient travel, carving rooms, boardrooms, restaurant, and 34 high end apartments,” Uchucklesaht CAO Scott Coulson said.
The Uchucklesaht brought plans for the proposed building to the Jan. 12 city council meeting to ask for a development variance on the building setback.
Council applauded the move, saying that it could be the catalyst that Uptown needs to spur on further development.
The Uchucklesaht first bought the old Somass Hotel in 2013.
While at first they considered repairing the structure, an analysis of the costs involved determined that it would be cheaper to tear down the century-old hotel and start the new building from scratch.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
twitter.com/AlberniNews