ESTEVAN — The Estevan Market Mall celebrated its 50th anniversary in style, unveiling an upgraded central entrance and previewing the much-anticipated future food court space on Nov. 6.
The event brought together mall staff, contractors, tenants and community supporters to honour five decades of history and change. In the last five years, a major transformation to the mall and the property around it occurred under new ownership. Martin Blair, managing director of First Aberdeen Properties Ltd., which owns the mall, was in Estevan for the celebration to reflect on the building's rich history, introduce the latest changes and thank the people who were a part of the transformations.
"Fifty years is a lot of history," Blair said, reflecting on the mall's legacy as a community hub. "So many people have memories here, whether it was their first job or their favourite place to visit as a kid."
Blair and his team took over the mall five years ago, recognizing it as a "rough jewel", and quickly set out on a five-year Phase 1 renovation project to modernize its infrastructure and amenities while respecting its legacy.
"We knew it was going to be a challenge," Blair admitted. "But everything we did was to prepare this mall for the next 50 years."
The renovations included upgrades to the north and south parking lots, interior and exterior spaces, as well as infrastructure and landscaping.
"We've planted Mayday trees along the main entrance corridor, and when they bloom in spring, it'll add a vibrant welcome for our visitors," Blair said, pointing out one of the latest landscaping upgrades.
General contractor Westridge Construction out of Regina led the latest work on the entrance and future food court area. But there were a lot of local contractors involved that were instrumental throughout the five years of renovations, Blair noted.
"Estevan is blessed with a huge collection of professionals," he said. "It was much easier for us to do this kind of work here in Estevan than it has been in almost all other centres we're in."
The mall team, along with tenant and community support, were essential, and Blair expressed his gratitude for the patience of the mall's tenants, who endured dust, noise and other inconveniences throughout the process.
"That is incredibly disruptive," he acknowledged. "But everybody stuck through with us on this."
Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig, a lifelong resident with deep family ties to the property, joined the celebration and expressed his appreciation for Blair's leadership.
"You and your team have done a tremendous job on this mall," Ludwig said, praising the transparency and collaboration throughout the last five years.
After his remarks, Ludwig took on the honour of the symbolic ribbon-cutting, marking the mall's half-century milestone and opening a new chapter.
"Here's to the next 50 years," Blair toasted, underscoring the mall's place in the community.
The food court area is now majorly completed, and the mall is to start "aggressively" searching for tenants for the new space as well as for other vacant areas.
"We're working on it. We're ready for them," Blair said.
The future food court has been an eagerly awaited addition, with plans for three dining spots expected to open in mid-2025.
Blair noted that the mall's new design, complete with expansive windows and a dedicated space for the food court, will enhance the shopping experience. The hope is that people will feel welcome, whether they come to the mall for coffee, to pick up something for family, or just to take a break and relax, he added.
The new entrance is the latest part of the mall's ongoing evolution, but not the final one. The next phase will focus on the development of a business centre on the second level of the mall with a new south-side entrance and an elevator. As Estevan anticipates growth opportunities with projects like small modular reactors, Blair emphasized that the mall is poised to support the city's future needs.
