Judging from the turnout at a recent BIZConneCKt event, the community in Chatham-Kent is vibing with 100 King.
The development, led by private investors, is revamping the former Downtown Chatham Centre with the goal of revitalizing the city’s core.
Last week, its owners collaborated with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce and the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA to host the event, which drew close to 200 people.
Ron Nydam, one of the owners of 100 King, said it’s gratifying to see.
“The interest that was shown here tonight is beyond what I expected,” Nydam told reporters, adding 100 King has received “immense support” from the business community, municipal leaders and service agencies.
“That certainly creates a positive spin on what we believe is good for Chatham-Kent,” Nydam said. “It’s not just about the building, it’s about the vibes that get created…to have that kind of support from the community is very important.”
Nydam, said it’s critical considering the negativity surrounding the project on social media in the last couple years.”
“It’s not about Rob Myers, Don Tetrault, Ron Nydam, Jessica Myers,” Nydam explained. “It’s not about that. It’s about creating a community; a sense of belonging; a positive spin on what Chatham-Kent could be.”
Separate from the controversial Chatham-Kent Community Hub that will see the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, the library branch and the museum housed within the former Sears building, 100 King is the reimaging of the nearly empty downtown mall, that like many across Canada, fell on hard times. The DCC was built on the site of the historic Harrison Hall, Chatham’s original city hall, and was hailed as a “do or die” project.
The City of Chatham built the current Civic Centre at 315 King St., but over the years, former councils neglected its upkeep, leading to disrepair. The idea of creating the hub came into play but it met with stiff opposition from some community members saying it was being done to line private developers’ pockets. Opposition to the Hub development kicked off a firestorm of protest, as well as the formation of a local watchdog group that tried to stop it.
But now, with both projects now underway, Nydam said 100 King is generating considerable interest.
“I only want to say we’re actively pursuing brands across Chatham-Kent as well as from across Canada,” Nydam explained, noting he can’t yet disclose who.
“There’s a lot of interest, I can tell you that,” he said. “For many, many years, prior to our purchase of 100 King, previous owners promised this is going to happen, that’s going to happen. Everybody’s standing back waiting to see what’s going to happen.”
In 2021, the development group purchased the mall for an undisclosed amount.
Retail spaces within 100 King will have a new look and common theme for tenants, Nydam explained, noting phase one of 100 King focuses solely on commercial development, not residential.
Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2027.
Further facade installations, work on the back entrance, heating and cooling upgrades, elevator improvements and themed store fronts are among the next steps, he said. Further down the line is a revamped back parking lot.
According to Nydam, 100 King’s main concern was the condition of the parking garage, but it’s been rebuilt structurally and aesthetically from “top to bottom.”
Nydam did say the simultaneous construction of the Hub poses challenges for 100 King, especially with the site being open in the winter. A firewall and electric heaters were installed to combat the issue.
“Every day is a different challenge and every day a new solution,” he said.
C-K Chamber of Commerce president Rory Ring said 100 King is a “clear demonstration” of community members, business and private investors coming together on a project.
“It’s very inspirational to see this kind of input,” Ring stated.
Newspaper articles from 44 years ago when the mall opened were posted at the event. Reports proclaimed the mall as the saviour of downtown Chatham, which Nydam said it was at the time.
But he admitted that when Harrison Hall was torn down, the city lost a lot of history.
He said 100 King will help reclaim that.
“It (100 King) creates that new meeting point, that new positivity in downtown Chatham and if that lasts for 50 years, I’m OK with it.”
