Biodome complex planned
Story created Jan 08, 2008 - 13:57:42 EST.
Developer plans water park, hotel, mall on I-500 Race property
By SCOTT BRAND
SAULT STE. MARIE - With visions of geodesic domes, a hotel, new mall and a water park dancing in their heads, the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission unanimously agreed - in concept - to sell the I-500 property for development.
The news had the town buzzing early this morning and, while the informal poll would certainly be small in scale, there seemed to be widespread support for the commission's decision.
Developer Philip Garforth, President of Legacy Quest Developments, Inc. out of Ontario, made a lengthy presentation on his plans for the property. The centerpiece of the project would see the construction of a biodome “showcasing man's interaction with the environment,” in the words of Garforth.
The large mall, Garforth added, “will become a tourist attraction on its own,” bringing people from outside the area to shop at certain chains such as The Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. He predicted it will bring stores to our region that are not currently here.
“Tourist dollars are the best money you can get,” said Garforth saying the economic impact will be felt. “You're not just recycling money that is in your community.”
The complex will also include a 300-room hotel, various theaters for both movies and live shows, and an indoor water park with a modern look - providing more than just slides for visitors.
Garforth, who had initially proposed a similar development in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., said this location is a good one for bringing tourists to the area with approximately 40 million people living within an eight-hour drive.
Unlike many other developers who bring proposals in search of outside funding, Garforth indicated his financial backing is coming from the private sector.
“But if anyone wants to put any money in we will always take it,” he said bringing chuckles from the commission and audience alike.
While final figures are hard to come by, it appears as though the total investment in the property could be upwards of $70 million and bring hundreds of new jobs to Sault Ste. Marie.
A representative of Giffels Design-Build predicted the project could begin in June of this year with a completion date of mid-2009 if all goes according to plan. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality stands to create the biggest hurdle for the project, depending on wetlands issues related to the property.
The commission agreed to sell the land to Garforth at a yet-to-be-determined price, instructing the administration to negotiate a purchase agreement with Garforth and company for review. The commission also expressed a strong interest in the inclusion of a “reverter clause' which would turn the parcel back over to the city should the development fail to get off the ground.
To see how this project may impact the future of the I-500 Race, see Page 1 on Wednesday.