It's time for a new One Hundred King Street in downtown Chatham.
Ground will be broken on phase two of the restoration project of Chatham's largest two-level shopping center this fall.
Plans and renderings were unveiled at a press conference Monday by Ron Nydam and Jessica Myers to transform the Downtown Chatham Centre into a hub for shopping, dining, living, and entertainment.
Rob Myers, Jessica Myers, Don Tetrault, and Ron Nydam of J.P. Holdings and J.P. Contractors are partnering together to redesign the 220,000 sq ft space that will mix old and new elements of design.
"We've been working on the look of King Street for a long time," said Nydam. "We are really really excited about this project and what it will do for Chatham-Kent."
Nydam revealed there has already been interest in businesses coming to the redesigned space, including a pediatrics office on the second floor. The project will keep the community up to date by posting news on their website.
"Every two to three weeks we're hoping for updates to keep momentum going on the project," said Nydam.
With shovels breaking ground this fall, Nydam anticipates the project will take 18 to 24 months to complete.
"I think it will be beautiful for downtown Chatham...It kind of completes the area, just beautifies everything makes it more attractive and it's great for our community," said Myers.
Nydam agrees, explaining the heart of the city is its downtown and he is confident that this project is just one more step in keeping it beating.
"This building has always been in the middle, and every time there's a new owner you hope things are going to improve. But they don't. It slowly decays and to me, it's decaying our whole downtown," said Nydam.
The group behind One Hundred King is investing millions in making it beautiful with Nydam offering up this simple explanation as to why. "In my opinion, Chatham-Kent is worth it."
If you feel inspired by the new building, there is also a contest to name the new center. Submissions are open now till September 30th for members of the Chatham-Kent community to suggest a name for the space. Each submission will be an entry to win a trip for two on a private jet.
Additional information on the project and more renderings are available at https://www.onehundredking.com/.
