Louai Alrifai says the future of a struggling mall in central Saskatchewan comes down to a math equation: “700 cars and light trucks weigh around 3,000,000 pounds. Our modules weigh much less.”
Alrifai’s firm bought the Gateway Mall in Prince Albert, Sask., earlier this year and has announced plans to build 500 modular housing units on its roof, replacing a parking lot.
It’s a reflection of a national trend toward building denser housing within city boundaries, according to one expert.
Though there are cases of builders incorporating new homes into existing malls, CBC News could not identify another case of modular housing units going on top of one.
Alrifai says his company focuses on properties others don’t want. (Submitted by Louai Alrifai)
“Due to the size of the land, it makes much more sense to go on the roof,” said Alrifai, who is president and CEO of Alrifai Real Estates.
He said the one-bedroom homes would each be about 329 square feet and geared toward students, young professionals and health-care workers.
He expects them to be ready in 2027, with a monthly rent of $1,000, including utilities.
Alrifai’s company bought the mall building earlier this year. He said he plans to spend $40 million on the housing development and an additional $10 million on the interior of the mall, fixing a leakage issue and encouraging new stores and study spaces.
“I think people in Prince Albert are great, hardworking people and they deserve to improve their downtown,” he said.
The company intends to build more parking spaces to replace what’s on the roof. Greg Dionne, former mayor of Prince Albert, is an advisor for the firm.
A conceptual rendering of what a unit might look like. The company says each will cover 329 square feet and will rent for $1,000 a month. (Supplied by Alrifai Real Estates)
Alrifai said they’re preparing to submit formal plans to the city and have received a positive reception from city staff and officials.
Michael Nelson, acting director of community development for the city, said Prince Albert needs more housing.
“We do have a shortfall on some housing units that we do want to help achieve and we’re always open to new ideas and new developments.”
Nelson said a series of assessments and reviews will determine if Alrifai’s plan is feasible.
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“I think anything’s possible, it’s just all the proper reviews and approvals have to be in place.”
Nelson said the company can apply for financial incentives. Alrifai said they’re optimistic about receiving support, but the project is about more than money.
“I didn’t buy Gateway Mall to collect rent only. I bought it to reposition the whole thing, to actually turn it into a true hub for the downtown of Prince Albert,” he said.
Scott Bell, a professor of geography and planning at the University of Saskatchewan, said he’s never seen anything quite like this proposed project.
“It does seem novel. I have seen small house developments, I’ve seen redevelopment within city limits of different types. I’ve not seen one like this where it’s using an existing structure and then placing housing units on top of that structure,” he said.
Scott Bell is a professor of geography and planning at the University of Saskatchewan. (Submitted by Scott Bell)
Bell said there’s been a rise in construction of dense housing within city limits over the past few years, since the federal government increased incentives to encourage it.
He cited the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which ties funding for cities to how much centrally located and dense housing is built.
“These look like tiny container homes, so melding that type of construction and house type with redevelopment is maybe pushing the next step for urban growth…. not crazy, but it’s pushing the limits,” Bell said.
