There will be no squirrels flying around Chatham until next year.
The Flying Squirrel project on Richmond Street is still a go, but everything is taking longer to complete than initially anticipated.
Don Tetrault, who owns the building in which the trampoline and indoor fun centre will be located and is an investor, said there is a combination of reasons for the delay.
First, they put on a 13,000-sq.-ft. addition. The exterior is now complete.
“We’re just going to start ripping and tearing,” he said of the inside. “We’ve got about a month of that and then we’ll start building.”
Company owners have also reconfigured what they have planned. As a result, they are bringing in different equipment, some of which is coming from Europe.
The company is also opening two other locations, Tetrault said, one in Washington and another in Miami.
When completed, the local Flying Squirrel will take up an estimated 46,000 sq. ft.
Tetrault anticipates they’ll open in March or April.
Oasis opens in Chatham
Lynn Bisshop grew up in Chatham-Kent and has returned with a second location of her business.
Oasis Beads and Crystals Inc. has opened recently at 225 St.Clair St.
Her business in St Thomas was drawing customers from Sarnia and Windsor, so she felt Chatham, her hometown, would be a good fit.
The store features beading, crystals, incense and smudging products.
Golden Arches in Blenheim
McDonald’s opened its location in Blenheim on Dec. 15.
The Chatham Street restaurant is to be open 24/7 as well.
It’s owned and operated by local franchisee David Evans. He and his team are marking the opening by donating a portion of the proceeds from all food and beverage sales for the first two weeks of operation to Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Myers group to put in new hotel in Windsor
Retro Suites could soon have a sister.
The Chatham boutique hotel, run by RJM Holdings – a Rob Myers company – has been a popular destination for years, featuring one-of-a-kind rooms and unique decor and art.
And now, announced Dec. 14, the Paul Martin Building in downtown Windsor is in RJM Holding’s hands, with the intent to open a boutique hotel within it.
According to previously published reports, the plan is to put between 80 and 100 rooms into the 93-year-old building on Ouellette Avenue.
The first phase of renovation could be done by 2026.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
