The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) on Friday approved the concept plan for the new River Landing office complex, part of the $250-million hotel-condo-office megaproject which is expected to get underway later this summer.

The approval came with the condition that the final details of the plan be endorsed by both the MVA and the city’s administration.

“This is just another step in a long process,” said president of Victory Majors Investment Corp. John Nasser of the decision. “We’ve always stated that it’s going to be a collaborative effort between the city, the Meewasin Valley, ourselves and other stakeholders,” he said.

Many people are excited about this megaproject on Saskatoon’s riverfront Parcel Y -- considered to be one of the most valuable chunks of real estate in the city -- and are eager to see construction crews break ground, Nasser told reporters.

“Everyone is on my case,” he joked. “Even my wife asked me this morning ‘when are you starting?’”
Nasser noted that the project is still in the design phase and he anticipates construction will begin in a few months once he’s been granted a building permit.

“The plans continually evolve and as the architects design more, more concepts will come out,” said Nasser of the office complex drawings that were presented to the MVA. The building will incorporate three heritage markers including one that honours one of Saskatoon’s first mayor.

“I believe it was one of our first mayors (James) Clinksill who had his residence on the site,” said Nasser. “So we want to pay tribute to that.”
Nasser added that the project holds a special place in his heart.

“I proposed to my wife down on River Landing about five years ago in 2007,” he said. “Being from here and wanting to see something like that develop is quite exciting, quite enamouring.”

After the development of the office complex gets underway, it is expected that planning for the 27-storey residential tower or the hotel will begin.