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SASKATOON – Construction is set to begin on the first major building project in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood since 2005. Developers broke ground on “The Blok” Wednesday afternoon.

The 30,000 square foot commercial building will be erected at 123 Avenue B South. So far, 24 per cent of the project’s space has been purchased, according to its website.

“We have confidence in the economy, we had a lot of local people supporting us and backing us up on that so we thought let’s build it and we have confidence that the city will support it,” said Trent Norman, the project’s manager.

The design of the building will be an “interior Tetris-based configuration” according to developers, allowing buyers a chance to combine multiple units or splitting ones if they only needed a small space. It will also feature an open courtyard in the middle of the building.

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“We were really looking around the neighbourhood, the re-gentrification of it,” said Norman.

“We were seeing a … hip new vibe coming to Saskatoon that I think a lot of travel has inspired.” Tweet This

The project is being built by Saskatoon-based Strata Development Corporation. It will use other local consultants, sub-contractors and suppliers.

READ MORE: Business Improvement Districts key to neighbourhood revitalization

“I was born and raised here,” said Norman.

“I wanted to support our economy and the city that’s going to be left for our children to be a part of and we felt it was important to engage those who are in our community and supporting our community.”