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Georgian College takes first look at potential downtown properties

Officials tour spaces for Design and Visual Arts students
tour
These three officials, who identified themselves only as engineers and consultants, were part of the tour. All inquiries were directed to the college. Sue Sgambati/BarrieToday

A contingent of clip-board carrying officials toured downtown sites Thursday as part of Georgian College's search for new space in the city core.

The group of about ten people could be seen walking together down Dunlop Street East as they went from location to location. 

"There was a strong response to the request for proposal (RFP) and Georgian is taking a first look at a number of properties," said Sharon Burkhart, Associate Director of Communications.  "We’re not releasing the exact number of potential properties as we are only at the beginning of what will eventually become a confidential real estate negotiation and we do not want to compromise the integrity of the RFP process."

Georgian College plans to move several hundred Design and Visual Arts students into Barrie’s downtown core.

The college issued a request for proposal in early Oct. seeking to lease up to 20,000 square feet including modern training rooms and retail space in a high-visibility downtown location.

Starting September 2017, approximately 250 students will begin their studies in the new space. 

Programs will include all years of Digital Photography and Imaging, Digital Video, Graphic Design and Graphic Design Production.

 "Georgian leaders involved in the financial, construction and programming elements of this move could all be involved in touring and eventually selecting a preferred property at some point," said Burkhart. "As the sites are narrowed down, there will no doubt be additional viewings with more staff involved."

Downtown merchants are excited about the influx of students into the downtown.

"It's definitely a positive thing for all business down here," said Jim Mota-Dalianis of Headquarters Hair Salon. "It will be a big injection of young people downtown that may not have ever come down here."

Mota-Dalianis speculates about possible sites and has his three prospects chosen. 

But no one knows and many are very curious. 

"We're all wondering what's happening and where it will be," said Tracey Baker, owner of ZuZu Fashion Boutique. "And will it be one or more sites."

"Nothing has been eliminated at this point," said Burkhart.  "Although to be considered, all properties need to meet our stated requirements for accessibility, parking nearby, square footage and other factors noted in the RFP."

Burkhart stresses there is still a long way to go before a site is confirmed and an announcement is not expected until into the new year.