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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
CBRE Canada Seeks Grocery Tenant for Iconic Downtown Saskatoon Building
Efforts are gathering momentum to establish a grocery store in downtown Saskatoon, as CBRE Canada actively seeks a grocery company to lease space in the former StarPhoenix office on Fifth Avenue. The initiative could mark the first phase of one of the most ambitious downtown development projects in Saskatchewan’s history.
Transforming the StarPhoenix Building for Retail Use
The former StarPhoenix building, a 60-year-old structure, has undergone major renovations since the newspaper ceased its print edition in February 2023. Michael Bratvold, senior vice-president at CBRE’s Saskatoon office, explained that the primary focus has been converting the north end, previously home to the newspaper’s printing press, into a suitable space for a grocery store of 15,000 to 20,000 square feet. The basement has already been transformed into a parking garage, with most spaces occupied, and renovations continue on the second floor.
Addressing the Downtown Saskatoon Grocery Store Gap
Downtown Saskatoon has lacked a full-scale grocery store since the closure of Extra Foods on Third Avenue in October 2004. CBRE is promoting the StarPhoenix building as a rare opportunity, offering a large block of space in the city’s core. Bratvold confirmed that the firm has received notable interest from potential grocery tenants, though he acknowledged the thin profit margins typical of the sector. “You need people living and working downtown, specifically living downtown, in order to support a grocery store,” he said, emphasizing the importance of increased downtown density for the venture’s success.
Current Grocer and Community Perspectives
Bilal Kharsa, owner of Kharsa's Market on Second Avenue, has operated his downtown grocer for about eight months, featuring fresh produce and imported specialty items. Kharsa expressed support for additional grocery options downtown, stating, “We welcome, we're happy for the competition and every store has something else to provide.” Local resident Jason Desjarlais also welcomed the plans, noting that a downtown grocery store would be well received by those who now travel significant distances for food shopping.
Surrounding Developments and Downtown Density
CBRE’s leasing materials highlight the lack of grocery options within a three-kilometre radius of the site, alongside the downtown’s 29,600-strong daytime working population and nearly 30,000 residents within two kilometres. Bratvold pointed to the twin 25-storey residential towers nearing completion just blocks away as indicators that the critical mass needed to support a new grocery store could soon be achieved. The increased downtown density is viewed as key for long-term business viability and urban revitalization.
Future Vision: StarPhoenix Site as Part of a Larger Development
Duchuck Holdings Ltd. purchased the StarPhoenix property covering half a block for $6.9 million in 2024, with plans to rezone and launch a megaproject. The vision includes retaining the original StarPhoenix building and adding new residential towers to create 600 units, which would become Saskatchewan’s largest residential development. Among the planned additions is a 35-storey tower aiming to be the province’s tallest building at over 110 metres. Plans also involve transforming adjacent parking lots and potentially adding extra floors to the main building. Duchuck Holdings has previous experience repurposing nearby real estate, including the former police station and the soon-to-be-vacated library building.
Looking Ahead
While CBRE continues discussions with major grocery chains and considers all expressions of grocer interest, the timeline for securing a tenant remains uncertain. However, Bratvold indicated that, once an agreement is reached, the renovated retail space could be readied for operations swiftly. The downtown Saskatoon grocery project forms an integral part of wider efforts toward downtown development, urban revitalization, and increased downtown density, promising significant changes for the city's core in the years ahead.
Source: cbc.ca.
