An estimated $3.7 million project is planned for downtown Morden, to spark new life into the city.

The announcement comes on the heels of Morden & District Chamber of Commerce and the Corn and Apple Festival selling their joint property at 379 Stephen Street to Imperia Management Group.

Chair for Morden & District Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Sawatzky, says this is a great opportunity for everyone.

She notes, with the building on its last legs, the collaboration between Morden Chamber and Corn and Apple, known as the Morden Enrichment Board, was looking at what their best course of action was moving forward.

"We're excited that we get to be in some new space, the building was old and tired so it was time to do something. What we're really excited for is the win for Morden and the community, it's a win for the Chamber of Commerce and it's a win for the Corn and Apple Festival."

As part of the deal, both the Chamber and Corn and Apple will retain ownership of a 1,500 sq ft office space in the new facility.

Designed with a multi-purpose perspective the building will have underground parking, main floor café and the offices of both the Morden Corn and Apple Festival and Morden Chamber of Commerce. The upper floors will have 15 luxury residential suites.

"To think that there will be potentially 15 families moving downtown, and supporting the downtown businesses," Sawatzky says. "We're just excited that it will help contribute to Morden's strategic growth plan."

Planned to begin in June the project will not interfere with the distribution of free corn during the festival.

"The Morden Corn and Apple Festival have been hosting the free corn at this location for 52 years," Dale Stambuski says, Chair of Morden Corn and Apple Festival Inc. "This corner of Stephen and Nelson has become an icon for those attending the Festival. Our free corn space will still be available for festival-goers to enjoy for years to come."

The concept of the new facility, which will replace the current building on 379 Stephen Street.