Blackened and charred remains are still evident at the site of Symons Valley Ranch.
But nearly nine months after a devastating fire erupted, a whole new development plan is being unveiled.
The operators of ‘The Ranch’ are anxious for a new vision, confident it will resurrect the once iconic space. For years Ken and Tracy Aylesworth worked on the historic property.
“The old building was 75,000 square feet and as we know, it was a majestic old log building with lots of character, so we didn’t want to lose that.” Ken Aylesworth said.
The new plan will also include high density housing and a new event space.
“From all things tragic comes things amazing and we are at a good place and excited for the vendors and the community.” Tracy Aylesworth said.
The 31 acres will be transformed beginning next spring with the aim of re-opening in July 2019.
“There’s a lot of heritage here and that’s a big responsibility for us to make sure we carry that on,” Ken Aylesworth said. “Times have changed we want to pay homage to facility and pay homage to the past, but create a new community.”
READ MORE: Burned-out vendors at Symons Valley market hope for a rebuild
A majority of the burned-out vendors have plans to return, but others needed to move on to survive. Shawnna Taylor owns 1 Cup Coffee Club and recently opened up a shop at Northland Village Mall.
“I don’t have a choice it’s what I have to do to survive,” Taylor said.
“Once I found out they weren’t opening in a temporary facility I said, ‘I can’t do that. My customers will wait three months not six or 12.'”
READ MORE: Symons Valley Ranch vows to rebuild after fire, asks people to visit vendors at other locations
But those who will come back are looking forward to the transformation and the community that will come of it.
“It really is a bit of a barn raising,” Ken Aylesworth said.
Despite not being any closer to knowing the cause of the fire, investigators told Global News the investigation has concluded. Officials said Tuesday that unless someone comes forward with new information, the case is closed.
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