A Rossland homebuilder goes commercial
It’s where a chocolate shop produces its ice cream and a gluten-free bakery bakes its ancient-grains sourdough. It’s the base for enterprises like a welding company and an engineering firm. In short, this cluster of three commercial buildings in Rossland is home to “an interesting group, for sure,” says its developer Dan Eheler. There’s “a little bit of everything.”
Eheler’s business, Seven Summits Contracting, focuses on constructing custom houses. He, however, has long had an interest in commercial spaces, too. “I grew up on the coast and there were these buildings everywhere. I always thought that it was a good idea.”
After moving to Rossland, he recognized that there were few options for businesses hoping to rent a commercial location, and that this was the perfect place to bring his interest to life. In 2017, he started building the first four-bay unit on Old Rossland Cascade Highway. When it was finished in early 2018, it immediately filled up. The land was large enough for two more buildings—and demand was certainly high—so he contacted the Trust for financing, which offers loans to Basin-based businesses, non-profits and social enterprises.
His own company benefits, as it now has space for woodworking, storage and other activities. So do additional local ventures; they’re thrilled to have this rare opportunity to rent a commercial spot in Rossland, which helps with their vibrancy and growth.
“I have a lineup for new spaces,” says Eheler. “I have people knocking on my door every day.”
It’s a dream he’s proud to have accomplished. As his wife said one day over coffee, “You finally did it.” And many other businesses are glad he did.
