The lot on Third Street downtown may not look like much now, but it will be transformed into The Yard.   (CHAT News Photo)

By Chris Brown

Transforming a downtown lot

The Yard will be ready when the time is right

Apr 9, 2020 | 2:48 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Your backyard, downtown.

That’s the vibe managing partner Josh Hopkins and partner Darren Howes want to bring to the city this summer with The Yard.

They see it as a way to bring Hatters together when they can once again get together.

The Yard will be seasonal patio at 619 Third St. SE. The site is a former pop-up park between TD Canada Trust and FWBA Architects and across from Travois Ale Works.

“The plan is to open when we’re allowed to open,” says Hopkins, adding a development permit is being finalized with the city and that as soon as that’s done they’ll start building.

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The good news for Hopkins, Howes and Hatters eager for some close socializing is there’s not a lot of building to do.

The only structure will be a washroom, so work on sewer and water lines will be the bulk of the work needed. Other minor work includes moving in tables and chairs, patio umbrellas and landscaping.

After that the duo will just be waiting for the go ahead from health officials.

“We’ll be ready to go when we’re allowed to open,” says Hopkins. “The hope is this summer but that will be up in the air, I guess.”

When The Yard does open it won’t have a menu of its own but will instead offer items off the menus of some of their downtown neighbours. They’re calling it A Taste of Downtown.

“Izote is on board, Travois is on board and we’re working with the rest to offer a few of their menu items,” says Hopkins. “We’ll call it in and have it brought over to your table.”

The lot also allows for a food truck pull in the back and Hopkins says they’ve already spoken to a few food truck and who are more than excited to be able to come on in.

The Yard will also be serving locally-produced beverages.

You can follow the progress of The Yard on Facebook.