Glass-blower first to build on Whitehorse's Motorways land

Yukon glass-blowerLuann Baker-Johnson and her partner Mel are the first to break ground on the city of Whitehorse's 'Motorways' lands.

The high-priced commercial properties have sat vacant since they were put on the market almost four years ago.

"Mel and I are spending ourchildren'sinheritance," says Baker-Johnson of their dream project,"because the Yukon doesn't have one."

The couple spent $540,000to purchase the property last year.

Baker-Johnson says they could have saved a lot of money by simply expanding their existing studio north of Whitehorse at Little Fox Lake.

"Butlocation,location, location," she says. "No teenager would ever wander by and walk through those doors.

"It's not community. This is the ideal lot and location so it was worth the money."

The couple hasspent the past yeardesigning and planning the commercial space which willhouse a large viewing area, andall the equipment for glassblowing.

"AnyYukonerwho wants to will be able to sit down at those benches and play with 2,000degree glass," says Baker-Johnson.

Glass-blowing clients are lining up for space

Baker-Johnson recalls a painter dropping by while they were just surveying the property who offered to paint her studio for some bench time blowing glass.

"Isn't that fabulous? Great trade."

She says their website is operational andglassblowersfrom Skagway have already calledwanting to reserve studiotime on winter weekends when it's too cold in Alaska.

Baker-Johnson envisions broadening the attraction byputting on a concert night thelast Friday of every month.

"What would happen if we put an opera singer together with glass making...and people can just come in and watch that happening and be entertained.

City finally recovering multi-million dollar development costs

Developmenton the refurbished formerrailway yards is welcome news for the City of Whitehorse.

"It's prime real estate," saysLand Development Supervisor Cathy Small, acknowledging sales agreements the last few months recoupingmore than $2 millionin development costs.

"Certainly the development of the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, the library and now the seniors' housing (under construction)in theneighbourhoodis significant."

Meanwhile, owners of the $1.5 million properties facing Second Avenue say they'll be breaking ground soon on their mixed development 'Mr. Mikes'restaurant and pub.