The NAIOP Awards of Excellence are presented every two years and are co-hosted by Business in Vancouver, recognizing the best in commercial real estate.

These awards are judged based on quality and performance, innovation and creativity, teamwork and collaboration, as well as community and environmental awareness of developments in Metro Vancouver. All awards are based on a system of nominations and peer selection.

Ironworks is Canada’s first stacked mixed-use commercial industrial project, built over a full city block in Vancouver’s historically industrial and vibrant Port Town neighborhood. The project is designed to provide synergistic opportunities for industrial, office, cultural, technological, and culinary uses by offering functional and flexible space currently in low supply within the city.

The overall form of the project consists of two primary buildings running parallel to Pandora Street to the north and Franklin Street to the south. The buildings incorporate 140,000 SF of light-industrial space, 70,000 SF of office space, and 100,000 SF of secure underground parking.

We are honoured to accept this award and would like to thank everyone that was involved in the project, including the City of Vancouver, HSBC, Cushman & Wakefield, Ventana Construction, TKA+D and Krahn Engineering. We would also like to extend our congratulations to all the other winners and nominees of the 2020 awards!

LEARN MORE ABOUT IRONWORKS

Only one unit remains at the award-winning IRONWORKS! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase a unique office/creative space with high exposure – only minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Book a viewing before it’s too late – register online or contact our sales team today at 604-640-5855.

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Question – Tell me a bit about you and Taylor Kurtz Architecture + Design, Inc.

Craig Taylor (CT) – I established TKA+D in 2008 with Donna Kurtz. Since that time we have grown into a highly respected firm of 25 people. We have a diverse range of expertise and consciously do not specialize in any specific project type, but rather, attempt to bring together specialists with skills in several areas of practice including: Commercial /Office, Industrial, Residential, Institutional, Civic & Public Projects

Question – Why did you choose Ironworks as the new location for your business?

CT – Apart from the fact that we are very proud of the project as Architects, we believe it perfectly suits our style of work. The double height ceilings and access to abundant amounts of natural light speaks to the type of office space that supports our creative work practices.

Question – What appeals to you most about the Port Town area?

CT – We enjoy the diversity of businesses, the amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, and microbreweries as well as the demographics of the population with respect to both residents as well as workers in the area.

Question – What aspects of the Port Town community helped to inspire your design of Ironworks?

CT – There are several things that helped to inspire my design: the robustness of the industrial buildings in the area, the grit of the place, and the lack of anything pristine or artificial – the area is a collection of authentic and purposeful buildings and spaces.

Question – As an entrepreneur with a successful business, if you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

CT – Be the best you possibly can at what you do and surround yourself with smart and hardworking people. There are no short cuts, just hard work and good ideas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IRONWORKS

Only 3 units remain at Ironworks – don’t miss out on this chance to own light industrial/flex space in the vibrant Port Town neighbourhood. Learn more about our final available units in Pandora and Franklin. Book a viewing of IRONWORKS, register online or contact our sales team today at 604-640-5855.

Photos by TKA+D and Ema Peter

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Walls have been painted, sidewalks have been poured and the signage has been installed. Both the Franklin and Pandora buildings are bustling, as new tenants make each space their own and begin moving in. The fabric of Ironworks is as diverse as the neighbourhood … new purchasers include photographers, architects, design and production groups, tech companies and engineers, just to list a few.

The potential restaurant space in Ironworks will also be a welcome addition to the area and features prominent street exposure on a busy corner with a large patio space. This unit is very special, and is one of only three units still available at Ironworks. Learn more about this unique opportunity here.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IRONWORKS

Ironworks is 95% SOLD – don’t miss out on this chance to own light industrial/flex space in the growing Port Town neighbourhood. Learn more about our final available units in Pandora and Franklin. Book a viewing of IRONWORKS before it’s too late, register online or contact our sales team today at 604-640-5855.

*Photos by Robert Stefanowicz

The post Welcome to Ironworks! appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

Diligent work to complete the final phases has brought forth a space that will soon be ready to open its arms to the Port Town community and welcome in local Vancouver businesses. With the release of the last two units and the finish line in close sight, we want to update you on some of the current milestones being reached as we near completion of IRONWORKS and get ready to turn the spaces over to the new owners.

Installation of the portal feature at the main entry can be seen when coasting along Victoria Drive. The portal consists of three metal beams, placed to accentuate the main entrance while bridging together the mews between the Franklin and Pandora buildings. The team is now working on the security gates located in the mews, one of the final elements to complete this part of the project.

Metal cladding is also underway along the upper exterior walls of the Pandora building. This final step in the completion of the exterior wall will help integrate the look and feel of the previously installed concrete paneling below. Metal cladding leaves the building with a modern finish, while also providing a protective shield against harsh elements.

As for the Franklin building, the upper walkway, which is an integral structural component of the building, has progressed to the stage where only finishing touches are required, such as final handrails, sealing the surface, and soffit installation. This upper walkway will be used as the main entrance for those entering off Victoria Drive, and will serve as a path to units, elevators, and the north breezeway.

Sidewalks surrounding the site have also been poured and are in their finished state, allowing for soft landscaping to be integrat ed in the coming days.

As for interior work, both the freight and passenger elevators belonging to the Pandora building have been installed, and nearly all walls have received a fresh coat of paint. Lobby finishes are underway, with laying of tile flooring currently in progress and the integration of lighting fixtures to come.

These last construction elements are polishing up the space as we near completion of the building and prepare to welcome our purchasers in. The unique IRONWORKS vibe is starting to come together, and we look forward to the vibrant addition it will be in the Port Town community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IRONWORKS 

Ironworks is over 95% sold with only 2 units remaining! Don’t miss out on this unique building offering office and light industrial space in the growing Port Town neighbourhood. Book a viewing of IRONWORKS before it’s too late, register online or contact our sales team today at 604-640-5855.

The post IRONWORKS NEARING COMPLETION: A CONSTRUCTION UPDATE appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

Both the Pandora and Franklin buildings are moving into the final stages of construction. The glazing, or window panel insertion, on the Pandora building is almost complete, with the glazing on Franklin not far behind. As this is happening, the team is working hard on installing the metal cladding – this will protect the building from the elements and add a sleek modern look to the exterior.

There is also a lot of work being done to ready the exterior and land surrounding the building.  The exterior stair access is being built and the asphalt has been poured in the mews. Now that the asphalt is poured, the entry ramp in-ground heating features are being installed – this will ensure the ramp stays clear and safe during the winter months.

The hard landscaping elements such as exterior pathways and fixed planters are also well underway and once these are complete, the softer landscaping can begin, including the placement of soil and the planting of flowers and shrubs.

As you can see, things are moving quickly onsite and we look forward to sharing our final updates with you over the next few months.

Learn More About IRONWORKS 

Ironworks is over 85% sold and we have finally released our final 5 units, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales team if you are looking for a flexible working environment for your business.  Contact us and book a viewing today to learn more about how Ironworks could be the perfect fit for your business.

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Ironworks is a strong investment for your growing business. It is strategically located 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver and 8 minutes from Highway 1 with direct connections by transit and bike lanes. The remaining units at Ironworks offer space with exceptional value in an amenity-rich location. With occupancy in early 2019, this is your opportunity to own a newly constructed office or warehouse within the City of Vancouver. In a market of constrained supply and rising lease rates, Ironworks is a secure investment in the future of your business.

Ironworks is surrounded by great spots to grab lunch or a coffee, and there’s no shortage of breweries and lounges to grab an after-work drink. Retail shops are just steps away and several parks are located throughout the Port Town neighbourhood. (Learn more about the neighbourhood here.)

Ironworks also offers a vibrant connection to the community with over 600 employees anticipated to occupy the building. The two, full city-block long commercial buildings are connected by a central mews, and are an ideal mix of loft office space, showroom, and warehouse flex space. The spaces include a range of ceiling heights, freight and passenger elevators and at-grade loading facilities and parking for customers. End of trip facilities with lockers and showers are incorporated, promoting the Vancouver biking lifestyle. The common rooftop deck features spectacular ocean and mountain views and is sure to be a favourite spot among the owners. (Learn more about the building features here.) We are proud of the diverse mix of local businesses that have chosen Ironworks already, including:

• Architects and design studios
• Warehousing for local retailers
• Photographers and filmmakers
• Furniture and lighting showrooms
• Digital media and graphics installation groups
• Commissaries

Now’s the time to decide if Ironworks is right for your business – don’t miss out on this unique building nestled in the growing Port Town neighbourhood. Book a viewing of Ironworks before it’s too late, register or contact our sales team today at 604-640-5855 or info@ironworksvancouver.com.

The post DON’T MISS OUT ON IRONWORKS – FINAL RELEASE! appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

To the left, ground view of the mews/common area between the Pandora and Franklin Buildings. To the right, two Ventana workers finalizing the steel columns for the mews area.

PANDORA BUILDING (NORTHERN BUILDING)

   
To the left, steel studs create defined spaces in the interior framing of the Pandora building. To the right, Eastern view of the beautiful downtown view from the third and top level of the Pandora building.

Construction is ramping up on the northern Pandora building and the construction team is continuing to check major items off the list. The interior parkade walls and columns are painted, and the glass panes, or glazing, have been installed. Another essential milestone has been achieved in the installation of the steel studs. Steel studs are used to provide a framework for the interior of the structure and specifically, help to ensure proper spacing for the layout of the development. In addition to the accomplishments made to the interior of the structure, we have substantially completed the roof on the Pandora building.

FRANKLIN BUILDING (SOUTHERN BUILDING)

     Concrete frame exterior of the Franklin building within the Ironworks development, and crane holding the concrete panel stationary as it is set in place in the Franklin building.

Similar to the Pandora building, work on the southern Franklin building has been constant and construction is progressing quickly. The decking of the roof is now complete. This process is one of the most vital steps in the construction of a multi-storey development as the entire roofing system is dependent on the decking. The next milestone for the Franklin building will be the pre-cast wall panel assembly followed by the formation of the steel structure.

Excitement is growing as the Ironworks commercial real estate development progresses through each stage of construction making East Vancouver’s up-and-coming stacked, multi-use building a sight to see. We can’t wait to share the next update!

More at IRONWORKS

The IRONWORKS built form provides flex-use office, warehouse, and industrial spaces for businesses that are looking for a flexible working environment to grow with their company’s future. Contact us and book a viewing today to learn more about the unique features at IRONWORKS.

The post TAKING SHAPE: IRONWORKS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

IRONWORKS will be opening its doors to an estimated 35 businesses and 500 permanent jobs in the Grandview Woodland community in which we fill a full city block, providing ownership opportunities for small and mid-sized local businesses.

With Ventana Construction working diligently on site to make IRONWORKS a reality, we met with project manager Steve Craig to get the latest scoop on what’s been going on and what we can expect to see at IRONWORKS this summer.

Our Interview with Steve

As a project manager at Ventana Construction, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do?

I have been a project manager with Ventana for seven years. I’d say my job consists of making sure everything is available for the superintendent to keep the project running. My role is to ensure that all documents are in place i.e. contracts, drawings, site instructions, and contract records. I also coordinate any tenant improvements as it relates to the shell space and work with the city. My job is essentially facilitating the bridge between consultants and the design side of things with the construction end.

How has working on the IRONWORKS development been?

It has been a good experience! It’s not often you get a unique project like this.

How would you say IRONWORKS has differed from other projects you have worked on?

Its complexity. It’s quite an intricate building in that there are a variety of different construction methods that go into putting it together, such as the pre-cast concrete slab walls and beams together with cast in place concrete and structural steel. Working with these in the way IRONWORKS is designed makes it a technically challenging project.

What does it take to complete a project like this?

Perseverance! That is what it takes. You need to enjoy what you are doing, you need to be engaged in the process and the project. It’s easy to do with a project like this as it always keeps you thinking.

What has been going on here? Fill us in!

As for the northern building, “Pandora”, pre-cast wall slabs have been fully erected as of May 4^th. The next step is completion of the structural steel elements which are expected to be complete by the end of this month.

To learn more about the process and creation of our pre-cast walls, check out our construction update from February 5^th.

How about the Franklin building?

The pre-cast wall panels will be complete within the next two weeks there. Once those are complete we will start with the steel structure, the steel stud exterior walls, and the roofing. The mechanical and electrical will also be forging ahead.

Can you tell me a little more about these structural steel elements?

Sure. The steel and the way it is incorporated is slightly different than normal. It’s proven to be a challenge working with the steel structure interfacing with the pre-cast wall panels. You need to be particular with how these go together. With the Pandora building especially, the steel itself is not the unique part, it is making sure it is accurately detailed and installed along with the pre-cast wall slabs. The Franklin building is less of a challenge to work with as its more of a traditional tilt up straight forward construction, although the pre-cast wall panels are stacked.

Sounds like a lot is going on! What can we look out for next at IRONWORKS this summer?

This summer you can expect to see windows being installed, roofing, and cladding panels. Once these come together, it’s really going to start to look like an actual building rather than just a frame. 

Thank you Steve, looking forward to it!

More at IRONWORKS

The IRONWORKS built form provides flex-use office, warehouse, and industrial spaces for businesses that are looking for a flexible working environment to grow with their company’s future. Contact us and book a viewing today to learn more about the unique features at IRONWORKS.

The post From Frame to Vision: A Construction Update at IRONWORKS from Project Manager Steve Craig appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

Affordable and innovative spaces are seen as critical in supporting emerging industrial enterprises. Co-location hubs are light industrial spaces shared by independent, complementary businesses, and social enterprises. They primarily offer shared spatial amenities and opportunities for low-growth businesses and enterprises to enter new markets and create a stronger socio-environmental impact. IRONWORKS is highlighted and studied as a leader in co-location hub development.

Our IRONWORKS development, in East Vancouver’s Port Town community, consists of two contemporary buildings separated by a mews. The buildings cover a full city block and include mixed-use space with showroom, office, industrial, and warehouse flex space.

The Industrial Innovation Spaces Report evaluates the featured spaces by looking at criteria around tools, approaches, and sustainability impacts, commenting on how the IRONWORKS built form reflects in these areas.

Using Our Tools Wisely

Our integration of a stacked industrial and mixed-use design is seen as forward-thinking in an evolving economy within a highly constrained industrial land supply. IRONWORKS is designed for mid-sized, industrial, and commercial users. With clear ceiling heights of up to 26’, 3,000 – 14,000 square foot units, and the flexible characteristics that come with mixed-use spaces, IRONWORKS allows for a greater accommodation of specific business needs. IRONWORKS provides functional space for specialized manufacturing, while accommodating the modern sector of the industry such as creative production and tech companies. As the definition of industry continues to evolve over time, flexibility is key in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of our city. It becomes more important to accommodate those businesses that continue to grow.

Emphasis is put on interviewing potential buyers, allowing us to work with owner-occupiers rather than investors or speculators. This encourages the inclusion of local businesses that stay true to the Port Town neighborhood vibe, creating a vibrant community hub and mix of businesses. IRONWORKS welcomes complementary as opposed to competing businesses into the spaces ensuring a cohesive and connected environment.

A Shared Approach

IRONWORKS includes a common mews between the two buildings to access at-grade loading facilities and parking for customers. A common freight and passenger elevator grants access from the parkade to the lobby, mews and upper levels to allow for lighter industrial deliveries to spaces above grade. A large common loading dock facility is also shared by and accessible to all users. This shared dock allows for large deliveries that are necessary for the business to function but may not be frequent enough to warrant the space and cost of a separate loading dock. As well, IRONWORKS has a common roof deck for users to enjoy the panoramic city, ocean, and mountain views.

Sustainability at The Core

IRONWORKS is estimated to include thirty-five high-tech, service-oriented, and professional businesses. This will create nearly five hundred permanent jobs upon completion, increasing employment density in the vibrant and established Grandview-Woodland community.

Contributing to the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan, sustainability features include automatic lighting in common areas, unheated stair and elevator cores to reduce energy consumption, on-demand heating and cooling, south facing exposures to utilize passive cooling techniques, and electric vehicle charging stations.

IRONWORKS stays true to the community of Port Town by selling to local businesses instead of selling to the highest bidder, thereby creating a space that embodies East Vancouver, providing opportunity & room for growth in the community.

Vancouver currently has the fastest growing economy in Canada. Spaces like IRONWORKS contribute to the city’s healthy economic climate, allowing it to flourish as a global destination for technology, innovation, industry, and talent.

Take a closer look into how IRONWORKS is featured in the March 2018 Industrial Innovation Spaces Report by UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) & the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC).

Interested in owning your own space at IRONWORKS? Book a viewing today and find out what makes our East Vancouver office, warehouse and industrial spaces so attractive to growing businesses.

The post An Industrial Game-Changer: IRONWORKS Recognized for Innovative Work appeared first on IRONWORKS Development, Vancouver, BC.

The following is a handful of new and interesting neighbourhood eateries (and “drinkeries”) where you can wet your whistle or satisfy your hunger.

Trans Am (Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant)
1879 Powell Street
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 6:00pm – late.
Visit Facebook page | Google Streets

Trans Am serves carefully crafted cocktails, craft beer, BIG burgers, rib-eye, antipasto and charcuterie. The menu changes frequently. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic. The experience is homey and laid back and the cocktails are liquid art. They don’t have a website but can be found on Facebook (link above). Reviews for this establishment are very good. It’s small and can get busy, but well worth trying your luck or getting there early.

Resurrection Spirits Distillery & Tasting Lounge
1672 Franklin Street
Open Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 12:00am.
Visit Website | Google Streets

“Canadian Whisky” and “Rye Whisky” are synonymous terms, though in reality, many Canadian ryes are not made from rye or use little of it. Resurrection Spirits wants to change that, aiming to put the rye back in rye whisky and embracing a traditional distilling process that uses the best locally sourced grain to achieve the best output from the distillery. It’ll take a few years before the company can officially call their offering a “whisky”, but it certainly is “rye”. Resurrection Spirits distils hand-made spirits from organic rye, fruit, botanicals and spices, currently producing a white rye and in the future will produce a whisky and gin. Spirits may be purchased by the bottle or as part of a cocktail in the tasting room.

Earnest Ice Cream
1485 Frances Street
Open Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm.
Visit Website | Google Streets

Earnest Ice Cream is a modern-day twist on the old-fashioned ice cream parlour with a passion for flavour, freshness and environmentally-friendly business practices. With 12 regular flavours, 8 vegan ice creams and a rotating menu of special flavours, everyone will find a favourite. Earnest Ice Cream is locally owned and operated. Their ice cream is made fresh with locally-sourced ingredients in a business that employs sustainable processes. Grab a cone or take some home in a returnable glass jar. Try a sundae with all the toppings or have a latte, americano, affogato or hot chocolate.

The Pie Shoppe
1875 Powell Street
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm.
Visit Website | Google Streets

The Pie Shoppe, is well…a pie shop, but a very a special one at that. Stephanie and Andrea French have taken the “farm to fork” concept and applied it to their pie artistry. They use organic, green ingredients such as organic Okanagan fruit and unbleached organic flour. The Pie Shoppe’s menu features approximately 20 pies including apple, salted chocolate peanut butter, seasonal, savoury and more – all made fresh daily. The shop also hosts pie-making workshops, takes special orders for wedding pies, and can be booked for events. Back in February, the shop experienced a fire in what its owners are calling the “Piepocalypse of 2018”.  Nobody was hurt, thankfully, but water and smoke damage necessitated a renovation. If you want to help the Pie Shoppe get through this calamity, you can buy “pie dollars” (Pie Shoppe gift cards for use in the future) by visiting the Pie Shoppe GoFundMe page. The Pie Shoppe is scheduled to re-open near Easter.

Aleph Eatery
1889 Powell Street
Open Wednesday to Sunday. Lunch/brunch: 10am – 2pm. Dinner: 5pm – 10pm.
Visit Website | Google Streets

Haitham El Khatib, Aleph’s owner, has created a restaurant, bakery, café and bar that draws its inspiration from Middle Eastern staples, with a personal twist. As Haitham explains on their website, Aleph “offers a borderless experience that does not belong to countries, religions or races” because “food does not take sides”.  We won’t give away the meaning of “Aleph”, because Haitham describes it best. Aleph’s vegetarian menu offers a variety of starters (“Mezze”), salads, mains “Plates”, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and sweets. Appetizers include Hummus, Baba Ganouj (eggplant dip), Muhammara (red pepper, walnuts and lemon zest dip) and others. Mains include Persian Herb Lentil Rice, Halloumi Grilled Cheese Sandwich with fig jam, Turmeric Cauliflower and other tasty dishes.

Bosa Foods
562 Victoria Drive
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm; Saturday, 8am to 5:30pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Visit Website | Google Streets

Bosa Foods is a veteran amongst Vancouver specialty food companies that was started in 1957 by Augusto Bosa, an Italian food importer. Now, run by a third generation of Vancouver Bosas, the store boasts a large retail distribution centre with several locations, selling over 7,000 SKUs of Italian and Mediterranean food. If you’re in East Vancouver and hungry for lunch though, it’s the deli that will draw you in. You’ll find a variety of fresh soups and salads, pasta, prepared sandwiches, grilled panini, baked treats and coffees. There are far too many goodies offered to list here, so check out the Bosa deli menu.

IRONWORKS: A Community You’ll Love Doing Business In

IRONWORKS owners tell us that IRONWORKS unique, flex-use, stacked office, warehouse and industrial spaces are the right real estate development investment for Vancouver-based business owners looking to buy into their future, rather than lease space. They also tell us they love the neighbourhood: a vibrant, colourful part of the city with history and a lot to offer both its residents and businesses.

Curious? Contact us to book a viewing.

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