The original JV client, Sawridge Group and Josan Properties, engaged Planworks’ Architecture to design a speculative 3 storey commercial Office-Retail centre located on Gateway Boulevard in south Edmonton. Local firm Fillmore Construction were involved in the planning process and integral as a signature office tenancy in the development.  The main level allowed for leasable retail bays complementary to neighboring commercial developments.

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The site was extremely challenging, with limited west side access primarily along a busy arterial thoroughfare, and railway corridor full length along the east boundary.  As well, there were several pipeline right of ways bisecting the property, reducing the effective developable area, all posing significant planning and setback challenges.

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Ultimately, the resulting architectural solution met all these constraints with beauty and panache. The language of the exterior facades were unique. A dynamic, cantilevered and elegant south roofline provided a second floor tenant balcony opportunity. Timber frame members were incorporated with the desire for natural warmth features, critical in a winter city. The East and North (rear) facades were less adorned and simpler to offset the more ‘public’ West and South (approach) faces. This was a deliberate objective done mainly for cost effectiveness, to suit the client’s established budget.