Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/177297
Pacific Palisades by Sonu Purhar t's become a tired story. The downtown cores of major cities around the world have long been touted as concrete jungles, their forests of apartment buildings condemned for stifling the individuality of renters. But a newly revitalized development in downtown Vancouver is changing that. Once a neighbourhood icon, Pacific Palisades is capturing attention and interest for telling a different story – the story of its past glory, current residents and future collaborations with the downtown community. The original development was built in 1966 as a cluster of four buildings that were later pared down to two. Until 2010, the remaining towers enjoyed a glamorous stint as the famed Pacific Palisades Hotel – frequented by screen stars like Johnny Depp and Tom Selleck – before falling into disrepair. Vancouver-based Austeville Properties saw potential in the buildings, envisioning modern units geared toward young professionals, and initiated plans for a complete overhaul. Though the company collaborated with award-winning architectural and design firms, it also invited the Vancouver community to share suggestions for the renovation through a series of social media contests. Two years later, the newly christened 'PaPa' is a tribute to modern minimalism, and a rental space that residents can truly call home because they actively contributed to its design. Perhaps it's this collaboration that explains why renters are so eager to live at PaPa. Construction was completed by August 2012, and occupancy rates are skyrocketing. "We saw this need in the West End for a living space that offered renters the right combination of beauty, technology, sustainability and a sense of community," says Andrew Abramowich, CEO of Austeville Properties. "And with such an overwhelming response, it's clear the community agrees." PaPa comprises 234 rental apartments spread across two towers, each with six suites per floor and six penthouses. All suites are fashioned in the West Coast Modern style that promotes natural light, efficient use of space and incorporation of earth-based materials like wood and stone. Twenty-foot windows stretch across the width of the rooms while covered balconies provide views of the water and city skyline year-round. Architectural planning and construction management were overseen by W.T. Leung Architects and Haebler Construction Projects, respectively. "Our vision was to breathe new life into Pacific Palisades and return the buildings back to their Modernist Architectural roots," says Wing Leung, architect at W.T. Leung Architects. "We started by stripping away the extraneous cladding and exposing original, fluted concrete columns and arches." The team also installed ceramic wall panels, added exterior glazing and enlarged the elevator I Pacific Palisades p74-77PacificPalisades.indd 75 photos: Darrell Lecorre & Bruce Edward Statham blit shafts to accommodate larger cabs. Though the project involved refashioning an existing structure, major construction was still involved. "It was a challenge taking both buildings back to their bare bones concrete skeleton," says Roland Haebler, president of Haebler Construction Projects. "We had to add new framing, electrical and mechanical systems, along with a completely new building envelope." But despite these difficulties, the team was careful to protect as much of the original structure as possible. "Perhaps the most unique attribute of PaPa is that nothing was torn down," says Abramowich. "The property has a storied history, and we wanted to preserve as much of that as we could." Interior design was spearheaded by Vancouver-based Proscenium Architecture + Interiors, a full-service firm that specializes in community and cultural facilities. Incorporating suggestions from the owner as well as prospective residents, the design team fashioned suites that are visually engaging while exuding a laidback vibe. Simple lines and materials, like the kitchens' glass tile backsplashes, infuse each room with subtle style. "We used stone countertops with textured white in the kitchens to promote serenity, and contrasted them with warm, wood laminate cabinets," says Kerri Shinkewski, interior designer at Proscenium Architecture. "The white oak floor is our playful twist on an old favourite, and adds richness to the living areas. But we kept the overall palette soft and subdued. We wanted to give residents the opportunity to bring their own personalities to the suites." Sustainability is key at PaPa, with eco-friendly features integrated throughout. "Green features are no longer optional in the design process," explains Shinkewski. "We've come a long way since the original structure was built." Materials were chosen not just for esthetic appeal but also durability, function and sustainability – regardless of price. "We felt the initial investment in well-made materials would cut down on the need for future replacements and maintenance," says Abramowich. "Plus, it was important to us that residents were comfortable and satisfied." Both buildings are powered by december 2012 /75 11/16/12 3:42 PM