Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/177297
The Maynards Block ith a long history behind it, the Maynards Auctioneers building on West 2nd Avenue has been on the block since 1919. Today, the venerable structure has been refurbished and renewed as an attractive residential and commercial property. "It's a beautiful project," says Kevin Hoffman, senior vice-president with owner Aquilini Investment Group. Aquilini also acted as developer and general contractor for this impressive achievement. "We upgraded the facade to current codes and to incorporate energy efficiencies," says Hoffman. "The building has new windows, the exterior walls underwent a full brick restoration and the entire structure has been seismically upgraded. It's quite a project." The Maynards Block has several components, including a pair of residential buildings, one a 13-storey and the other a nine-storey concrete, steel and glass tower, as well as two floors of lofts on top of the original auction house. All told, this large project includes 243 new condominium homes, 11 lofts and 35,000 square feet of commercial space. "The number one thing for us is the location," says Hoffman. "The residents have quick access to downtown and Granville Island. There are trails to the waterfront along False Creek and plenty of commercial activity in what is becoming a vibrant neighbourhood. It's a very pleasant environment." The project also boasts a significant heritage component. Consulting heritage architect Robert Lemon was adviser to the team. "We did a lot of research on the history of the building," says the Vancouver-based architect. "That was part of the planning process. We wanted to know exactly what the heritage value of the building was and to come up with a conservation plan. Our advice was incorporated into the work done by the team of architects. "We wanted to rehabilitate the building, to return it to its original look. We had the 1929 design plans and we were able to recreate certain historic aspects, such as the original wood-framed windows in their original colour, a sort of green-bronze. We also added significant touches from the old design, including decorative scroll work and cornices." Dirk Buttjes, president of Buttjes Architecture, Inc., became involved in The Maynards Block project in late 2007, after a Montreal firm had created architectural plans acceptable to Aquilini. "The original plan included putting a parkade under the heritage building," says Buttjes. "That was changed because the underpinning and shoring would have been extremely difficult. Instead, parking is located underneath the two new structures. There were several changes made after we took over. We worked closely with the city's planning department to maintain the original architectural design. "There were challenges to the renovations of the old building, including the seismic upgrade. It's a complex site," says Buttjes. "We had to deal with three buildings, security issues around and through the property and the challenge of the south-north elevation." John Zickmantel, partner with John Bryson & Partners, W 12-10-17 4:02 PM The Maynards Block p88-89MaynardsBlock.indd 89 images courtesy aquilini Investment group by Jerry Eberts was structural consultant on the project. Zickmantel had to come up with a way to seismically upgrade the older building without compromising the antique nature of the structure. "We opened up the two-foot-thick brick walls that rise two storeys, punched holes through the floor halfway down for steel reinforcement, then used shotcrete to create a concrete shell within the brick wall itself," he says. "This brought the building up to seismic standards and made it strong enough to support the residential floors on the top." Danica English is a senior interior designer with B+H CHIL Design of Vancouver. Her longstanding working relationship with Aquilini made her a natural fit for the team. "We designed the public areas in the residential areas of the building, including the lobby and corridors," says English. "In keeping with the brick in the old building, we wanted a vintage flavour. We used engineered hardwoods on the walls and floors. Of course, we worked closely with Aquilini's marketing department; we wanted to grab the attention of potential buyers immediately." President of landscape architectural firm Durante Kreuk Ltd., Peter Kreuk says The Maynards Block was an interesting project. "It's just outside the southeast False Creek zone," says Kreuk. "The property is adjacent to the Cambie Bridge onramp and is also along major pedestrian links to the waterway. This is an area where commercial use transitions to residential. We designed a water feature along one edge of the property, as well as contributing to the LEED standards that are becoming the norm. The three-building complex is linked by semiprivate walkways through the site, open to the public. "There is a lot of development in the neighbourhood and public access to False Creek is important. This project is adding to the critical mass of people moving to that area that will bring this neighbourhood to life." Among Kreuk's choices to help make the project literally greener was using "plants that are not water-hogs, that are less demanding on irrigation systems. We planted evergreen trees for shade, and grasses – all reflective of the area and the waterfront. The ground floor of the project integrates quite well with the street. "The property is an interesting transition space, kind of the end of the walkway. It gives something to the public side. Keeping the original Maynards building – working around it, really – it's good to know that a project like this can take public value into account." "We had a strong design, but we wanted to maintain as much of the original design as we could," says Buttjes. "I think we did that. I'm very proud of this project." ■ Location 415 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. Owner/Developer/ General Contractor Aquilini Investment Group Architect Buttjes Architecture, Inc. Heritage Architect Robert Lemon Architect Structural Consultant John Bryson & Partners Mechanical Monsultant Sterling, Cooper & Associates Electrical Consultant Nemetz (S/A) & Associates Ltd. building envelope Consultant Spratt Emanuel Engineering Ltd. Interior Design B+H CHIL Design Landscape Architect Durante Kreuk Ltd. Total Gross Area 248,000 square feet Total Construction Cost Undisclosed december 2012 /89 11/26/12 3:07 PM