'We just jumped at it': Calgary development firm restoring heritage building in Winnipeg's Exchange District
The old Great West Metal Building on Waterfront Drive and Alexander Avenue will be getting a makeover thanks to a development firm out of Calgary.
RNDSQR is restoring the building in the Exchange District, with plans of turning the building into a new housing complex.
"We just jumped at it as soon as we saw. Not only to be part of a project in Winnipeg, but also in the east Exchange which is one of the most incredible neighbourhoods I've ever seen," said Alkarim Devani, who is the president and co-founder of RNDSQR.
Construction work being done on the Great West Metal Building to turn it into a new multi-unit housing complex. (Source: Ken Gabel/CTV News)
Devani said work is underway to create 212 rental spaces, as well as commercial space on the main floor and potentially a cocktail bar.
He added the company wants to maintain the integrity and culture of the space.
"Contextually, there was a ton of opportunity to figure out how to retain this amazing fabric in the heritage structure, but find ways to introduce new housing opportunities."
Construction work being done on the Great West Metal Building to turn it into a new multi-unit housing complex. (Source: Ken Gabel/CTV News)
Devani said the neighbourhood is changing and this is one project that can help with that.
The plan is to have the space start to open in 2023 and Devani said units would start in the thousands price-wise and then go up based on unit size.
"We're really thoughtful about creating spaces that were not necessarily bigger footprints, some smaller footprints that have good storage and still could allow for a decent footprint of living. But then also some larger units as you kind of get into different parts of the building. So trying to cater to a mixed demographic of folks."
Construction work being done on the Great West Metal Building to turn it into a new multi-unit housing complex. (Source: Ken Gabel/CTV News)
While doing the project, Devani said it is cool learning about the history of the building, such as it was a fishing plant before it was the metal building.
"We did talk to the Great West Metal owners at length about the production they were doing, the addition and obviously the success they've had … pretty cool to be part of a heritage site."
He said he is excited to be part of the project, noting Winnipeg is a "hidden gem."
Construction work being done on the Great West Metal Building to turn it into a new multi-unit housing complex. (Source: Ken Gabel/CTV News)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ukraine's army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure
Ukraine's troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country's army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.