'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
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
Powerful tornado tears across Nebraska, weather service warns of 'catastrophic' damage
Devastating tornadoes tore across parts of eastern Nebraska and northeast Texas Friday as a multi-day severe thunderstorm event ramped up in the central United States.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.