'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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.