Vancouver Developer Launches One of the City's Most Recycled Condo Buildings on Commercial Drive

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 10, 2014) - Vancouver-based developer, Image Development Inc., has completed one of the city's most recycled buildings on Commercial Drive. Marquee on the Drive, a low-rise development, transforms the old Van East Cinema, originally designed by Bruno Freschi, the architect behind Expo '86 and Science World, into a modern 58-unit mixed residential condominium that builds on the fabric of the storied neighbourhood.

"Marquee truly is a new standard for redevelopment in Vancouver," said James Askew, president of rareEarth Project Marketing. "It's all too common for character buildings to be bulldozed down in place of brand new high rise developments that can strip away the soul of a neighbourhood. At Marquee we saw the potential the Van East Cinema held, with its original brick and steel and prime location. No other development in the city has taken a building this young and refurbished it back into its community as something new that still holds meaning."

Known for sustainable building practices, architects Ankenman/Marchand reused more than 75% of the building's previous structure, including its brick façade, steel and concrete to create a dichotomy between the old and new. Located at 2250 Commercial Drive, and presentation centre at 2240 Commercial Drive, Marquee features studio, one and two bedroom layouts along with 19 loft-style penthouse suites. Complimenting the individualism of the building, each floor plan is unique with 9-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, large decks with unprecedented views of the North Shore Mountains and Commercial Drive neighbourhood. Keeping in line with its sustainable build, Marquee has incorporated Modo's car share program into the building, it is fitted for electric car-charging stations, a spacious bike room, and convenient access to public transportation. It is located less than two blocks from Vancouver's most popular Skytrain station at Broadway and Commercial.

"Commercial Drive is a unique microcosm of Vancouver, it's what makes it so attractive to families and first time homebuyers," said Timothy Ankenman, lead architect from Ankenman/Marchand. "There are very few opportunities for new condo developments on Commercial Drive; we saw the redevelopment of this space as an opportunity to show the community that a new building can be incorporated without sacrificing the spirit of the 'Drive'."

For more information and sales opportunities, please visit: www.lifeonthedrive.com.

About Marquee On The Drive:

Marquee On The Drive offers a unique collection of homes and lofts. Marquee incorporates elements of old and new to create a living experience in sync with the spirit of Commercial Drive. Developed by Image Development Inc., a family-run Vancouver developer, and designed by Ankenman/Marchand Architects, the project focuses on quality and livability.

About Image Development Inc.:

Image Development Inc. is one of Vancouver's most community-minded developers, known for always understanding the unique aspects and characteristics of the neighbourhoods they work in. The company has been developing numerous properties along Commercial Drive for over 20 years. Image Development Inc. understands the need to preserve the fabric of Vancouver's unique neighbourhood's; they aim to develop properties that resonate with their communities while providing new growth and living opportunities.

With their newest project, Marquee on The Drive, the building's ground-level retail storefronts were developed with the local businesses in mind, and the structure's original character and materials were maintained to seamlessly blend the old with the new.

About Ankenman/Marchand Architects:

Vancouver-based, Ankenman/Marchand Architects (AMA) is an award-winning architectural firm best known for its unique urban design and community planning projects. In recent years their engagement in the recycling and restoration of heritage homes has been highly acclaimed, their most recent recognition includes the 2013 Georgie Awards silver medal for Best Townhouse Development.

AMA consists of a dynamic team of experienced professionals who employ practices and techniques that aim for the maintenance and protection of the environment. Their goal is to use cost-efficient and innovative strategies to produce sustainable, yet elegant results.

From restoration of heritage buildings to floating homes, each project takes a holistic approach that transform the vision into a tangible reality with the least environmental impact possible. Marquee on The Drive will be the sixth completed project in the City of Vancouver, and embodies the firm's values and vision for a greener Vancouver.