Andrzej Podolski approached Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd. (BASE) with his desire to create a unique building on a challenging site. His aesthetic goal was a building design appropriate for the style and eloquence of his local jewellery store. He had in mind a shopping center with a character set apart from typical commercial units in Grande Prairie. The first building was to be one of three on the site, and would become the new home for Janina’s Diamonds and Time, as well as provide additional lease space for other tenants.
The lot had a number of constraints including sightline caveats and NAVCAN restrictions. This ultimately gave the first building its unique atypical shape. The structural framing was designed to accommodate future second floor space. The facades are accented on all sides with large windows and multiple varied sign panels which create a striking visual attraction. Electronic billboards provide continuous advertising and complement the design.
Some of the project highlights include:
- Building 1 included 26,000 ft2 (2,515 m2) of lease space designed to accommodate up to eight commercial tenants
- Prime location on the corner of a high volume intersection on the west end of Grande Prairie
- Architecturally appealing facades
- Structural design will accommodate future second floor space
- 2 large electronic billboards provide digital advertising
- Unique lot configuration and sightline caveats prompted the relocation of several underground utilities as well as by-law variances
- Restrictive viewing corridor caveats dictated the atypical building footprint