Vancouver’s Image Development Inc. has completed what it says is one of the most recycled buildings in the city.
The low-rise condo development, Marquee on the Drive, is built from more than 75% of the structure of the building that was in the site previously, the old Van East Cinema. This old theatre was originally designed by Bruno Freschi, whose past work includes Expo ’86 and Science World.
“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,” said James Askew, president of rareEarth Project Marketing. “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.”
The condo architects, Ankenman/Marchand, have kept the Van East Cinema’s brick, steel and concrete. The building, located at 2250 Commercial Drive, houses 58 mixed-residential condo units.
