New for 2020 29th Annual Commercial Building Awards Winners Presentation - Watch Now

Excellence Awards

2012 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Jaguar Land Rover Building

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL – AUTO

The Jaguar Land Rover Building is a 38,000 sq. ft., 6-storey multi-use building that was built on three parcels of contaminated land formerly occupied by a gas station and an autobody shop. The three parcels were consolidated and the land was rezoned to allow for this development. The project presented many logistical challenges such as the remediation of contaminated soils, acquisition of adjoining properties, work with Saanich and relocation of municipal statutory right-of-ways. While the primary purpose of the building is that of an automotive dealership, which occupies the lower three floors, offices occupy the upper three levels. The building is constructed to LEED Silver standards and has incorporated geo thermal technology, energy efficient windows, leading edge automotive waste disposal systems and extensive landscaping. In the design stage similar new properties were visited in Tokyo, Beijing, Vancouver and Toronto in order to inform best design practices. Continue reading →

BMW Victoria/MINI Victoria

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL – AUTO

This development transformed an abandoned warehouse into a one-of-a-kind project on the island. Many would not have thought the lonely building, formerly home to PSC Natural Foods, could result in much but the owners had great visions for it. With the help of project architects, contractors, sub-contractors and all of the other trades and skills involved, some of the old structure was able to be used, equipping it with the most current technologies, modern designs and green features. The design of the new facility had to represent the dynamism of BMW while also capturing the fun and hip character of what makes MINI. The on-site rain garden reduces rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground rather than flowing into storm drains and surface waters, helping to improve the water quality in the surrounding area. With a green roof and thermal insulation, energy usage is reduced, and a state-of-the-art air conditioning and lighting system allows the company to control the schedule of the lights. Continue reading →

The Oriental

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR HERITAGE

Originally built in 1883, the Oriental Hotel was a John Teague design and was named for its location adjacent to Oriental Alley (which no longer exists). The restoration of the Oriental Hotel by Le Fevre & Company included seismic upgrade, maintaining the integrity of the original exterior of the building and reincarnation of the lightwell linking the two phases of the original construction into a new daylight entranceway to the new 32 residential units. The predominant street front bay windows (both interior and exterior) were rebuilt to their original architectural integrity. Continue reading →

The 834

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR MULTI-FAMILY

The 834 was designed to be downtown Victoria’s favourite new neighbour, with a green wall and attractive copper cladding outside, along with space-savvy interiors. It was developed with a west coast modernist-inspired design and generous shared spaces, proving that buyers don’t have to sacrifice value for looks. The 834 received rezoning and a development permit in the winter/spring of 2008 and launched to the public on May 2, 2009. It is an 82,000 sq. ft. mixed-use building with 14 storeys and 115 units. Continue reading →

City Centre Sportsplex

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY – RECREATION

This $14,152,400 project was made possible through a Building Canada Fund grant involving the City of Langford and the Federal and Provincial governments and includes Langford Lanes, a 20-lane family bowling centre, and Westhills Arena. Langford Lanes is the only 10-pin bowling centre in the Capital Region, and includes a restaurant and six-lane section with refreshment bar. The National Hockey League size ice arena includes seating for 500 and features an innovative ice river that connects the arena to the existing outdoor skating area at City Centre Park. Continue reading →

Vergo Affordable Family Townhouses

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING

Vergo provides 14 affordable rental housing units for families of moderate income, plus four one bedroom, ground floor, accessible secondary suites. In a difficult funding environment with few such projects proceeding, the Capital Region Housing Corporation achieved this project through the innovative refinancing of its older housing stock to reduce the debt for the development, achieving a financially viable project at below market rents. Innovation is also expressed in architectural design including the angular site plan, “kinked” building plan, creative use of space, high ceilings, natural lighting, thoughtful storage options and low maintenance materials. The project has been built to LEED Canada for Homes Silver certification level and includes enhanced window performance and insulation values, energy conservation incentives through individual water and electrical metering, rain garden and storm water control, filtration and retention and low VOC paint and floor coverings. Continue reading →

Kirby’s Source For Sports

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL – RETAIL

Kirby’s Source for Sports is a locally owned company that has operated as a mainstay institution in the Victoria sports community for years. The new store is an eye-catching, impressive and aesthetically pleasing building located in a mixed commercial, industrial and residential corner that has not seen redevelopment for years. A unique roof design, an energizing colour palate, expansive windows and the use of natural cladding materials make this new commercial building a great example of how a thoughtfully designed structure can revitalize the atmosphere of a somewhat unassuming location. An interesting, welcoming and community minded streetscape is achieved by the unique outside sports court which is accessible for customers and ample parking is located at the rear of the building. The structural elements of the building are all wood, while the exterior finishes include west coast cedar (a renewable resource) and Galvanized corrugated steel and pre-finished sheet steel siding, both nearly 100% recycled content. Continue reading →

Romeo’s Restaurant

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL – RESTAURANT

This project showcases a new brand of Romeo’s Restaurant by introducing current technologies and equipment with the latest design trends and material selections. The exterior façade is a collaboration of two-tone stucco cladding with rock facings, large aluminum windows and entrances with landscaping and outside patio areas. The entire interior has been refit and remodelled to include custom millwork, wall paneling and exceptional lighting and interior finishes to make customers feel warm and welcome. The existing building has been renovated and the transformation is truly a work of art both on the exterior and interior of this new Romeo’s Restaurant.

Beacon Plaza

EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL – RETAIL RENOVATION

This project involved a major upgrade to an aging strip mall in downtown Sidney. Facing three streets in a highly visible area, particular attention was paid to exterior design elements and cladding, finishes, lighting, signage and the incorporation of historic photos onto the façade. A large steel arch was constructed to direct the public to the entry courtyard, and major upgrades including a raised patio were constructed on Bevan Avenue. A substantial amount of the upgrade dealt with energy conservation, including new HVAC rooftop units, roof insulation to R40 standards, and an exterior wall insulation/stucco panel system to R30 standards. Continue reading →

Connect with us, get the latest.

Delivered to your inbox

Submit your email address to receive announcements for nominations, event registration and winners.

Victoria Real Estate Board

3035 Nanaimo Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4W2
Tel: (250) 385-7766 Fax: (250) 385-8773
Email: commercial@vreb.org




Historically speaking

The Commercial Building Awards were started in 1991 by a group of REALTORS® who were concerned that commercial development within the Greater Victoria area was not receiving the recognition it deserved.

The Commercial Building Awards competition is recognized among architects, builders and developers and the real estate community as a prestigious event dedicated to the advancement of excellence in construction and design. Because of its success, the Victoria Commercial Building Awards program is now being emulated by various real estate boards throughout BC and across Canada.

The Commercial Division of the Victoria Real Estate Board is dedicated to advancement in quality developments and to encouraging a better environment within our community and is proud to sponsor this annual competition.

×