Exact historical information has been difficult to determine, the first records stored at the City of Vancouver show plans for a 20 unit rental apartment building constructed in 1954. However, discussions with previous tenants and a tour of the seemly older basement level suggest the original structure on the site was a church or some other significant structure. There was penny tile, cast iron radiators and moulding more commonly found during the 1910-1920 period.

Rumour has it the church suffered a major fire in the 1950s and the apartment was built on top.

1075 Burnaby Street was acquired in December 2009. Since that time Gordon Nelson has successfully worked with the City of Vancouver to create 33 new rental units and completely revitalize this prominent building. The building now offers 53 units for rent.

As part of the project the building has been completely refurbished to meet today’s strict building code standards.

Key building upgrades include:

• 100% structural seismic rating
• R-24 exterior insulation (exceeding requirements)
• Sound Transmission Class ratings of walls and ceiling > 55 (on par with luxury units)
• Completely new plumbing and electrical
• Automatic fire sprinklers throughout
• Make-up air ventilation for improved air quality
• New Milgard sound and Energy Star rated windows
• New StoGuard™ spray-on building wrap and acrylic stucco exterior

Suite finishes feature:

• Benson Cabinets© super high gloss white cabinets, with German-made soft close features
• Seamless quartz countertops and back splash with under-mount sink
• GE stainless steel appliances including Energy Star certified dishwasher
• Energy Star certified Italian-made washer/dryer
• Wide plank oak laminate flooring
• Pocket doors to maximize space
• Italian porcelain tiles on the bathroom floor
• Full sized deep soaker tub and white subway tile surround
• Broan super quiet, Energy Star certified exhaust fans
• Lahara® Delta designer fixtures
• Sound insulation on all party walls, ceilings and bathrooms
• Media boxes for telephone and cable access
• Flex spaces with built-in high gloss storage cabinets and space for a queen sized bed
• Basement units feature polished concrete floors and 9’6” ceilings
• Penthouse units feature skylights, 8'6" ceilings and in floor heat in the bathrooms

Common area features include:

• Common area roof top deck with gas BBQ
• Two intercom access points, connected to your home or mobile lines
• Security cameras throughout
• Keyless FOB building access
• Cutting edge LED and motion sensor lights
• 62 bike storage lockers for rent

Key facts:

• Number of tenants able to occupy the building + 97%
• Energy consumption (total building) -45%
• Sound rating (improvement of absorption between units) +44%
• Life safety: automatic fire sprinkler system, remote fire alarm monitoring, 100% seismic structural rating (+145% improvement)

These investments were made in life safety and structural upgrades and greenhouse gas emission reductions and other revitalizations to bring 60 year old apartment building up to date while allowing it to house many more renters.