The latest Green Space magazine from Business in Vancouver has a great article on Cadillac Fairview's geo-exchange retrofit project in downtown Vancouver. The project, in partnership with Vancouver-based Fēnix Energy, is to undertake Canada’s first geo-exchange retrofit of an occupied, mixed-use high-rise complex in a downtown core. The retrofit is taking place at Cadillac Fairview’s 777 Dunsmuir property in Vancouver, which includes a 19-storey office tower, as well as the Holt Renfrew and Sport Chek portion of Pacific Centre.

Read the full article here.

Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing

The craic was mighty on Thursday evening as Mahony & Sons hosted a special sneak preview for media of their much-anticipated Stamps Landing restaurant.

The family-run company has just completed a complete overhaul of the former Monk McQueen’s site in South False Creek and will be officially opening the new 10,000 square foot location on Monday, August 18 at 11am.

Guests at last night’s media event were invited to experience true Irish hospitality and enjoyed the perfect pairing of Guinness and oysters upon arrival, followed by a tour of the new premises before sampling a number of signature Mahony & Sons dishes prepared by Executive Chef Paul Nguyen.

The Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing Media Launch

Mahony & Sons, Mahony and Sons, Stamps Landing, False Creek, Restaurants, Irish pub

Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing can seat up to 600 people spread across two levels - 150 upstairs, 150 downstairs, and 300 on the four waterfront patios. Key features include an Oyster Bar, an extensive patio with double-sided fireplace, and a private sunset patio perfect for small groups.

Executive Chef Paul Nguyen

Thank you to all media who attended – Mahony & Sons appreciates your support!

Elettra’s clients Mahony & Sons are featured in Malcolm Parry’s column in today’s Vancouver Sun. The article touches on the family’s extensive history in the hospitality trade and reveals some of the exciting features to be enjoyed at the fantastic new location at Stamp's Landing when it opens next month.

Click here to have a gander.

We are delighted to be working with Muscular Dystrophy Canada in the run up to their Empowerment in Action Summit 2014.  This engaging and informative event will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport from the 22nd – 24th August and will feature interactive workshops and panel discussions providing valuable information and inspiration to anyone whose life is directly impacted by a neuromuscular disorder. If you would like more information go to http://muscle.ca/we-can-help/educational-events/empowerment-in-action/

The deadline for registration is 8 August 2014.

Cadillac Fairview's redevelopment of the former Sears building / new Nordstrom building reached its next milestone today. The crane that has been doing all the heavy lifting was dismantled and removed in a 12 hour operation. Here are some stunning photos.

This week's Business in Vancouver features a story on Cadillac Fairview's geo-exchange retrofit 777 Dunsmuir, which includes an office tower, as well as the Holt Renfrew and Sport Chek portions of Pacific Centre.

The issue on newsstands now.

Buzz is building for Sandhill's newly opened winery in downtown Kelowna. Global TV's Rick Webber joined us for last week's VIP and media sneak peek party where he took in the festivities and talked to Master Winemaker Howard Soon about his vision for the winery. Rick also talked to Heather Schroeter from Manteo Resort and the folks from Okanagan Life. Watch Global's full story here. Speaking of Okanagan Life, here is their story on the new winery.

Meanwhile, the Kelowna Daily Courier's Steve MacNaull asked the question, why make make the unusual choice of locating a winery in the downtown core instead of at the vineyard? Read Howard Soon's response here.

Kelowna Now's Anita Sthankiya told readers all about the new space and the fun that was had at the opening party.

Thanks to Kelowna City Councillor and Kelowna Capital News reporter, Maxine Dehart for her lovely piece on the new winery, which you can read here.

Gary Symons of Wine Traveller also checked out the space during the party. Read his take here.

And thanks to Ian & Christy, Sun FM's dynamic morning show duo for coming to the party and telling their listeners all about Sandhill's new home.

Look for lots more to come on the Sandhill front!

92 per cent of office space at Pacific Centre redevelopment now leased; Sony Pictures Imageworks joins Microsoft and Miller Thomson as tenants

Vancouver, BC, May 30, 2014 - The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Ltd. is pleased to announce that Sony Pictures Imageworks is the third major office tenant confirmed for Pacific Centre’s 725 Granville redevelopment project. Sony will lease the entire 5^th floor, which includes 71,500 square feet of office space. 725 Granville offers four levels of office space above Nordstrom’s future Canadian flagship location. With this announcement, 92 per cent of the space is now leased.

Sony Pictures Imageworks will move into the 5^th floor of 725 Granville Street in Spring 2015.  This announcement comes just weeks after confirmation that Microsoft will lease the 6^th and 7^th floors of the building. In January of this year, Cadillac Fairview announced law firm Miller Thomson will move into 48,000 square feet on the 4^th floor.

“We are pleased to welcome Sony Pictures Imageworks to 725 Granville,” says Tom Knoepfel, Senior Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Cadillac Fairview Western Canada. “725 Granville’s central location in the heart downtown, coupled with its unique large floor plate office spaces has attracted internationally recognized brands and global leaders in their respective industries. We look forward to them moving into 725 Granville Street starting in 2015.” 

The new office space is part of the redevelopment of the former Eatons/Sears building. The top four levels of the building are being converted to 290,000 square feet of AAA class office.  Each floor has 17-foot ceilings, slab to slab, and offers 72,500 square foot floor plates, a unique feature in the downtown core.

Nordstrom will have 230,000 square feet on three floors below the office space. A new 44,000 square foot multi-tenant retail space will be built on the lower mall level. Local and renowned architect, James K. M. Cheng, designed the project. As part of Cadillac Fairview’s commitment to sustainability, the project is targeting LEED Gold Certification under the LEED: Core & Shell Program.

Construction is well underway on the site. The office space is expected to open in early 2015. New retail stores on the lower level are expected to open in Spring 2015. Nordstrom is expected to open in Fall 2015.

Urban winery celebrates Sandhill story, offers immersive visitor experience 

Kelowna, BC; May 26, 2014 – Sandhill is announcing the official May 31 opening of its newly renovated urban winery in downtown Kelowna. Following ten-months of construction, Sandhill Winery will be a space where the public can explore the award-winning wines made by Master Winemaker, Howard Soon. The winery will offer virtual vineyard tours, a luxurious wine lounge, and a Small Lots barrel cellar.

“This Sandhill Winery renovation has been our vision for a long time, so seeing it come to fruition is very satisfying,” says Howard Soon, Master Winemaker. “Sandhill has been part of the Kelowna community for almost two decades. In fact, this is the very spot where I have been making wine since Sandhill was born. It’s a dream come to true to have space where we can welcome visitors and tell our story.”

The opening of Sandhill Winery marks the culmination of several years of steady investment in Sandhill Wines. These investments have included the acquisition of vineyard land, the introduction of state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, and a significantly increased barrel-ageing program. Grapes for Sandhill wines are sourced from six premium vineyards throughout the Okanagan, including 450 acres of Sandhill-owned vineyards. All Sandhill wines are bottled as single vineyard wines and capture the defining influences of vineyard, grower, and winemaker.

At the winery, the Sandhill single vineyard story will be told through a variety of tasting experiences. Virtual vineyard tours offer an in-depth experience, guiding visitors on a tour of Sandhill’s six vineyards and exploring how the terroir and each grower’s techniques produce wines that are truly distinct. For those looking for a deeper learning experience, Sandhill Winery will offer three daily wine education sessions with topics such as The Challenge of the Terroir and Sip and Savour. The main Tasting Bar will offer a lively space in which to taste Sandhill wines, while in the Wine Lounge, visitors can relax and enjoy tasting flights at their own pace.

The winery’s design is inspired by the industrial heritage of its downtown Kelowna neighbourhood. The 8,000 square foot space is modern and light-filled, with soaring ceilings and reclaimed, 80-year-old wood beams. The main room is anchored by a large glacier sculpture that pays homage to the Okanagan Valley’s natural geological features and glacial history, which give the region its ideal grape-growing conditions. A glass wall divides the main room from The Cellar, which houses Howard Soon’s Small Lots program. Small Lots are small quantities of wine from specific identified blocks within a vineyard that consistently deliver wines of great character and depth.

Sandhill Winery is located at 1125 Richter Avenue in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia. The Winery will be open daily throughout the year. For tasting schedules, reservations, and more information, visit www.sandhillwines.ca.

About Sandhill

The Sandhill portfolio of wines is available at the Winery, in select retail outlets, and at restaurants across Canada. BC customers can also purchase Sandhill wines online at www.sandhillwines.ca. For further information about the wines and Howard Soon, visit www.sandhillwines.ca.

About Howard Soon

Winemaker Howard Soon is one of the true pioneers of BC’s wine industry. As Sandhill’s Head Winemaker since 1997, Howard’s collaborative relationships with growers and non-interventionist approach have consistently led to award-winning single vineyard wines. Howard has received the Founder’s Award from the Okanagan Wine Festival and was the first BC winemaker to receive a Gold Medal at the Chardonnay du Monde in France. He was also the first winemaker in history to receive all three top honours at the 2009 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards when Sandhill won for Best Red Wine of the Year, Best White Wine of the Year, and Winery of the Year.

Elettra Communications attended a special Gala event at the weekend at The Kettle Society’s new supported-housing building located at 1134 Burrard Street.

The Kettle Making a Difference – An Evening with Olympian Clara Hughes and Friends, was a special fundraising event to raise funds for The Kettle Society’s community mental health programs and celebrate Clara’s inspiring 12,000km bike ride across Canada to build awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.  The Kettle had been chosen as Vancouver’s “community champion” for the ride.

Kari Adams from CTV emceed the event and CTV broadcast live weather forecasts and interviews from the VIP reception.

Speakers included: Deputy Mayor Adriane Carr; Debra McPherson, President of the BC Nurses Union; Daniel Boffo from Boffo Properties; Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk; Brenda Lea Brown, Chair of the Kettle board; and Kettle member Denis Piper.

Six-time Olympian Clara Hughes took time out of her grueling and physically challenging schedule to address guests and VIPs and deliver an emotional and inspiring keynote speech which touched on her own experiences with mental illness.

The Kettle Society was busy last week as it welcomed media to its newest supported housing project, before its first tenants move in. CTV, The Globe & Mail,The Georgia Straight and BCIT all featured articles about the building.

The Kettle Society also hosted An Evening With Olympian Clara Hughes & Friends on Saturday, May 17 at Kettle on Burrard.  The event was attended by more than 200 guests and VIPs and featured a keynote address by the six-time Olympian, who is cycling across Canada to build awareness and raise funds for mental health.

Located at 1134 Burrard Street, this new building is one of 14 City-owned sites that are being built to end street homelessness. The building has been designed to address the needs of individuals who are homeless, are at risk of homelessness, have mental health issues, or require other support services to increase their wellness and overall quality of life. 

Kettle on Burrard has 141 suites and 24-hour staffing and security.  The building is operated by The Kettle Society, a non-profit registered charity, which has been providing housing and support services to people with mental illness in the Metro Vancouver area since its inception in 1976.

The project is being funded by the Province of BC (BC Housing and Ministry of Children and Family Services), the City of Vancouver, and Streetohome Foundation.

Last week, Business in Vancouver explored the benefits of mentoring and networking by speaking with UBC alumnus, Carmen Lee of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association. Through the networking and mentorship programs alumni UBC is building lifelong connections between graduates and UBC.

Read the full story here.

Company to occupy two floors of AAA office space in Pacific Centre redevelopment Vancouver, BC, May 2, 2014 - The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Ltd. is pleased to announce Microsoft as the second office tenant confirmed for Pacific Centre’s 725 Granville redevelopment project. The company will lease 143,000 square feet on two of the four levels of office space above Nordstrom’s future Canadian flagship location.

“We are thrilled to welcome Microsoft to 725 Granville,” says Tom Knoepfel, Senior Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Cadillac Fairview Western Canada. “The organization will be well served by the building’s central location and amenities, and the large floor plates allow them to design a customized work environment for their Vancouver operations.”

The company will take occupancy of the entire 6^th and 7^th floors of 725 Granville in January 2016. This past January, Cadillac Fairview announced law firm Miller Thompson will move into 48,000 square feet on the 4^th floor in 2017.  Of the four levels of office space, 66% is now leased.

The new office space is part of the redevelopment of the former Eatons/Sears building. The top four levels of the building are being converted to 290,000 square feet of AAA class office.  Each floor has 17-foot ceilings, slab to slab, and offers 72,500 square foot floor plates, a unique feature in the downtown core.

Nordstrom will have 230,000 square feet on three floors below the office space. A new 44,000 square foot multi-tenant retail space will be built on the lower mall level. The project was designed by local and renowned architect, James K. M. Cheng. As part of Cadillac Fairview’s commitment to sustainability, the project is targeting LEED Gold Certification under the LEED: Core & Shell Program.

Construction is well underway on the site. The office space is expected to open in early 2015. New retail stores on the lower level are expected to open in Spring 2015. Nordstrom is expected to open in Fall 2015.