Fall/Winter 2024
A blog written for the tenants of 225 West Eighth Avenue (all of you who work at 225), a creative group community.
Introduction
Hi there. This is the Fall Blog, the third blog of the year (the previous ones being the Spring and Summer Blogs).
Welcome!
Most of you will know that we write four blogs a year to give you news about the neighbourhood and Vancouver and your companies. This is part of our plan, as landlords, to create a community for all of you who work in our building. This is partly driven by the Covid pandemic where suddenly some of you now work from home for part of the week; and partly by our adapting to a new environment where we believe office buildings should be more than a sterile place to work. We are doing our best to create a friendly, welcoming space.
Let me know if you like the content. All feedback welcomed.
The cool, wet weather has started and soon it will be the holiday season. I hope you and your families can enjoy the lights throughout the city as well as time together with your families.
Lesley
(and landlord group Ken, David, Lauren)
Mount Pleasant named the 40th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out, 2021
The Building: Climate Change and Emergencies:
Vancouver City has gone into action to better prepare the City and surrounding areas for the effects of climate change. We now have Cyclone Bombs, extra high tides, and wind storms. The power was knocked out in Mount Pleasant during the last cyclone bomb in November. The next time, go to BC Hydro website to find out when the power will be restored; I will also pass this information on to you via email.
Vancouver is expecting a possible earthquake within the next 50 years (it could be tomorrow, it could be in 50 years). To avoid being a downer, I will not list here the problems we will face after a severe earthquake. However, I do urge you all to have an emergency earthquake kit in your offices. Being a New Zealander, I have personal experience from damage caused by severe shaking.
Go to www.2.gov.bc.ca for information about how to make an earthquake kit and other things to think about; go to totalprepare.ca to buy a kit.
Building News: Red Hook is Moving On!
We are sad to report that our tenant, Red Hook, is leaving us at the end of August 2025. We are happy to report, however, that this is due to their being bought by a Montreal gaming company called Behaviour Interactive Inc. We wish them every success and will follow their new game developments with interest.
Dogs in the Building!
Let us introduce you to two great dogs in the building. Say hi if you see them.
This is Brixton who belongs to Josh, The District. He is District’s head of security and takes his job very seriously. On his days off, he enjoys hiking, camping and boating. He is a foodie with a strong preference for whatever you are eating.
This is Laia. She belongs to Esteban, Creative Director, Design, at Work Party (a client at Suite Genius). She’s friendly and utterly adorable.
Neighbourhood Corner
Mount Pleasant is changing fast. It used to include tanneries, slaughter houses and a train station (1904). During World War I it had tidal flats and railway terminals. In the 1950s and 1960s the industrial flavour turned residential and a lot of the original homes are standing today. (City Hall was opened in 1936). Now it is a neighbourhood containing an eclectic mix of industrial, commercial and residential with great boutiques, restaurants, cafes and small shops.
Here are two places we like:
Leah Alexandra
This jewellery company was founded in 2006. Leah moved her flagship company to Mount Pleasant from Gastown: this is where her manufacturing studio is located.
“Our business is fuelled by eighteen vivacious women who each play an integral part in what the brand has become today,” says Leah.
Her designs have been featured in Vogue and Elle and worn by celebrities; yet her store contains beautiful pieces at affordable prices. A perfect place for Christmas gifts.
7th and Columbia.
Here’s Leah Alexandra decorated for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Vancouver December 7/8. Swifties were invited to buy or make friendship bracelets with their favourite gemstones and pearls.
33 Acres Brewing Company
33 Acres is along the road from us at 15 West 8th. Of course it’s where you go to pick up a great craft beer. But did you also know that it is a fun place to have a cup of coffee and brunch? It is a minimalist space where you can order, for example, an avocado toast or Eggs Benedict. Family owned and operated it is a special place in our neighbourhood.
Art Corner: Vancouver Art Sculpture Biennale
At 290 West 3rd Avenue is a whimsical sculpture called Jasper. This is part of the Vancouver Biennale collection designed by Brooklyn-based artist John Clement. The bold primary colour invites children to interact with it.
“Each work is informed by the lineage of pieces, mine as well as others, that came before. All I can ask is that my process continues, further expanding my understanding of my own voice, and of the simplicity and beauty that lie in the three-dimensional composition of line and form that is sculpture.” – John Clement
Landlord Corner
Where we give you a tip from our lives: (Three families have owned 225 West 8th Avenue for over 30 years: The Altmans, the Koos and the Donaldsons).
As a group we have all been in various businesses and we all have grandchildren. Our interests as a group include travel, photography, food, sports, design, quilting, reading. These tips are designed for Vancouverites as well as any of you who are working remotely around the world; or for those who work at 225 but are new to Vancouver.
KOO: Kenny owns Identica, a branding strategy and design firm. He has offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong and from time to time works out of Suite Genius, 3rd floor.
Tip: One dining experience I highly recommend in our area is Dear Gus Snack Bar, owned by the daughter of a close friend. This cozy and intimate spot is gaining popularity as the go-to place for great snacks and drinks. It's definitely worth checking out.
Also a great winter heart warmer I’ve tried, both delicious and nourishing, is the perfect soup for the holiday season: Minestrone. Follow this recipe, and you will be in for a treat: https://asimplepalate.com/blog/hearty-italian-minestrone-soup/
DONALDSON: Lesley has managed the building for - well, a very long time! It has become like a second home to her and she hopes you notice the special touches.
If you want a light alternative for a Christmas dessert, bake my New Zealand pavlova. It is easy, fast and absolutely delicious.
3 egg whites
6 oz fine granulated (castor) sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tsp cornflour
1/2 tsp vinegar
Beat the egg whites until stiff. Continue beating, gradually adding the sugar. Beat until sugar is dissolved. At this stage the mixture should be very stiff and standing well in peaks. Fold in the vanilla, cornflour and vinegar. Spread the mixture in a circle (6 to 8:) on wax paper on a baking sheet, making the sides higher than the centre to form a shell. Place in a cool oven (310 degrees) for 1 hour 10 minutes.
The pavlova should be crisp and lightly tinted on the surface yet remain soft and the consistency of marshmallow in the centre. Cool and remove very carefully onto a tray (it WILL crack). Cover with whipped cream and fruit of your choice. Raspberries and strawberries, combined with pomegranate seeds make for a joyous visual combination; here is one with edible flowers (from Whole Foods) and banana.
ALTMANS: Farm-to-Plate Marketplace is a new community-based business where you can support local food producers and help the farmers in the process. They have a Mount Pleasant location. It is worth looking up: Farm-to-Plate Marketplace
Discover Farm-to-Plate Marketplace: A Community-Driven Food Revolution
Farm-to-Plate Marketplace is reshaping how communities access and share food. This virtual, pay-what-you-can farmers market connects local producers directly with consumers. Community members can order fresh, seasonal produce while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Farm-to-Plate empowers individuals to engage with their food system while addressing food insecurity. Community hubs, partner organizations, and volunteer-driven deliveries ensure that nutritious food reaches every corner of the community. By prioritizing local connections and reducing food waste, Farm-to-Plate Marketplace is transforming the food supply chain—one order at a time.
Learn more at Farm-to-Plate Marketplace.
TENANT CORNER
Tenants:
The District (Josh, Founder)
Suite Genius (Mitchell, Founder)
Red Hook (Chris, Co-founder)
Picture Shop (James, CEO)
FEATURED TENANT: Suite Genius
Suite Genius was founded by Mitchell Purdy in 2012 out of a small office space in Kitsilano in the Armoury District, sandwiched between art galleries and high end car dealerships. It was designed to be a welcoming and neighbourly coworking space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small teams looking to enhance their productivity and be part of a community. With locations in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Lower Lonsdale, they provide a convenient alternative to commuting downtown, allowing members to work closer to home.
Each location is thoughtfully designed, offering amenities like ergonomic workstations, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and premium coffee. The spaces feature natural light, inspiring views, and a comfortable atmosphere, whether it’s the airy Kitsilano site, the spacious Mount Pleasant hub, or the heritage-style Lower Lonsdale building with stunning city views.
The Mt. Pleasant location, is home to 250+ active members, 18 private offices and 27 dedicated desks. There are plenty of meeting rooms and a 40 person event space. Chris, the community manager, hosts regular Happy Hours and Waffle Fridays, bringing the members together and building the community.
Suite Genius fosters a strong sense of community through regular networking events, happy hours, and collaborative opportunities. Flexible membership options cater to individuals and teams, providing everything from shared desks to private offices. It’s an ideal space for those seeking a professional yet supportive work environment close to home.
Check out more on their website, www.suite-genius.com, and make sure to stop by for an upcoming community event soon!
New to or visiting Vancouver? Christmas at VanDusen Gardens
We know that some of our tenants have employees all over the world who visit Vancouver from time to time. We have also met some of you who are new to Vancouver. If you are one of those people, (or of course if you live in Vancouver but need reminding of some of its wonderful places), here is a recommendation:
VanDusen Gardens is 55 acres of magic on Oak Street. The gardens are divided into many different categories and attracts visitors from around the world. If you are interested in trees, plants or wildlife, it is a unique place to visit. At Christmas, they have a winter wonderland of lights in the most special areas of the garden.
Broadway Plan:
Have you read about the City’s Broadway Plan? It is a comprehensive plan to enhance the street over the next 30 years.
The Broadway Subway Project will add to the current public transportation options. It is a 5.7 km extension of the Millennium Line, from VCC-Clark Station to Broadway and Arbutus. It will provide fast, frequent and convenient SkyTrain service.
It opens in 2027. Here are some facts:
700 metres will be elevated, extending from VCC-Clark Station to a tunnel portal near Great Northern Way.
Five kilometres will be tunneled below the Broadway Corridor from Great Northern Way to Arbutus Street.
Six underground stations will connect communities and the region, including a direct underground connection to the Canada Line at Cambie Street.
The 99 B-Line bus service will connect from Arbutus Street to the University of British Columbia.
Let us introduce you to:
Chris Pereira
Community Manager at Suite Genius
Chris is the Community Manager for the Mount Pleasant Suite Genius. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, he joined the team in 2022, starting at the Kitsilano location before moving to Mount Pleasant in the spring. Chris helps create a friendly and supportive community for nearly 300 members to work and connect. When he’s not delivering mail or slinging waffles, Chris also works as an actor. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, great coffee, walks with his partner, and game nights with friends!
If you see him around, say hi!
