Spring 2025
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 Spring 2025 Blog.
Welcome!
Most of you will know that we write three or four blogs a year to give you news about the neighbourhood and Vancouver and our tenancies. 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.
Spring has arrived in Vancouver. The numerous blooming cherry trees throughout the city light up our streets after a rainy snowy winter. I hope you and your families will soon enjoy the outdoors and that you (and your dogs) can take advantage of the park next door.
Lesley
(and landlord group Ken, David, Lauren)
Mount Pleasant named the 40th coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out, 2021
Building News:
As you know, Red Hook leave us at the end of August and we look forward to welcoming a new tenant. You will notice more activity from Picture Shop, Suite 102 on the Main Floor, as the company welcomes new people. We look forward to your meeting them at our annual Summer Deck Party.
Spring is The Time for Romance!
Life isn’t all about work and our building has been the location for at least one budding romance. Twenty years ago a young engineer from Kom Lynn (a previous tenant on the 2nd floor) met a young administrator from DH Marketing (on the 2nd floor) in the elevator. They exchanged pleasantries and two years later they married.
Neighbourhood Corner
Mount Pleasant is changing fast. We see it in our immediate neighbourhood on West Broadway (the Broadway Line) and in the numerous new restaurants and cafes within a few blocks from us. But near us is also Main Street and Olympic Village, both areas full of shops, boutiques and restaurants.
Here are two places we like:
Balconi Floral
On West 2nd Avenue and Yukon (422 W 2nd) is a really pretty flower shop. If you want to acknowledge a loved one or a dear friend this spring, pay them a visit. They sell floral bouquets as well as succulents and terrariums and other small gifts such as candles.
They also have everlasting bouquets (dried flowers) which are a popular choice now.
Desperate for a coffee? There are many great coffee shops within walking distance if you need a shot of caffeine. Most of you know Milano, half a block away opposite the park. It is a serious coffee place and they have multiple blends you can try. (Milano 156 West 8th).
Here are a few others within walking distance:
A little further away, but still within walking distance, is Kranky Cafe which also serves diner-style sandwiches and an all-day breakfast. In the summer you can also sit on the patio.
Kranky Cafe (228 E 4th Ave)
This cafe serves diner-style sandwiches and an all-day breakfast. In the summer you can also sit on the patio.
Modus (112 West Broadway)
On Broadway close by is Modus where you can buy an avocado toast (among other things) along with a coffee.
Fife Bakery (64 East 3rd Ave)
This is a tiny bakery and cafe on East 3rd. Perhaps better for a takeaway due to its size, so add a sourdough or cookies to your coffee and sit at Jonathan Rogers Park to people-watch.
Elysian (2301 Ontario Street)
Elysian’s owner couldn’t get a decent cappuccino so opened his own roaster and tasting room. There are several locations in the city but the one close to us is at 2301 Ontario Street. Pastries available.
New to or visiting Vancouver?
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Many cities around the world now celebrate the arrival of spring and cherry blossoms. Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Festival began in 2005 after Japan gifted 800 cherry trees to the city. There are now 40,000 cherry trees dotted around the city. Go to the website to discover the many events taking place throughout the city through to the end of April. Some of the highlights: the Sakura Days Japan Fair celebrating everything Japan. Or walk through David Lam Park at night to see the Blossoms After Dark. Performers, food trucks, and interactive activities are on site.
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.
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.
Tip: Lakeland Farms’ annual Abbotsford Tulip Festival is open to visitors for a month’s long celebration beginning on April 5.
Over 100 varieties of tulips are spread over 35 acres.
When: April 5 (tentative) until May 11, 2025
Where: 3663 Marion Rd., Abbotsford
Tickets: Tiered pricing options for weekdays and weekends. On sale one week before festival opens, purchase online.
ALTMANS: (Lauren)
Check out the Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions Cocktail Bar and Grill on West 6th. Here’s a Vancouver Sun review from 2022.
Vegetable Garden Planting
Last year we started our vegetable garden on the 4th floor (south) deck. Many thanks to Josh, The District, for lending us his space to benefit all of us. Last year we grew tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. We also grew an assortment of herbs and planted two apple trees. During the summer months, we harvest our produce and distribute to each tenant. Of course everything is organic, tended lovingly by our gardener, Irfan.
We have over 8 planters and hope some of you come to look forward to our weekly distribution. Home-grown produce, especially tomatoes, definitely do taste better than store-bought. It doesn’t hurt, especially in today’s economic environment, that everything is free: from our place to yours, with love.
Let us introduce you to:
Rory Matheson
Rory is the head of partnerships at The District and has been working with them for over a decade. Originally from England he moved to Canada in 2011 to learn to snowboard and take a break from the hecticness of London. That initial 6 month stint has turned into 14 years and counting! Outside of work he enjoys staying active and exploring the beautiful scenery of BC, hoppy craft beers, and shamelessly posing for pics with friends dogs.
If you see him around, say hi!
