their firm is their ability to think outside the box,” Bryce explains. “They come up with very creative solutions to unique challenges. They are perfect for that kind of site. They knew what would work, they knew what kind of density we needed to get to, but they knew we didn’t want to get into high-rise building measures. They came up with a concept that checked all the boxes.” Together, Alston and 5468792 came up with a proposal that council accepted. Over three phases, they would restore the pump house and build three mixed-use buildings on the east and west ends of the parcel. Bryce believes that Alston’s proposal succeeded where others failed because of how well it fit into the area: “We had a well-conceived concept that suited the neighbourhood,” he explains. “We weren’t proposing to build a 24-storey tower on top of the building, which a previous developer was looking at doing – that was really pushing the envelope as far as what contextually fits within that area, and we weren’t looking to do that.” Bryce also believes that Alston Properties’ reputation went a long way: “The city knew we had the capability to do the project,” he says. “They had seen what we were doing with the Porter Building. They knew our track record from out west. And they knew we were financially capable of doing it as well. They took a chance on us, for sure, but they had a good sense that we’d be able to see it through and get it done.” ALSTON PROPERTIES
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