THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA immediate. “Instead of going down into a dark parkade, residents can just grab their bike and go,” he adds. “We’ve seen a real shift in how people get around, and that’s incredibly rewarding.” Empresa’s current project, Tallinn, represents both the company’s most ambitious undertaking and their most personal. Planned as a 55-unit purpose-built rental building in Victoria’s North Jubilee neighbourhood, Tallinn will include studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, along with three commercial spaces at grade. The project occupies a flatiron-shaped site long associated with the former Turner Building. “It’s probably one of the most recognizable derelict properties in Victoria,” Karl explains. “People have a real emotional connection to that corner.” Rather than erase the past, Empresa’s design pays homage to it. “We wanted the building to feel reminiscent of what was there before,” Karl says. “That flatiron shape is essential to the identity of the site.” The name Tallinn is a deliberate nod to Karl’s grandfather and his Estonian roots. “My grandfather built a project in Vancouver with the same name,” Karl says. “This is our way of honouring that legacy.” Plus, in collaboration with the City of Victoria, Empresa is also exploring the closure of a portion of Birch Street adjacent to the site, transforming it into a pedestrian plaza. “The idea is to create a gathering place,” Karl explains. “Somewhere that connects the building, the retail, and the neighbourhood in a meaningful way.” Across all their projects, Empresa emphasizes long-term partnerships. Cascadia Architects
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