One Wall Centre | 149.8m | 48fl | Completed

[Metro-One]

Fantastic update, it really is a fantastic make over! How much the new glass covers up the white blinds makes all the difference.

[Spork]

Looks fantastic! I'm excited for the finished product.

[Architype]

Evening view from the West End a few days ago:

(photo by me)

[Jimbo604]

Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Wall_Centre says 17 floors of residential. At six units per floor that would be 102 units. And it says the cost of the window replacement is around 6.5million.

A little quick math on the figures from these sources:
$6.5m / 102 = $63,725 possible cost per suite.

Not cheap... but from Klazu is sounds like they are doing a quality job on a tough project.

You can buy into the building now if you want, there's a 1172 sq ft suite going for $1,000,000 on MLS currently.

[Dylan Leblanc]

Fantastic photos Klaus!

[Klazu]

@Architype: Excellent photo!

@Jimbo604: There are only 74 units in the building. Most of the floors are just four units per floor.

[Jimbo604]

Originally Posted by Klazu

@Jimbo604: There are only 74 units in the building. Most of the floors are just four units per floor.

So $6,500,000 / 74 = $87,838 aprox possibly per unit. Lotta $$$.

[Jebby]

Originally Posted by Jimbo604

So $6,500,000 / 74 = $87,838 aprox possibly per unit. Lotta $$$.

I think Wall was chipping in a large portion of the costs.

[Klazu]

Today the stage was lowered down to the 42th floor, so 5 floors are ready now.

Personal impressions of the new windows after living one week with them:

- No way to see inside. The glass is like a mirror.
- Very clear view looking from inside. The fabulous views are not impacted by the very slightly darker glass at all.
- The glass seems to match the old one and the final results will look awesome.
- Inside temperature doesn't seem to raise much on a sunny day. This was the major point for the whole project.
- I can't tell any difference in the level of street noise. It feels exactly the same as it was (which was not an issue for us).
- Very happy with the project and how it has been executed.

[TwoFace]

Thanks for the photo documentary.
Pretty pricy for a few degrees less though.

[Calgarian]

That looks so much better, this tower definitely works better with dark glass.

[Jebby]

Originally Posted by TwoFace

Thanks for the photo documentary.
Pretty pricy for a few degrees less though.

Think about the savings over the next 30 years from reduced air conditioning usage, not just in energy costs but maintenance and replace ent of the air conditioning units.

[Alex Mackinnon]

Originally Posted by Jebby

Think about the savings over the next 30 years from reduced air conditioning usage, not just in energy costs but maintenance and replace ent of the air conditioning units.

I like to think of it more as how much money and time was wasted arguing over the colour that led to this situation in the first place.

It's a good thing you're renting Klazu.

[TwoFace]

Originally Posted by Jebby

Think about the savings over the next 30 years from reduced air conditioning usage, not just in energy costs but maintenance and replace ent of the air conditioning units.

The math doesn't work.

Even if you saved $100 a month in costs, it would only be $36,000 in 30 years.

[officedweller]

There's the intangible cost/value of satisfying the comfort of the high-end owners.

[s211]

Originally Posted by officedweller

There's the intangible cost/value of satisfying the comfort of the high-end owners.

And marketability of the property. With the problem solved, hopefully the stigma goes away.

[Klazu]

There has been a stigma on marketing One Wall Centre?

My assessment is that despite being a landmark tower, it is a hidden gem and a bargain. Most units only cost around 1-2 million and I think the most expensive one is around 5 million. That is not much compared to many new same standard developments around Downtown. It's of course an older building (2001), but it has an absolutely great location, all the units offers one of the best views in town, all units are spacious (1200sqf+), there are at least 2 parking stalls per unit, concierge is top-notch, the amenities are broad and Sheraton hotel offers all kinds of benefits as well.

If I would be crazy enough to buy real estate in Vancouver, I would definitely be looking to One Wall Centre. But I am not that crazy, that I would be buying anything in this city...

[officedweller]

The main downside would be the lack of outdoor space.
I think most buyers nowadays look for some patio or balcony space.

I recall that it was one of the first condo towers to have gas stoves.

[Klazu]

I agree that a balcony would be nice, but how often do people really use one? Almost all Downtown towers have balconies, but it is quite rare to see people out there enjoying them. Mostly they seem like an extra place to store your junk.

A rooftop patio would be great, just like Melville has. The small park in front of the tower is nice, but not private and Burrards traffic noise doesn't make it that enjoyable, although otherwise it is nicely planned and maintained.

Interesting piece of information regarding the gas stoves.

[spm2013]

Originally Posted by TwoFace

The math doesn't work.

Even if you saved $100 a month in costs, it would only be $36,000 in 30 years.

Who says it's $100