VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Nanaimo development converts office space to living space
Nanaimo development converts office space to living space
Nanaimo development converts office space to living space
Thursday 29th August 2024
Discover how two young developers transformed an old office building into affordable housing units in Nanaimo. A story of innovation and resilience.
20 minutes
Inspiring
Innovative
Supportive
Informative
Encouraging
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Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Policy & Advocacy
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Get the buttons here!Turning Offices into Affordable Homes: A Nanaimo Success Story
Episode Overview
- Adrian and Fillah turned an old office building into 23 affordable housing units.
- The project faced challenges like meeting building codes and bureaucratic processes.
- Each unit is designed to be a self-contained, comfortable living space.
- Materials from the original office building were repurposed to keep costs low.
- The developers were motivated by their own struggles with finding affordable housing.
It's not about maximising dollars; it's about creating the most places that you can fit into an existing office space for people to live
Transforming an old office building into affordable housing is no small feat, but that's exactly what Adrian Vlasic and Fillah Karim have done with 420 Albert Street in Nanaimo. These two ambitious developers, both in their twenties, saw an opportunity where others saw an empty space. With the housing crisis at the forefront of many minds, their project offers a creative solution by converting a decades-old office building into 23 affordable housing units.
In this episode of People First Radio, Adrian and Fillah share their journey from conception to near-completion, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Adrian and Fillah talk about their initial motivation, which stemmed from their own struggles with finding affordable housing. They recognised the potential in an underutilised office building and decided to turn it into something meaningful.
The project wasn't without its hurdles – from navigating bureaucratic processes to ensuring the new units met building codes – but their determination saw them through. You'll hear about the meticulous planning that went into making sure each unit was not only affordable but also comfortable. From individual hot water tanks to fresh air systems, each unit is designed to be a self-contained 'box' offering privacy and comfort.
The duo also discuss how they managed to keep costs low by repurposing materials from the original office building, fostering a sense of community even before the first tenants move in. Adrian and Fillah's story is one of innovation and resilience, showing that with creativity and determination, it's possible to make a real impact on the housing crisis. If you're curious about how young entrepreneurs are tackling big issues, this episode is a must-listen.
Their journey might just inspire you to think differently about the spaces around you.