Architects build legacy
Architect and engineer Bruce Abugov and architect Frank Kaspar are celebrating their 25th year in business together as Abugov-Kaspar Architecture.
The two actually began working together in 1985 when they were both employed by Abugov Associates, previously known as Abugov & Sunderland.
That partnership was responsible for a number of exciting Alberta projects, including the CN Tower in Edmonton, and major shopping centres such as Circle Park Mall in Saskatoon, Medicine Hat Mall and West Edmonton Mall.
Abugov and Kaspar appreciated each other’s talents and enjoyed working together. In 1989, they launched their own company with a new, younger image and began attracting new clients that have helped grow the company into one of this city’s most respected architectural, engineering and interior design firms.
And they didn’t lose touch with their original clients. Many of the projects it works with today are the result of many years of good creative service.
A good example is West Edmonton Mall owner Triple Five Corporation, which has contracted Abugov-Kaspar to take over prime consultant duties for its American dream Meadowlands project in New Jersey.
The centre has been in the works for several years but became mired in financing and design issues prior to Triple Five taking over the project. Abugov- Kaspar has addressed existing design issues and contributed new designs for a water park and indoor amusement park, along with a structure to connect the recreation facilities with the main shopping mall.
In Calgary it’s hard to wander anywhere without coming across an Abugov-Kaspar project.
Residential highrise developments include Sasso, Vetro and Castello while its Atlantic Avenue Art Block combines office, retail and art gallery.
During the ups and downs of cooler economic times, AbugovKaspar stayed alive and fully staffed thanks to some diverse international projects, including the Khanty-Mansysk Biathlon Centre in Russia and many other commercial projects from the U.S. to the Czech Republic, Taiwan and many other countries.
Back in Calgary, the firm designed the Golder and Epic buildings on Interplex Park and has been busy with a highly successful practice in aging care homes, such as the recently completed Walden Age Care in Calgary and Tudor Manor in Okotoks.
Over the years, it has earned a reputation as the go-to firm for adaptive reuse of historic buildings, transforming several along Stephen Avenue, Arts Central, and designed the recently completed Biscuit Block for Royop Development.
Located just north of the Stampede grounds on the corner of 11th Avenue and 4th Street S.W., the 1912 former Neilson’s Furniture warehouse has been transformed into a visually exciting contemporary commercial space boasting two additional storeys and an all-new entrance and elevator lobby.
Another fine example is the attractive two-tower complex now known as Pennwest Plaza. When Abugov-Kaspar took on the project for Centron Group it consisted of a tired old post office building along 9th Avenue across from the Grain Exchange building. Today, it’s one of the most attractive retail/office developments in the core.
Many accolades were also earned for the design of Gateway at Garrison Wood that incorporated retail below residential suites.
Bruce’s father Jack Abugov instructed him and Frank never to poach staff, instead moulding and supporting their own; a philosophy that has paid off over the past quarter century. Many of their employees have been part of the Abugov-Kaspar family for a long time; senior associate Dean Melnyk also worked with former owner, Jack starting as a printer of blue prints 45 years ago.
Golfers at the 6th annual Calgary Winnipeg Club golf tournament taking place June 19 at Sirocco Golf & Country Club, are assured once again of being able to enjoy the renowned, overflowing with onions hamburgers by Winnipeg’s famed Salisbury House Restaurant. Secure Energy has taken over sponsorship of the ‘must show’ for the informal organization made up of Calgary businessmen who hail from Manitoba.
Organizer Don Jakul, president of Stormtec Group of Companies, tells me he still has room for a couple of foursomes or combinations of single players. It’s a great event that has raised over $210,000 split between Winnipeg and Calgary charities.