AN URBAN HUB
Ace on The Drive embraces neighbourhood's unique, vibrant culture
In 2020, the Lonely Planet travel guide named Commercial Drive one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. That, of course, will come as no surprise to those who know it. The Drive is 22 blocks of vibrant culture exhibited in the array of coffee bars, restaurants, nightlife venues, boutiques, and all the everyday services an urban hub requires.
So, once Wesgroup Properties decided to develop the site on the corner of 12th Avenue and Commercial, right in the heart of The Drive, they knew the building not only had to fit into the neighbourhood, but it should reflect that same sensibility inside the residences that the homeowners find captivating about the Drive itself. Thus, Ace came to life.
“When Wesgroup was designing it, I would say it was more us wanting to stay true to the East Van lifestyle,” recalls Joey Coupland, vice-president of sales for Wesgroup Properties. “It's a storied history on the Drive, and we wanted to embrace that and maintain that authenticity. So, that is what we incorporated into our homes
and the amenities.”
For Allison Mark, senior design manager at Wesgroup Properties, the location and imagining who would be drawn to it, was the inspiration for her interior design of the one, two and three-bedroom
homes.
“I wanted to make sure the design was approachable and not stuffy but also setting us apart from other projects out there and making us more unique (and) also, just considering the old-world charm
of living on the Drive which is what appeals to a lot of people living there,” Mark explains.
The residences were designed, Mark says, to maximize the efficient and effective use of space, like integrated appliances and Lazy
Susan corner cabinet organizers, while incorporating open shelving for a contemporary feel.
Mark says her approach was, “What can we do that's more but still won't date itself?” The result is a modern but classic esthetic enhanced by bold touches. Countertops are quartz, and cabinets are sleek (black or a soft white hue) with soft close mechanisms, all of which are complemented by a striking herringbone-patterned backsplash and leather pulls on the lower cabinetry. Mark adds that the full-sized pantries enhance the look and functionality of the kitchens.