Gordon Nelson Completes Renovations at 2254 Cornwall Avenue Apartment Building Lowering Emissions While Housing 24% More Tenants

Vancouver, B.C., December 2011 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings and Ocean Village, a resort in Tofino, BC, is pleased to announce the completion of a ten month extensive renovation at 2254 Cornwall Avenue.  “We are very excited about offering Vancouver renters newly renovated affordable suites with breath taking views in the heart of Kitsilano,” says Jason Gordon.

As part of the project to improve efficiency and extend the life of the building, extensive renovations were done on the exterior of the building.  The entire east wall was repaired: failed stucco removed, rotted structural timber replaced, new closed cell spray foam insulation installed, rain screening and stucco added.  “The new insulation meets the strict City of Vancouver green requirements of R-22 and is more than a 60% improvement over the original insulation,” says Chris Nelson.

The interior of the building was completely overhauled from top to bottom.  The original heat and hot water system was replaced, including the associated boiler and chimney.  “This new system requires 10% of the area of the original system allowing for the addition of rental space at the building while consuming approximately 40% less energy” says Chris Nelson.

The kitchen and living space of each unit was reconfigured into an open area concept.  Each unit now has new high gloss white cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances (including dishwashers), under mount sinks and new lighting.  The living areas all have new laminate floors and new 4″ baseboard moldings.  The bathrooms were taken back to the studs and new bathtubs, sinks, low flow toilets, porcelain floor and shower surround tiles were added.  The electrical system was upgraded in every unit and the common areas were re-configured in order to provide improved life safety.   Common areas also received new carpet, paint, bike storage and a gym.

In four units, Gordon Nelson worked with the City of Vancouver to increase the number of bedrooms.  With the completion of the renovation, 2254 Cornwall Ave is now positioned to provide safer accommodation with a lower carbon footprint to 24% more renters in the world-class kits beach location.

For rental enquires please call 604-725-5437 or email pm@gordonnelsoninc.com. 

About Gordon Nelson Inc.

Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the City of Vancouver.  All buildings are within blocks of the beach, parks, jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental, structural and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives.  Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities. Gordon Nelson also owns and operates Ocean Village, a 53-unit beachfront resort on beautiful MacKenzie Beach, a short drive from Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877

Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download the press release here: 2254 Cornwall Restoration Complete.

Gordon Nelson Acquires 1075 Burnaby Street Apartment Building

Vancouver, B.C., January 11, 2010 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings, is pleased to announce that on November 12, 2009 they have acquired an apartment building located at 1075 Burnaby Street.

Marking Gordon Nelson’s fifth investment in the west end of Vancouver, 1075 Burnaby Street represents a combination of an excellent location only steps from beaches, parks, shopping, entertainment and downtown jobs plus an opportunity to create new rental units by utilizing excess basement storage space.   The basement level contains storage rooms with 14-foot ceilings and several windows, which provides a natural space to create new rental units.

The building contains bachelor, one and two bedroom apartments and common laundry.

“The central west end location and thousands of square feet of excess building area make this building an ideal investment,” stated Chris Nelson, “ we plan to meet with the City of Vancouver and develop plans to see the creation of twenty to thirty new rental units over the next several months.”

For rental enquires please call 604-725-5437 or email pm@gordonnelsoninc.com.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.

Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the City of Vancouver.  All buildings are within blocks of the beach, parks, jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental, structural and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives.  Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877

Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download the press release here: 1075 Burnaby Acquisition Jan. 2010

Gordon Nelson Acquires 2254 Cornwall Avenue Apartment Building

Vancouver, B.C., March 22, 2011 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings and Ocean Village, a resort in Tofino, BC, is pleased to announce that on December 15, 2010 they have acquired an apartment building located at 2254 Cornwall Avenue.

Marking Gordon Nelson’s first investment in Kitsilano, 2254 Cornwall represents a world-class location with breathtaking views of English Bay and Kits Beach.  In addition, the building is conveniently located with immediate access to the beach, park and public pool amenities. There are also great shopping options on west 4th avenue in Capers Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Market Meats and others as well as great restaurants and pubs in Local Public Eatery, Hapa Izakaya, Kings Head Pub, Las Margaritas, and others.

The building contains one, two and three bedroom apartments and offers parking and common laundry.

“The proximity to downtown and transit, combined with amazing views and access to the beach, pool and restaurants make this building extremely desirable,” stated Chris Nelson.

For rental enquires please call 604-725-5437 or email pm@gordonnelsoninc.com.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.
Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the City of Vancouver.  All buildings are within blocks of the beach, parks, jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental, structural and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives.  Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities. Gordon Nelson also owns and operates Ocean Village, a 53-unit beachfront resort on beautiful MacKenzie Beach, a short drive from Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877
Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download the press release here: 2254 Cornwall Acquisition Mar 22

Gordon Nelson Denied Right to Invest in Life Safety and Environmental Upgrades

Vancouver, B.C., February 23, 2011 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings, had received all its necessary permits to commence restoration and refurbishment work at its 1436 Pendrell Street apartment building in an effort to protect, enhance and extend its buildings’ useful life through investments in life safety and environmental upgrades. A February 15th ruling from the Residential Tenancy Branch denied Gordon Nelson the right to safely complete the construction at its building.

Since day one, Gordon Nelson has told the tenants it plans to renovate the building. Unfortunately the tenants have attempted to intimidate and extort Gordon Nelson to prevent the work from proceeding. Gordon Nelson has attempted to negotiate a delay in the renovations, offer excess compensation and relocation time and assistance. At one point Gordon Nelson even agreed to loan hundreds of thousands of dollars to the tenants to buy the building. When permits were delayed because of concerns from the City of Vancouver due to life safety upgrade requirements, Gordon Nelson applied for an above guideline rent increase. Finally in September of last year all the permits were received from the City and notices to end tenancy provided.

“If we can not safely invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to upgrade a building, then the rental situation in BC is in very dangerous waters,” states Chris Nelson. 1436 Pendrell Street is over 75 years old. Its electrical original, its design does not meet current fire safety requirements and there are little or no life safety systems. The outcome of this ruling is that buildings will not be upgraded and potentially tenants’ lives put at unnecessary risk.

The long, loud battle at 1436 Pendrell Street on the surface appears to be ambitious young owners trying to ring every last dollar out of hard done by tenants – when in reality it is about why there have been almost no rental apartments built in the West End for a generation. The rental stock is primarily old buildings that inefficiently spew carbon into the atmosphere and have floor plans designed for a population 1/20th of Vancouver’s today.

When developers and building owners are prevented from earning what local citizens collectively have determined shelter and services are worth, the only way more affordable rental apartments will be created is by government. Our local civic and provincial leaders have been diligent in pushing such projects, but it is not enough. Just this week Vancouver was once again named the most livable city in the entire world. People from areas of the world with less opportunity will continue to move here. Our city has excellent building professionals, planners and developers. Gordon Nelson believes we should encourage, direct and support these individuals to build and enhance rental buildings. So far this hasn’t been done because politically it’s too difficult to tell a few loud individuals their rent subsidy has come to an end.

“We are on the front lines creating winning solutions for all in both of these local, societal challenges. Since first purchasing 1436 Pendrell Street two and half years ago, we have successfully worked with the City of Vancouver to build four new wheelchair accessible apartments at our 1133 Barclay Street building and are nearing construction of 32 rental units in another West End building. In all of these cases we worked with the tenants and local stakeholders to craft reasonable compromises,” states Jason Gordon.

Gordon Nelson has sold 1436 Pendrell Street. “To the new owners we wish them all the best. To the tenants – we wish guidance, perspective and self-awareness. To build strong, safe communities all need to be involved and occasionally comprise.” says Jason Gordon.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.
Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the amazing West End of Vancouver. All buildings are within blocks of the beach, Stanley Park, downtown jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives. Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877
Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download the press release here: Feb 23 Press Release

Overview:

By way of background, the apartment building located at 1436 Pendrell Street, Vancouver, BC, is a unique 1930s era heritage building. It is constructed of heavy timber frame and clad in brick and stone. It is currently registered as a heritage B building by the City of Vancouver.

Common areas feature wide oversized hallways, high ceilings, a skylight, seating areas, molding and original stained wood doors.

The units possess features such as large double glazed windows, original inlaid hardwood floor, high ceilings, built-in storage, molding, original doors and door hardware, electric fireplaces, art deco light fixtures, formal living and breakfast nooks, large bedrooms with walk-in closets and several storage closets.

Kitchens are original and feature built-in cabinets, electric stoves and fridges.

Bathrooms are original and feature art deco tile, large basins and cast iron tubs.

Residents are provided access to coin operated Maytag front loading, high efficiency laundry, bike and general storage lockers, six parking spots and a landscaped front yard. The building’s electrical is over 70 years old and original. The boiler is old and inefficient. Rent includes heat and hot water.

All of Gordon Nelson Inc.’s apartment buildings are pet friendly, including dogs.

1436 Pendrell Street offers above ground parking.

View All Vacancies

History:

1436 Pendrell Street was built in the 1930’s and designed by W.M. Dodd & Co. Architects for owners John Galloway & Sons. William Marshall Dodd designed several residential and commercial buildings throughout western Canada.  For more information on Mr. Dodd please click here.  It is located in Vancouver’s West End district. The building is known as Seafield Apartment. In July 2008, Gordon Nelson Inc. bought this over 75 year old apartment building and as of September 2010 has all the required building, plumbing, electrical and fire sprinkler permits to complete the restoration and refurbishment of the entire building.

Read more Vancouver West End History

UPDATE:

Gordon Nelson to Invest in Safety and Energy Efficiency

Gordon Nelson Invests in Safety and Energy Efficiency

Vancouver, B.C., December 5, 2010 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings, has received all its necessary permits to commence restoration and refurbishment work at its 1436 Pendrell Street apartment building in an effort to protect, enhance and extend its buildings’ useful life. At over 75 years old, the building is at the end of its economic life.

Over the next several months the 1930s era electrical system will be replaced and upgraded to meet current electrical code. In addition, electrical capacity will be increased meeting modern standards while improving functionality and safety. A new modern fire alarm and fire sprinkler system installed further increasing life safety. Proper venting and exhausting added to each bathroom and kitchen eliminating persistent mold issues and the original inefficient and centrally controlled gas-fired boiler radiator heating system replaced with modern, individually metered electric heaters. In addition, the central gas-fired domestic hot water system will be replaced with individually metered electric hot water tanks. Finally, each unit will have its kitchen and bathroom cleared and replaced with new modern energy efficient appliances and fixtures and its walls and floors repaired or replaced.

Through a combination of new, modern energy systems and individual metering and consumption controls, Gordon Nelson expects the energy consumption at the building to be reduced 25% and green house gas emissions to be reduced 32%. “Our experience demonstrates that replacing central with individual systems promotes disciplined consumption of energy,” says Chris Nelson.

In order to complete the refurbishments, notices to end tenancy were provided to 11 of the 14 units in the building. Tenants have been offered two free months rent plus $1,000 moving costs and a waiver from their annual allowable rent increases, in total worth approximately $5,000. In the case of the one tenant experiencing health challenges we have offered the above plus a $400/month rent subsidy indefinitely to move into a brand new handicap access two bedroom at a cost to the company of $100,000.

A review of the information available on the tenants in the building suggests that they are of substantial income and asset means to make the transition to other rental units. “While we have heard our tenants complain to the media that they are of limited means over the past couple of years, a review of the tenants information suggests otherwise as these doctorates, an architect, massage therapist, and renowned food and wine critic have income that in some cases exceed $100,000, travel internationally, collect rare art and own a $500,000+ vacation home on Hornby Island,” says Jason Gordon.

“With our large investment we are bringing this building into the 21st century. We are going to preserve its heritage beauty while providing safe, energy efficient and affordable accommodation for many more decades,” states Jason Gordon.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.
Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the amazing West End of Vancouver. All buildings are within blocks of the beach, Stanley Park, downtown jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives. Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877
Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download press release here: Dec 4th Safety and Energy

Gordon Nelson Ends Tenancy at 1436 Pendrell Street for Security and Maintenance Concerns and to Make Way for Onsite Caretaker and Manager

Vancouver, B.C., September 10, 2010 – In order to deal with increasing day-to-day maintenance requests, security concerns and our eventual building refurbishment, Gordon Nelson issued a notice to end tenancy to an upper floor unit at its 1436 Pendrell Street rental apartment building to make way for its property manager to live onsite.  Dr. Moore, an economist and professor at Simon Fraser University, and Ms. Brandt, a TV producer, currently occupy the unit.  An employee of Gordon Nelson will occupy the unit once vacated and provide onsite caretaking and management.  Gordon Nelson’s employee is a valued long-term employee and someone who, among other requirements, provides respite care to four foster children.

As required under the Residential Tenancy Act, Dr. Moore and Ms. Brandt receive one free month’s rent and have received two months notice.  In addition, they were offered flexibility on timing, a two-bedroom apartment in another Gordon Nelson building at a discounted rent and additional compensation to cover their reasonable moving costs to assist in the transition.

During negotiations on September 8, 2010 with Ms. Brandt, she pressed for additional compensation and more time without being specific as to what would make her and Dr. Moore happy.  It now appears that they gone to the media to extract more compensation.  “We will not be intimidated by Dr. Moore and Ms. Brandt who earn in excess of $150,000 a year by extortion tactics played out in the media and online to shake us down for excessive additional compensation,” states Mr. Gordon.

As Dr. Moore and his wife are aware, several tenants at the building have repeatedly portrayed they are not satisfied with the level of maintenance and security at the building.  In addition, as these tenants are also aware, Gordon Nelson plans to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating and restoring its 75-year-old heritage apartment building in the short-medium term and will require an onsite manager to oversee and assist during the renovation and restoration.  In fact, they have received generous compensation for restriction in services related to preliminary renovation work at the building and aware of the ongoing renovations to the vacant unit number two.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.

Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the amazing West End of Vancouver.  All buildings are within blocks of the beach, Stanley Park, downtown jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives.  Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877

Please visit: gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download Press Release Here: Sept 10 Press Release (PDF)

Gordon Nelson Builds Four New Market Rental Units

Vancouver, B.C., August 1, 2010 – Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”), an owner of several West End apartment buildings, spent the last 18 months working with the City of Vancouver to creatively convert excess boiler, laundry and storage room space as well as reclaim unusable parking space to create four new market rental units including three new handicap accessible family units.

As part of the project, the old original inefficient asbestos containing boiler was replaced with two new state-of-the-art IBC Technologies high efficiency boilers. The new boilers provide energy for the entire building with a 30-40% energy reduction while taking up 15% of the space. In addition, green house gases (“GHGs”) are estimated to have been reduced 40%. “Over the past 60 years boiler technology has clearly improved – dramatically saving energy while reducing GHG emissions. When combined with the option to free up space for new rental units, the investment made a lot of sense,” says Chris Nelson.

The entire building has now been refurbished, protecting, enhancing and extending its useful life. During 2008 and 2009 a complete renovation and restoration was completed on the other 27 market rental apartment units. Kitchens and bathrooms were cleared, walls removed, electrical systems upgraded and single glazed windows were replaced with double-glazed low-E energy star windows. “Our building will now be able to provide safe, energy efficient and affordable accommodation for many more decades, “ says Jason Gordon.

Gordon Nelson believes that the most effective solution to West End affordability requires creative supply side solutions. “Gordon Nelson effectively and creatively identified a much higher and better use of several excess spaces that when combined resulted in four new units,” says Stuart Howard, Gordon Nelson’s architect on the project.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.
Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the amazing West End of Vancouver. All buildings are within blocks of the beach, Stanley Park, downtown jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives. Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities. Gordon Nelson also owns and operates Ocean Village, a 53-unit beachfront resort on beautiful MacKenzie Beach, a short drive from Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877
Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download Press Release Here: Aug 1, 2010 New Rental Suites

Gordon Nelson Investments Inc. Changes Name to Gordon Nelson Inc. to Better Reflect its Broad Range of Businesses

Vancouver, B.C., July 15, 2010 – Gordon Nelson Investments Inc. has changed its name to Gordon Nelson Inc. (“Gordon Nelson”). Gordon Nelson felt that the “investments” description was no longer appropriate given the wide range of operations and investments.

Gordon Nelson’s operations and investments include the following:

Vancouver, BC
Rental Apartment Buildings:

• 1057 Barclay Street, 29 units
• 1133 Barclay Street, 31 units
• 1075 Burnaby Street, 20 units
• 1209 Jervis Street, 45 units
• 1436 Pendrell Street, 14 units
• More information can be found at www.gordonnelsoninc.com

Internet Technology and Software:

• Unbounce Marketing Solutions, a self-serve hosted service that provides marketers doing paid search, banner ads, email or social media marketing, the easiest way to create, publish & test promotion specific landing pages without the need for IT or developers.
• More information can be found at www.unbounce.com

Tofino, BC
Vacation Resort:

• Ocean Village, a 53-unit beachfront resort nestled comfortably on beautiful MacKenzie Beach, a short drive from the picturesque village of Tofino, BC on the coast of Vancouver Island.
• More information can be found at www.oceanvillageresort.com

Gordon Nelson is actively searching for additional opportunities in commercial real estate and Internet technology and software companies throughout BC.

About Gordon Nelson Inc.
Gordon Nelson is an investment and property management and ownership company based in Vancouver BC. Gordon Nelson is a family owned and operated business that accommodates over 200 tenants over five apartment buildings in the amazing West End of Vancouver. All buildings are within blocks of the beach, Stanley Park, downtown jobs, shopping and entertainment. Gordon Nelson has invested millions of dollars in safety, environmental and other upgrades over the past several years to protect, enhance and extend its buildings useful lives. Gordon Nelson is proud to support numerous West End and lower mainland charities. Gordon Nelson also owns and operates Ocean Village, a 53-unit beachfront resort on beautiful MacKenzie Beach, a short drive from Tofino, BC on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Contact: Jason Gordon at 604-760-0848 or Chris Nelson at 604-318-6877
Please visit: www.gordonnelsoninc.com for more information.

Download Press Release Here: Name Change July 15, 2010

Brand new units.  All units are large, bright and the layouts are open offering flexible living. Each unit is approximately 800 sqft.

Kitchens feature new cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel sinks, Delta pull-out faucets, Maytag and Frigidaire stainless steel appliances (including a dishwasher and gas range), Italian porcelain tiles on the floor, subway style glass tiles on the back splash and a stainless steel exhaust fan.

The living space is bright and open and features new laminate floors stained chocolate brown, 4” white baseboards, new hardware on all doors, 2” venetian blinds and designer Benjamin Moore paint. All the lighting is modern and new.

The bathrooms feature full height ceilings, new exhaust fans, modern lighting, and mirrored vanities. The toilets are low flow and new and match the new pedestal sink with designer Delta faucets. The walls are painted with designer Benjamin Moore paint. The tub surround was re-tiled and includes a marble tile detail.

The building’s plumbing and electrical are all new to offer peace of mind living.

Hot water is included in rent.  24/7 laundry in the building.

Parking is available at the building. If you do not own a car or want to save money and the environment, there are three zipcar’s available for use at our neighbouring building 1131 Barclay Street. Please see: http://www.zipcar.com/vancouver/find-cars. The West End also offers a good selection of permit parking spots.  Annual permit fees are $68 or only $5.70/month.  For more information click here.

For more information or to book a tour, please call 604-725-5437 or toll free 877-219-7525.

Sample Unit Photos (Units ready July 1st):

Layout*:

* Please note that the units are rented unfurnished and that the actual layouts may vary.

Location:

1133 Barclay Street is well located in the heart of downtown Vancouver with the financial center and shopping and entertainment options all within blocks. One block to Robson Street shopping, IGA grocery store, Lord Roberts elementary school, St. Paul’s Hospital, Famous Players movie theatre, Starbucks, Earls restaurant, the new Nelson Park (includes a dog park) and only minutes to English Bay’s Sunset Beach. Everything is walking distance or as can be seen below this is a “Walkers’ Paradise”. For more information on the amazing West End amenities, please click here.

Moving Resources:
Moving can be stressful at the best of times, please check out this handy resource for moving information. Click here for more information.