A Century of History:

Built in the 1920s, the iconic Ivey’s building has lived many lives, starting as a beloved department store, transforming into retail and condos, and eventually housing a luxury boutique hotel on its first two floors. Renovating the top floor condo of a 100-year-old historic landmark is no small feat, but we love bringing modern functionality to historic spaces.

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The Challenge: Squeezing It All In

Our client wanted to maximize the square footage of their top-floor unit, taking full advantage of the incredible 20-foot ceilings. We proposed adding a mezzanine level to accommodate another bedroom, a bathroom, and a lounge area. However, the building code restricted the new mezzanine to just 1/3 of the square footage of the floor below. Fitting the client's entire program into that footprint required some seriously clever space planning.

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Navigating Commercial Complexities

Because The Ivey’s is a mixed-use commercial building with a restaurant, a hotel, and condos on levels 2 through 6, this residential project required full adherence to the commercial building code. This meant navigating the complex design of fire-rated walls, ceilings, and components, as well as the intricate structural design of the new floor system. Upgrading the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for a residential unit with solid concrete floors, while being mindful of the occupied condo units directly below, presented a unique set of tricky hurdles.