It is rare to see a building so unique it stops you in your tracks. It is even more rare to see one that is affordable, liveable and on the cusp of a bustling downtown core.
Enter the Jukebox, a residence that’s designed to shock and awe from the moment you step into its internationally inspired lobby. The Jukebox combines meticulous detail with creativity and vibrancy to produce an enviable living space that is increasingly rare in today’s architectural landscape.
“You are always surprised when you come into our units, there is always a lot of unique touches,” says Fraser McColl, renowned B.C. developer and co-founder of Jukebox. “We don’t believe in trends, we believe in long lasting buildings.”
Fraser McColl, alongside business partner and creative double Don Charity, have become notable figures in the local development scene for their distinct, innovative building designs that are both functional and wildly diverse.
Their company was responsible for the design-driven Mosaic Portland and The Reef in James Bay. However, they are most proud of the positive cumulative effect their three projects—The Mosaic, The Jigsaw and 1084-1090 Fort Street—had on the 1100 block of Fort Street, now known as the Mosaic block.
Charity and McColl have built a reputation for undertaking projects that not only benefit the community and culture of an area, but also consider individual needs and flexible options for residents.
Of the 220 plus units in the concrete-built Jukebox, there are 125 unique floorplans, all complemented by the buildings varied stylistic inspirations like bright colours, winding hallways and one-of-a-kind interior finishes.
The building boasts a 2000-square-foot, state-of-the-art gym which opens out to an exterior Zen garden. The Jukebox offers plenty of parking for its inhabitants but, given its central location, almost all necessities are within walking distance.
Located at View and Vancouver street, the building is close enough to the hustle and bustle of downtown, with so many shops and local attractions steps away, but is also located on a quiet, tree-lined side street.
By bike, Jukebox is only five minutes to the beaches of Dallas Road and ten minutes-walk to the buzz of the Inner Harbour. Nearby, you can find London Drugs, The Market on Yates, Picnic Too, Ox King Noodles, JJ Wonton Noodle House, Lund’s Auctions, as well as all the great coffee shops and the many restaurants and boutiques of Upper Fort Street.
One of the greatest benefits of the Jukebox is that it is an affordable option that caters to a clientele who wants something turn-key but also cozy and tranquil. The average square footage in the building is 500 and the units still available range from $315,000 to the low $500,000’s. The majority of units remaining are one-bedroom.
“Most of our units are very affordable as well as being livable. They have low strata fees and in the Jukebox, the heat and hot water are included in the strata costs,” says McColl. “Despite the fact that our buildings are all very modern, they all have very great attention to detail, both on the interior and exterior of the buildings and feature a real interesting use of materials.”
That use of materials is easily noticeable on the building’s façade, incorporating stylish glass exterior for a funky, decorative impression that leaves many passerby’s stopping for a second glance. A phenomenon that has caught on to almost all the developments Charity and McColl have partnered on as each building has the propensity to become a spectacle. And they have plenty more ideas for the years to come.
“We have a new project that we will be bringing to the corner, right next door to the Jukebox, which will hopefully be in excess of fourteen stories,” says Charity.
That future building, labelled as the Ventana, will come with a lap pool, fitness centre and other amenities. The parking will be connected to the Jukebox building.
Future projects aside, what is clear from both Charity and McColl is their commitment to pushing the envelope and always striving for exceptional, incomparable creations that add excitement and allure to every new area they develop.
