The Urban Land Institute has chosen two Ledcor Group projects, the Marine Gateway in Vancouver and West Don Lands in Toronto, as winners of the 2017-2018 Global Awards of Excellence.
ULI’s excellence program recognizes projects around the world that represent the highest standard of achievement in the development industry. Aside from good design, nominees are judged based on leadership, community contribution, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental preservation and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial success.
All types of projects can be nominated, including office, residential, urban/mixed use, industrial/office park, commercial/retail, new community, rehabilitation, public and heritage projects.
For 2017 to 2018, ULI has awarded thirteen projects particularly eight from the United States, two from Canada, two from Asia and one in Europe. Before 2017, only five Canadian projects had been selected in the past 15 years.
PCI Developments’ Marine Gateway is Vancouver’s first transit-oriented, mixed-used development that directly connects two major transit stations, Marine Drive Canada Line and South Vancouver bus loop. The 830,000 sq. ft. project comprised by several structures was designed by Perkins+Will and built by Ledcor.
Aside from being an LEED Gold certified project recognized for its district energy system and ambient-loop technology, the Marine Gateway was recognized by ULI for generating over 2,000 jobs and increasing public transit ridership by 2 million trips every year.
Meanwhile, West Don Lands is a 42-acre project developed by a collaboration of Toronto Community Housing, Urban Capital, Dream Unlimited and Kilmer Group. Built by Ledcor and EllisDon Inc., the pedestrian-focused community was presented an award for innovation, sustainability and social contribution.
“We are extremely proud to be associated with both of Canada’s 2017 ULI finalists and award winners,” said Ledcor president Peter Hrdlitschka. “Both clients and their design teams visualized innovative mixed-use real estate development projects that would fundamentally transform two very different global city neighbourhoods. We are pleased to have helped their visions be actualised.”
