How many house-warming parties have you heard of where the mayor stops by? When your “house warming” is the official opening of your newest Living Room Presentation Centre, having Mayor Jim Watson help with the ribbon cutting is all part of the celebration!
Because our Living Rooms really are like homes — they are, after all, refurbished houses in well-established neighbourhoods — the opening IS like a house warming.
Our latest Living Room is the third one we’ve created. More than 50 staff, trade partners, clients, neighbours, friends and family helped celebrate with us on a beautiful afternoon June 7 as we gathered in the Glebe at the corner of Bronson and Powell avenues. Enjoying food, refreshments and a few words, owners Steve Barkhouse and Kirk Haw were joined by the mayor to cut the ribbon and officially open the office.
The circa 1930s home is a typical two-and-a-half-storey Glebe home that we have completely revitalized and updated. The main floor, which remains sympathetic to a traditional Glebe style, offers a home-like meeting space for clients to discuss their own renovation projects as well as providing work space for our staff.
At the same time, it serves as an example of the quality and detailed workmanship that Amsted offers.
“This is our showhouse,” says designer Chris Mulholland, whose input on the home’s exterior has resulted in cladding that transitions smoothly from a traditional front façade on Powell (to blend easily with its neighbours), to a contemporary approach facing Bronson that is in keeping with the more commercial approach favoured by the city for a commercial space.
It was Chris, incidentally, who came up with the idea of calling our satellite offices Living Rooms. The first was built in Westboro on Highland Avenue and the second in New Edinburgh on Springfield Road.
“Our Living Rooms are unique in North America,” says Steve, who is Amsted’s president. Much like the idea of a builder model home, “they allow clients to walk in here and see the quality of our work without having to inconvenience our past clients.” It’s a huge benefit that was quickly noted by the mayor on a tour through the home with Steve.
And by having the homes as a comfortable meeting space, clients have the convenience of meeting in their own neighbourhood, in a space that puts them at ease.
The overall reaction to the home was overwhelmingly positive, with many taking the time to explore inside and out.
If you’re thinking of your own renovation, feel free to stop by! In fact, consider joining us on June 22 at this location for an interactive seminar on your guide to a successful renovation. You can get details here.
And here’s a gallery of last week’s celebration.
