By Cailin Cousins / Got News Network

The smartest building in downtown Williams Lake

Oct 19, 2018 | 9:46 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Kane Fraser took modernizing to a new level, made a hearty investment in downtown Williams Lake, and certainly changed the face of a portion of the main street.  “The cost was substantial,” Kane admits, adding renovations cost almost as much as the purchase price of the building. But, in the long run, those renovations will save the company money, optimize performance, efficiency, and comfort for the people inside, while leaving a lighter eco-footprint. 

Kane bought the building in October of 2017 with the intention of moving his accounting firm to that location. Focus was placed on the evolution of the workplace and improved overall operating efficiency for long-term performance of both the office space and workflow. Renovations began in January of 2018, demolition alone, took two months, and then the project endured  lengthy delays due to a bottleneck of building material demands internationally. Contractors removed all of the walls, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The concrete building is almost entirely automated and energy-efficient now. “Everything is new — every switch, every wire,” Kane explains, adding that he and Office Manager, Will Hill, were heavily involved in the layout.

On September 1, FBB Chartered Professional Accountants LLP (FBB) moved in to the new space just two short weeks after the work was complete.

Some of the conveniences include being able to manage the security system, heating and ventilation, and various security cameras through their smart phones from any location. On the eco-friendly side, lit entirely with LED lights that have a life-span of approximately 11 years, if they ran then 24 hours a day, they use far less power than conventional light sources. Even the exterior lights are energy-conserving dusk-to-dawn LED lights. Reflective film has been added to the windows, which helps keep the sun out and air conditioning off in the summer. “Even the parking lot is eco-friendly,” Kane smiled. “It’s 40-year old concrete, and will last forever.” The building is also protected by steel tube shutters for additional security.

One of the most noticeable features of 336 Mart Street is the stamped concrete flooring. The contractors removed five layers of old flooring to expose the original concrete, then constructed walls on top of the floor, so they could easily change the configuration of the office should they ever need to. The floors are artistic and add a bit of a wow-factor to the office, while keeping pace with the overall theme;  durability, longevity, ease of maintenance.

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FBB moved from a 5,000 square feet space to 2,000 square feet, but by removing redundant space like hallways, the change is not a problem for Kane’s team. “It’s nice,” said Will Hill, Office Manager. “It’s easier to get hold of each other, and more of a social atmosphere.” Both men agreed the location was ‘amazing’ and that the constant complements from walk-ins was something they hadn’t expected, but thoroughly enjoy.

On Friday, October 12, Mayor Walt Cobb along with several City of Williams Lake Councillors conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the smart building. “We have done a lot of work in the last four years to make it easier for business to expand and grow,”  and it’s all coming to fruition,” stated Mayor Cobb.

“I must say too, the City of Williams Lake made it easy for us to do this major renovation,” remarked Kane. “It was really great to work with the City and their Building Inspector.” Still to come, plans are to add a new form of lighting control with a smart sensor, freshen up the sidewalks out front, and add a little garden area for staff to sit outside. “We’re pretty excited about it, and invite anyone who is interested to drop in for a quick tour,” said Kane.