Saturday November 23, 2024 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
[See previous posts about the fire: November 20, 2024 | November 21, 2024]
In the wee hours of Thursday morning November 20, fire destroyed a nearly-completed condo construction project at 3839 Quadra Street in the Upper Quadra area of Saanich.
The Cadence project by Abstract Developments was entirely destroyed by flames after fire broke out around 12:40 am. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
The Cadence project aimed to offer a “thoughtfully-designed collection of elegant, nature-inspired” 1- to 2-bedroom + den homes in the well-the established Upper Quadra Neighbourhood, as stated on the Abstract Developments website.
The 77-unit building was 90 percent sold, offering modest-size units: 1 bdrm 1 bath – interior 532 sq ft.; 2 bdrm 2 bath – interior 667 sq. ft.; 2 bdrm 2 bath + den – interior 933 to 936 sq. ft.
Neighbours helped each other out and traffic was impacted for two days.
Abstract speaks out:
Abstract Developments is well known and respected in the Greater Victoria housing and development sectors. They have a nine-person leadership team. Mike Miller is the founder, Nicholas Standeven is the Vice-President of Development, Raegan Stuart is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Owen Rennison is the Director of Marketing and Communications.
Yesterday on social media Abstract Developments posted a message to the community:
“We are devastated by the fire that took place at our Cadence development in Saanich. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, especially our neighbours in the community who have endured disruption and uncertainty that it has caused. We cannot overstate the shock and sadness we feel,” stated Abstract Developments online.
“We live and breathe Victoria – a place we cherish and call home – we are deeply committed to working with the those involved to understand what transpired. We cannot extend enough thanks to the first responders for their care and dedication in dealing with this tragic situation.”
“Despite this setback, we are determined to rebuild Cadence. Our commitment to Victoria, to Cadence, and to our homeowners remains steadfast. Through it all, we remain hopeful as we work toward a new beginning for Cadence,” says Abstract.
Abstract Developments
Comments in social media:
- “Really sorry that this happened to your company. Thankfully, it appears no one was hurt. Best of luck as you look to rebuild.” ~ Jeremy Caradonna, Councillor, City of Victoria
- “Well on the positive side the real-estate market will be far better by the time you rebuild and will sell a lot faster.” ~ Chris C, consultant in project management
- “Nice to see that other developers reached out to help.” ~ Michelle Mahovolich, Engineer
- “Very tragic. We are always here to help.” ~ Ryzuk Geotechnical
- “Sorry to hear this, hope everyone is okay.” ~ Shaun Lawthom, Managing Director, Skyline Recruitment Ltd
- “Best of luck! The neighbourhood was and is excited about this much needed project.” ~ Sarah Campden, Civil Engineering Technologist
The fire in the wee hours of Wednesday morning was further fueled by high winds (during the bomb cyclone that took down trees and power lines around Vancouver Island last night).The fire quickly spread with embers flew out into the community.
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