b'PROJECT PROFILEEXTRAORDINARYELLAH I G H - R I S E C O N D O A N O T H E R L I N K I N T H E BY JAMES PETERSC H A I N F O R K E L O W N AS D O W N T O W N R E B I R T Hlready well on its way to becoming A an urban destination for citizens and tourists alike, Kelownas Bernard District has been further enhanced with a contemporary 20-storey high-rise, now a permanent addition to the spectacular Kelowna skyline. Situated at the corner of Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenuefrom which ELLA gets its namethe 116-condo project was a labour of love for Mission Group, the projectsdeveloper. Were very proud of the ELLA tower, says Mission Groups Executive Vice President, Luke Turri. The building continues the transformation of Kelownas historic downtown core into a vibrant, high-amenity urban environment. We think ELLA blends seamlessly with the unique architecture of the older district. The modern structure, although a contrast, is a perfect fit for the downtown restoration.Dont just take Turris word for itthe project has been singled out for its design chops by the Canadian Housing Builders Association (CHBA). In May of 2019, the CHBAs National Awards for Housing Excellence program awarded ELLA with an award in the Attached HomeMid- to High-Rise Condominium category. We were happy to just be considered in the residential category and very pleased when it was announced that we won, Turri says. Its a national award, and this was our firms first foray into designing and building a concrete high-rise tower. Although we designed it very thoughtfully and we know the building has many unique features, we were still pleasantly surprised.The building is also on track for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)BERNARD DISTRICT designation, the first condo tower in theNamed after Bernard Lequime and his general store, Bernard Avenue Okanagan to earn such bragging rights. would eventually become a prosperous cultural and commercial gathering The tower includes rentable space at street levelcentre in Kelownas early history. To this day, it remains a premiere for retailers and an above-grade parkade fromwaterfront location, populated with vintage architecture from which the the second to fifth floors, designed specificallycitys downtown radiates. Born from the need to upgrade aging utilities to mitigate the high water table in the area.and roadways with widened sidewalks and enhanced outdoor retailers, The condos themselves dont begin until thedevelopers quickly recognized that the district was a diamond in therough. sixth floor, which provides every unit in the 42 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'