b'STANDING TALLAfter several tumultuous years, Wawanesas new headquarters emerges on time and on budget, thanks to top-notch collaboration and construction expertiseBy Matthew BradfordConstruction is complete on Wawanesas new headquarters, a 23-storey, state-of-the-art office building now standing tall indowntown Winnipeg. Catching eyes at the corner of Carlton Street and Graham Avenue, the high-rise is not only an architecturally distinct building, but a project brought to life under unique circumstances.This was a four-year journey that took us through COVID-19, a period of supply chain issues and other challenges, notes Jim Ludlow, President of True North Real Estate Development (TNRED). The fact that we came out of that ahead of schedule and on budget speaks volumes about the collaboration and strengths ofour teams.Those teams include Winnipeg-based architectural firm Architecture49 (A49) and construction manager PCL Construction, who worked in close collaboration to reach occupancy in June 2023. After turning it over to True North, the teams began making final preparations for Wawanesas occupancy, which included installing and testing key systems (e.g., life safety), furnishing the building and bringing various services and amenities (e.g., a cafe and gym) online.As of February 2024, Evan Johnston, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Related Businesses for Wawanesa, reports that the mutual insurer is getting ready to make the move: The construction of the building is complete and were looking forward to bringing 36 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'