Repositioning Through Design—The Century Business Park Case Study

Overview

This white paper outlines the strategic transformation of three commercial properties in Winnipeg—1700 Ellice, 1685 Ellice, and 585 Madison—into the cohesive, high-value Century Business Park. It demonstrates how LCM Design-Builders applied its proprietary method to align design ambition with construction reality, delivering a unified visual identity, improved marketability, and enhanced asset value.

Client Objective

Our client sought to reposition a portfolio of underperforming commercial buildings into a premium business park. The project required both architectural cohesion and cost-efficient execution, all within the context of an active, tenanted site.

Challenges Identified

• Unbuildable Schematic Design: The original façade concept for 1700 Ellice was cost-prohibitive and logistically unfeasible due to weight and structural implications.

• Budget Constraints: The client needed to maintain strong design impact while staying within a defined development budget.

• Site Cohesion: The three buildings were aesthetically disjointed, lacking a shared identity despite geographic proximity.

• Occupied Site: Construction had to occur with minimal disruption to existing tenants and operations.

LCM Approach & Solutions

1. Lighting Visualization
   Advanced 3D models and lighting simulations were used to evaluate visual dynamics from various angles and lighting conditions. These visual tools enabled rapid client approvals and design optimization aligned with budget. Crucially, this extensive visualization effort before breaking ground meant the project moved forward with confidence. Design intent was clearly understood, change orders were minimized, and decisions were made early—saving time and cost during construction.

2. Intentional Design Adaptation
   Variations in the brick substrate were addressed by designing a façade with deliberate undulations. This aesthetic strategy embraced imperfection, resulting in a seamless look that was visually engaging and technically practical.

3. Feasibility & Value Engineering
   LCM reimagined the 1700 Ellice façade using a custom aluminum cladding system. Prototypes were fabricated and tested to ensure the system could be prefabricated off-site and installed quickly on-site. This approach reduced weight, improved constructability, and lowered costs.

4. System Repeatability
   The prefabricated system allowed for repeatable manufacturing, streamlining future installations and offering long-term maintenance efficiency.

5. Site Unification Strategy
   LCM extended the architectural language to the neighboring buildings. Subtle lighting upgrades at 1685 Ellice and signage and cladding updates at 585 Madison created visual continuity. A cohesive color palette, coordinated design details, and a new signage program unified the buildings under the new identity of Century Business Park.

6. Construction Sequencing & Occupancy Planning
   LCM carefully planned renovation timelines to minimize tenant disruption, coordinating closely with suppliers to manage lead times and cost fluctuations.

Outcomes

• Architectural Cohesion: Century Business Park now presents as a single, high-performing commercial entity, unified through design language and consistent signage.

• Budget Optimization: Reimagined materials and off-site construction methods ensured cost control without compromising design.

• Increased Asset Value: The repositioned site recently sold as a bundled portfolio, demonstrating strong return on investment.

• Efficient Delivery: The entire upgrade was executed with minimal disruption to tenants and day-to-day business operations.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies how the LCM Method transforms complex commercial challenges into actionable, cost-effective solutions. By aligning vision with constructability and delivering thoughtful, repeatable systems, LCM helped reposition what was once three separate buildings into a unified, cohesive business park.