The Exchange – with its distinctive pinstripe façade – is an icon in Vancouver’s skyline. A Class AAA, LEED Platinum certified building, The Exchange is owned and operated by Credit Suisse – a national Colliers International Real Estate Management Services (REMS) client for 13 years running.
An Eye for Detail
REMS began managing The Exchange – the first LEED Platinum AAA office tower in our portfolio - in February 2018 and began transitioning the building when it was still under construction. The team attended construction meetings with the owner and consultants from different disciplines, offering advice from an operational perspective on everything from how the building would operate, to taking part in consultations on the design of the fitness centre, to reviewing architectural drawings. It was upon review of the drawings that the team noticed that the curbing was missing around key equipment in the mechanical room – a key defense in the event of a leak. REMS brought this omission to the architect’s attention, who added the curbing.
Delivering a Class AAA Experience
The team’s creative flourishes have helped Credit Suisse create a building that is unlike any other in Vancouver. The pinstripe motif from the building’s façade carries over to the building operators who wear grey pin-stripes. Pin-striped umbrellas are also available for tenants to sign-out. The security staff are in suits and ties, and all staff – including key vendors – have received service training to ensure visitors and tenants alike encounter warm and approachable assistance. The team has also launched a tenant engagement mobile app designed to facilitate communication and help build a community at The Exchange.
Transition Highlights
AAS worked seamlessly with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating a flexible approach to transition while taking on management incrementally.
- Created manuals, policies, procedures and forms for all property operations
- Completed a first-year operating budget and tenant rental invoices
- Participated in commissioning meetings and training sessions on building systems
- Created a preventative maintenance program for all building equipment
- Executed a successful grand opening attended by mayor to recognize Vancouver’s first LEED Platinum Heritage Conversion office building