Gc Commentary June2008

Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

Prepared by Alessandro Alasia

Hallway renovations Hallway and lobby renovations have a major impact on a condominium life. First, on the daily life of the residents who will have to live with the new design for many years. Second, on the value of their properties, as the new design will affect the willingness to invest in Gallery Court of perspective buyers. Thus, hallway and lobby renovations at Gallery Court are an important project for all of us, with a real monetary value above and beyond the actual cost of the project. This real value will potentially last for a couple of decades. Ten members of the House Committee have worked hard over the past two years and have now narrowed down the choice to few options. Their voluntary work is admirable, and it should be followed by clear a communication of the results and an open discussion with all owners. Ideally, some refinements should be discussed at this stage. But owners might feel that some substantial change is needed. That is part of an open and transparent discussion, which is necessary to build a solid consensus around such an important project. 1

This commentary presents some considerations that are intended to contribute positively to the discussion among owners and to the realization of this project. Some preliminary mock-ups seemed to favor wood paneling. This can be an elegant and stylish choice. There are however some observations that could be made. The pictures included in this commentary provide some examples of wood paneling. Although, some of these examples are not the style that is needed for the Gallery Court, they illustrate Important note This document was prepared for the owners of Gallery Court. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the authors. Please send comments to: Alessandro Alasia (Unit #311). Email: [email protected]

Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

some points that should be considered. An important part of wood paneling are the finishing details. Chrome/aluminum trims and exposed bolts might substantially change the look of a wood panel. For instance, the examples shown here do not use exposed fasteners. The visual effect in any of these examples could be substantially different with exposed fasteners. Some of the examples also show that wood paneling may be limited to some specific parts of the hallway, like the wall surrounding elevator doors, and/or other more trafficked or more visible areas. This could have some substantial advantage (lower cost and/or better panels in limited areas). Wood can come in natural and stain

colors. Light colors generally convey a more casual look, while darker shades are generally associated with a more classic style. Clearly, the intensity of light that will be available in our hallways, should be taken into account. In our lobby and in the elevator we have finishing that is permanent (marble tiles, brushed brass, etc). Specific attention should be paid to match these permanent elements. Last but not least, there are important budgetary considerations that will help shaping the renovation project. These considerations might also limit the use of some material or design solution. Conclusion The House Committee has made a remarkable work in moving this renovation project forward and narrowing the choices. It is now up to the owners to make a final decision. We all know that there is no single project that will get the support of 100% of the owners. At the same time, a

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Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

broad consultation and an open discussion on the options and the final details may certainly ensure that the selected proposal will be supported by a large majority of owners, and not merely 51% of the votes cast. Effective discussion and consultation with owners will also ensure that the main ideas and suggestions that each will put forward will be taken into consideration and will be properly assessed. Eventually, it is also on these many ideas and the experience of all residents that this Corporation will build the consensus that is necessary to complete successfully this renovation project.

Stay tuned Next commentaries will be on: • •

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Budget 2008/09 Communication: can we turn this into a resource for our Corporation?

Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

Can we envision the overall design of the renovations?

Source: JMPB Enterprises, available at: www.jmpbenterprises.com

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Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

Can we envision some color scheme that would match the fixed finishing and the exterior design of the building?

These pictures are examples of interior design with color patterns that resemble the colors of some fixed finishing at Gallery Court. The only purpose of these pictures is to provide a visual example of the effect of color schemes and materials (including wood panels and green marble).

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Gallery Court Commentary June 2008

Can we refine the possible combinations of materials, colors and patterns? Renovation Other

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

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Wood panel

Fixed finishing Green marble

Brushed brass