In today’s Vancouver condo scene of shining glass towers piercing the skyline, there are some amazing properties to be had. Each development has a grandiose and stately name, trying to evoke a lifestyle sense of elegance and exclusivity. In this hyper marketed environment of Vancouver condos, it’s hard to imagine a development company that doesn’t put up a showroom for their projects or buy space in the weekend newspaper, but sells predominantly though word of mouth. Yet that is exactly what has happened on every project that’s been built by James Schouw and Associates.

I was privileged to meet James Schouw at the penthouse suite of Grace (Phase 1) which was recently featured in Dream House Magazine as Vancouver’s most distinctive, luxury penthouse residence. Sitting on the corner of Richards and Drake, the suite is more like a house measuring close to 5,000 square feet over two floors. As I walked through, I felt like I was in a movie scene in a New York penthouse overlooking Central Park. Amazing vistas of the city spread out before me as I stood out on the terraces. Slowly I turned around and walked back inside where mosaics, limestone floors and rich wood abound. If you’ve ever seen Meet Joe Black (2001) with Brad Pitt & Sir Anthony Hopkins, you know what I’m talking about, the luxurious space and comfort of a grand house that just happens to be situated on top of a high rise. Even the pool was in the scene!

There is a sense of purpose behind James Schouw in the way he builds. He has a sense of responsibility to enhance the community and give back to society. In talking to him you get the sense that he sees a bigger picture, integrating the new with the old and preserving the heritage of our buildings because the area’s history needs to be remembered. Even the project name of Grace is influenced by the fact that the project is situated on the site of the old nightclub, Graceland, while at the same time, ties into his last project, Iliad, on Homer.

When the second phase of Grace completes in Spring 2006, it will redefine luxurious living in Yaletown. With 10 foot ceilings as the standard, each suite will feel roomier than your average house. The quality of materials and craftsmanship that James has chosen to use in his development is unprecedented.  It pleases the eye of even the most discerning buyers. Empty nesters from West Vancouver and Vancouver’s West Side are selecting Grace as their home of choice. Young professionals and entrepreneurs see Grace as a home they can build a family in as opposed to a stop gap on the way to buying a house down the road - it’s a niche that James set out to fulfill from the very beginning. The benefits of his creations extend beyond his project as it increases the values of surrounding developments.  For James it is about being creative, he is an artist within his industry and what gives him the greatest sense of accomplishment is when he hears people say that this is their favorite building in the city.

Phase 2 of Grace will be the first high density residential building in Vancouver to use geothermal energy for heating and cooling. Engineers bored hundreds of feet beneath the surface to access stored heat energy, lowering residents’ dependency on conventional heating and cooling methods. The system is environmentally responsible and benefits the residents in both reduced heating costs as well as providing an unlimited source of energy. Unlike most developers who base their choices on how it affects their bottom line, for James it is a labour of love where he makes a conscious effort to do what is best for the project and the future residents.
When Phase 1 of Grace was completed, they received the surprise honour of being awarded Best Garden in Downtown Vancouver by the Vancouver Parks Board in conjunction with the Vancouver Garden Club which bases its decision on visible garden space to the public. In keeping with being environmentally responsible, rainwater is collected in special reservoirs for use on the extensive gardens that abound throughout the development.

For the convenience and security of the residents, access to all areas of the complex is through the use of biometric fingerprint scanners. Formerly reserved for high security government and financial applications, residents no longer have the ability to lose their access cards or key fobs. This along with an array of video surveillance and motion sensors are all constantly analyzed through computerized security algorithms to keep residents and their property safe and secure.

The exterior of the project can be seen as a beautiful blend of modern construction methods with old world charm. James derives a great deal of inspiration for his projects both locally in Vancouver and from places abroad. In the landscaping, you can identify certain influences from the gardens of the World in particular those in California, the Mediterranean and the Orient. Grace is constructed to feel that craftsmanship was paramount in the eyes of the builder while finding perfection in the imperfection of that same craftsmanship. Even the walls have got character where every nook and cranny is randomly deliberate.
As a 10 year resident of Yaletown, James saw early on the potential of our vibrant community. What was once defined as an eight square block area, Yaletown is pushing further out and growing with the public’s desire to become a part of this community. He sees the amenities of Yaletown living to be second to none. James walks the talk as he is a prime example of the livability of his developments.  He is constantly taking advantage of all there is to offer—he can be seen walking his 3 dogs (Chutney, Hershey and Paprika) in the abundant green space, rollerblading on the seawall or patio dining at Cioppinos.

When you hear him talk about the community, you once again realize that James Schouw is still looking at the bigger picture. He sees the changes in attitude as the neighborhood gentrifies into what could be considered one of the most vibrant communities in all of North America. James can also see that the end is near for high density projects in the downtown area as almost all the available locations have already been utilized. This will further increase the demand of Yaletown condos to the benefit of current owners. He sees further development of Yaletown through cozier, low density, boutique projects that will sit side by side with the high density buildings, heritage sites, parks and commercial ventures. He would attribute this great mix to the vision of city planners going back over the past 20 years or more. It is with this same vision in mind that has brought him to live and work here as well.

What plans does James Schouw have on the horizon?  He would like to develop at least one more unique project nearby so as to create a neighborhood within a neighborhood.  Perhaps it would be called “Thalia”, named after one of Homer’s 3 Graces referenced in the Iliad. Then, from a development perspective, he will have accomplished what he set out to do.  What then?  On a personal level, he wants to pursue humanitarian projects and devote time and resources to those in other parts of the world who are less fortunate. On the fun side, James would like to able to spend any time he can get kite boarding!

As I now walk through our fine city, I view buildings in a very different light and to be quite honest about it, there is the odd building that feels like it was put up just for the sake of selling square footage. It’s comforting to know that nobody will ever look at a James Schouw building that way. His attention to detail and hands on approach extends to all aspects of his development including his Web site at www.graceresidences.com. For in this world of glass enclosed modern skyscrapers, his buildings stand out in their ability to enhance the community with style, character and yes, with GRACE.