Akimbo to be one of Metro Vancouver's most architecturally significant residential buildings

Akimbo means hands on hips, standing boldly – and that certainly applies to the same-named new 40-storey residential tower that will rise on the corner of Dawson Street and Madison Avenue in Burnaby’s Brentwood neighbourhood.

Akimbo from Imani Development was designed by IBI Group Architects, not only as Burnaby’s most architecturally significant tower; it is also arguably the first architecturally significant residential building in any suburb outside of downtown Vancouver, rising as a pattern of shifting balconies, angled and offset from one another (and optimizing views for each of the building’s 350 homes).

The concrete building also boasts an elegant porte cochere that opens into an 1,800-square-foot, double-height grand lobby. The developer’s detail to attention is such that a board room will be located at ground level (for residents who want to hold business meetings), as will be a parcel room (so residents can avoid picking up items at the local post office).

When asked about the motivation to develop Akimbo, Payam Imani, president of Imani Development, replies: “We thought Brentwood, which is a fantastic neighbourhood, was ready for a tower of this degree of beauty.”

Akimbo also gives residents plenty of convenience due to its location: the Gilmore SkyTrain Station is just three minutes away by foot and Brentwood Town Centre is an eight-minute walk away.

It follows that a developer as committed as Imani to providing Burnaby with such a unique addition to its skyline would be equally passionate about giving homeowners a special living experience, and Akimbo does not disappoint. The one-, two- and three-bedroom homes boast a modern design, with two colour and material palettes options. (One is airy, serene and calm, while the other is sexy, moody and masculine).

Imani says: “Area3 Design did a fantastic job creating luxurious homes. For example, the European-inspired kitchens feature Italian flat-panel cabinet doors with no visible handles, just J-pulls. The Italian porcelain wall and floor tiles in the ensuite bathrooms give buyers the look and feel of stone, but without the maintenance requirements. And the main bathrooms have soaker-style tub and accent walls featuring textured European porcelain tiles.”

Accompanying the homes is 8,100 square feet of amenities on the fourth floor, including a fully equipped gym, a guest suite for residents’ visitors, and indoor and outdoor social areas. “We also have over 12,000 square feet of outdoor amenities, ranging from gardening beds to kids’ play space,” says Imani.

As a July construction start date for Akimbo draws closer, Imani points out that “when high-end residential buildings come to market, they typically fetch 25 to 50 per cent more than standard residences, so for us to offer Akimbo homes at competitive prices, starting at just $529,980, is an achievement we’re proud of.

“Also, for pre-sale offerings, resale value is important for prospective owners, and homes in quality buildings always outperform those in standard buildings, which will very much be the case for Akimbo.”

Akimbo’s presentation centre is located at 2152 Douglas Road, Burnaby, open daily noon to 5 p.m. (closed Fridays). For more information, call 604 359-7728, email info@akimboliving.com or visit akimboliving.com.

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Imani Development.