Zen | Residential | Under Construction

[EdmTrekker]

Does anyone know the name of the developer building the prefab, modular condo right behind the Safeway on 104th and 116th Street? It looks like...crap...like industrial trailers stacked one on the other...and no signs on site!!. Will is just "arrive" and units sold?? What kind of developer/builder/realtor would not put any sign up?? Looks shody to me.

[DanC]

I think that is BCM again...they are the "notorious" developers of the Imperial on 116st. It finished 1.5 years behind schedule and just recently had tenants moving in without an occupancy permit from the COE.
It also looks remarkably different from the building renderings and certainly uses different materials than pictured.

[RTA]

"Zen" I believe.

[IanO]

Zen indeed...

[DanC]

They should re-name it Ten, as in ten years behind schedule.

[etownboarder]

Blah, if it really is a BCM development, then it's going to be another laugh. Nobody should ever count on anything being as BCM says it will be. The finishes will be different, the quality will be crap, the timeline will be nowhere near what they way it will be. BCM should either fix their screw ups and start acting like a major player in the condo market, or just give up altogether.

[raz0469]

Why? They make plenty of money with the way they operate. There's little incentive for them to do things differently. And no I don't like the way they operate and agree with much of what is said, and in fact would love to share stories about their mode of operation but won't. But so long as people are buying their junk, they'll keep making it.

[etownboarder]

I think it mostly has to do with people being unaware of the BS they're going to have to go through after they sign on the dotted line. It's not difficult for a company to seem professional and all that at the beginning, only to completely take advantage of their customer once they have signed the contract. It happens pretty regularly unfortunately.

[raz0469]

Yeah, it's unfortunate, but as with everything else, caveat emptor. None of what they do is strictly illegal.

[etownboarder]

Has anyone ever contacted the BBB about them? I wonder what they would say... HAHA, I can only imagine.

[raz0469]

What can the BBB do? They're probably not even a member. What would they care? I'm not a member of the BBB, if someone were to threaten they were going to call the BBB about work we'd done on a condo project, I'd laugh and tell them to have at it.

[etownboarder]

I'm just curious what the response would be... I've dealt with BCM in the past and they're the most incompetent group of people I've ever had the displeasure of doing business with. And it seems I'm not the only one.

[GoMod]

Curiosity got the best of me...

There is no record of Major Development Permits posted for this development on the city's website but there is a project sign...although a wee tiny one. is BCM trying to keep a low profile on this one? Still, you need to have a DP!

[IanO]

funny thing is that ZEN, on paper, was to be the 'nicest' bcm as of yet.

[raz0469]

Are you sure you looked far back enough? I think they started excavation there 2 years ago.

[newfangled]

Zen was at grade by summer of last year. So being in the ground two years ago is probably about right.

And I agree with Ian...from the renderings it and Maxx across the street (that's BCM too, right?) were a step up from most their stuff. Not a big step, but a step nonetheless.

[GoMod]

Maxx?...Where?

[IanO]

MAXX is indeed BCM and across the street.

[newfangled]

^ North side of 115 and about a block east of Zen. Although I might have the name wrong. And it might not be BCM, just a remarkably good imitation.

They were still working on the parkade the last time I went by a few weeks ago.

(Oops. Ian got here first.)

[GoMod]

[danby]

gotta love the above ground lines!

[mick]

maxx and zen are both bcm and both passed edc. i'll be interested to see what happens if they cheap out on the materials they committed to in front of the committee. it'll be a test of the city's backbone. right now, it's tough to tell what the finishes will look like. kind of like looking at a stick-frame walk-up half way through.

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by danby

gotta love the above ground lines!

Those will be removed when the 105 Avenue promenade is redeveloped.

Actually, the Maxx and Zen were designed by Hartwig, but GMH has taken over the working drawings portion. They didn't look too bad from the renderings, but it will be the end product that will influence my final judgement.

At least with this prefab system the exterior materials are applied after they are assembled, unlike Imperial which was all ready to go from the panel manufacturer.

[mick]

actually, i had the zenn and the maxx confused. the maxx looks decent in the renderings, with some higher quality sleeker finishes. zenn, on the otherhand, looks a lot like the rendering from the imperial.

[Bray88]

Everytime I get gas from the Oliver Safeway Gas Bar, I notice this building sitting there that is unfinished, and it looks really bad, any ideas on who is building it and what it will be?

[deedub35]

Originally Posted by Bray88

Everytime I get gas from the Oliver Safeway Gas Bar, I notice this building sitting there that is unfinished, and it looks really bad, any ideas on who is building it and what it will be?

The Zen by BCM Developments.

[armin]

Still not done?
They've been working on that for like 2 years. I used to walk through there to get to work before.

[etownboarder]

Not only does BCM build crap buildings, they also take their sweet time.

[IanO]

for those that recall... it was originally another name and started marketing about 4-5 yrs ago.

[deedub35]

Originally Posted by IanO

for those that recall... it was originally another name and started marketing about 4-5 yrs ago.

I think it was called The Neo.

[raz0469]

Nice, did it know kung fu?

Marketers

[Cured]

Wasn't it originally called the Trevi?

[kubchaser]

The Imperial on 112 St took 4 years to build (and still finishing up the interior). So I guess The Zen will take even longer.. after all it's a COOL name.. it's Zen.

[sbrussell]

Errr... Rome wasn't built in a day. BCM is just taking their time in building another architectural masterpiece!

[IanO]

Originally Posted by Cured

Wasn't it originally called the Trevi?

that's the one

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by IanO

that's the one

Yes, it was originally marketed as the Trevi, which was a 4 storey wood framed building. Then they rebranded it and went with the prefab panels. Thankfully not the same type of paneling that was used on the Imperial. They have to apply the exterior materials on separately.

Actually, it is not taking as long to build as it seems. Although they did start on the parkade and then stopped for awhile. Once they started assembling the structure, they have made some significant progress. Crews are there everyday.

[jiwali]

I have pre-purchased a condo in the Zen building and am looking for others who purchased in this building. BCM has had my deposit since 2006 and I still have no condo.

[edmonton daily photo]

Has construction stalled?

[IanO]

^and it still appears it is a ways away from completion...

[jiwali]

I'm not sure if 'stalled' is the right term but they broke ground early 2007.

[etownboarder]

Ohhhhh... I feel sorry for you jiwali. It's too bad you hadn't done your research on BCM, otherwise, you wouldn't have bought into one of their buildings. Crap quality, overpriced, and you're still waiting for them to finish building...

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by jiwali

I'm not sure if 'stalled' is the right term but they broke ground early 2007.

And no, they're still working on it... I've seen crews working. But they're working at a snails pace.

[ChrisD]

^Yes, they still are working on it.

[buster]

I bought a unit in the Zen as well, about 3.5 years ago. Actiually, I forgot about it for a while. Is there any way to get deposits back? Normally it would be difficult, but in a case like this there may be exceptions. Realistically they won't be ready for at last 9 months, therefore it will be 4 years from purchase to move-in. Thats quite a bit of interest!

[buster]

I wonder if the proposed redevelopment of 105ave, or columbus ave, is still going ahead. I bought a condo at the zen after speaking to an official in the coity of edmonton planning department at a town hall meeting regarding downtown redevelpoment.
According to him, it was stilll scheduled to go ahead, hoever I've seen no action from the city of edmonton.

Anybody hear anything? The plans were to make 105ave from 101st-117st pedestrian friendly, I beleive the project was called the "north edge', or 'columbus ave"

[raz0469]

As far as getting your deposit back, read the terms of the contract you signed. It may have been a good idea to read them before you signed .

[buster]

thanks

[Edmcowboy11]

I think when I last passed their it looked a little more promissing to be complete before 2019 but yes I agree it's been going at a snails pace.

[buster]

How can I find out if BCM has a Major Development Permit for the Zen?

[Taflet]

This is my first post in this forum, but as I have been watching the NON-development of the site that is called the Trevi/Neo/Zen and was a former client, I thought I would provide some more background info on these imbeciles and swindlers from BCM that pretend to know something about development.

In January 2003 my wife and I viewed the showsuite for what was then called The Trevi. We liked the downtown location, the price was right ($131,000) for a 1 bed+den suite and the design looked contemporary. So we put some money down in the spring of 2003 as down payment for a unit. It was not long after that when we were informed of delays to the project that they claimed were the city's fault because the city had halted development as they were re-examining the development plans for this area.

After many months of back and forth and some discussions with the city, I found out that BCM had never acquired a development permit for the project when they were selling the units. Apparently nobody monitors this and it's not uncommon for a developer to sell before getting a permit. In the real world of commercial development, this is unheard of. My father has been a commercial developer for over 30 years and he said this was a huge red flag.

Since BCM did not have a development permit for the project, the city was able to halt construction and development of the site for an undetermined time while they revisited the plans for the neighbourhood. If BCM had acquired a DP, the City could not have stopped them.

Fast forward about 18-24 months. Because there had been delays in construction, BCM decides that they can alter the terms of the contract and raise the price of the unit by $20-30K that we had originally signed for. This was outrageous and so we took it to a lawyer on the basis that BCM had broken the contract. To make things even worse, BCM sales (anyone deal with a Judith Jossa from BCM?) attempted to persuade us to instead purchase a "comparable" unit in their Imperial project on 112 street. This building is in a crap location and we were offered a unit facing the alley for a mere $165K ($35K more than our original contract)! This may seem relatively inexpensive now, but the simple fact that they were changing prices on a whim AND trying to play the bait and switch game was nothing less than infuriating.

After consulting with our lawyer, he thought that we could take them to court on the basis of BCM violating the contract we had signed. But we did not feel it was worth our effort, time, and aggravation to pursue these bastards seeing as how the final product would most likely be crap. So a strongly worded letter was drafted with some of what I've just described. Shortly thereafter in the early fall of 2005, BCM refunded our deposit with a very small amount of interest.

For those who are still in a contract with these con artists, my advice is to get out, and get out now. Whatever they are telling you is just stall tactics to keep your cash to probably pay contractors that they owe money to.

It is now over 6 years since WE first signed a contract for a unit on that site, and as others have noticed, the site appears to be abandoned with no work being done since the spring. I believe I saw a For Sale sign on the fence facing the Safeway gas station. I would guess that BCM is near bankrupt and cannot pay it's contractors, which is why no work has been done. Six years folks. These guys probably have no intention of finishing this project, and if by some measure of luck it is finished - it will be done by cutting quality in many areas. BCM is incompetent in the extreme. Stay away from them at all costs.


It's interesting to note how completely inept BCM is as a developer of a 5 story building under construction for over 6 years by contrasting the following:

• 78 years ago the Empire State Building in New York City was completed in less than FIFTEEN months using quite primitive construction technology by today's standards.
• BOTH 110 story twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York City were completed in only 4-5 years in the late 1960s.

Sorry for the long post, but I hope some of this info has helped any unfortunate newcomers to BCM's con game.

Taflet

[Taflet]

You can phone the City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department to find out if BCM has a DP for the Zen site. When I called them in 2004 about The Trevi, this is when I found out that BCM had not acquired a DP. I'd be surprised if they have one now. Even if they did, the Zen has haulted construction and it's a good guess that BCM is not able to finish it.

Taflet

[raz0469]

Originally Posted by Taflet

After many months of back and forth and some discussions with the city, I found out that BCM had never acquired a development permit for the project when they were selling the units. Apparently nobody monitors this and it's not uncommon for a developer to sell before getting a permit. In the real world of commercial development, this is unheard of. My father has been a commercial developer for over 30 years and he said this was a huge red flag.

As much as I hate to defend BCM, there shouldn't be anyone monitoring that. Who would do so? Why does it need to be monitored? Caveat emptor. If you put a deposit down and sign a contract without reading the terms of it or looking in to how far along they are in the development process, don't be surprised if your condo isn't ready in oh, half a decade or so.

Even if a developer has pulled a development permit, that doesn't mean the project is going to be done when they say it will be, or even that it will go ahead.

But overall, everything you said sounds par for the course for BCM. Imagine working for them!

[IanO]

^concur.

which is too bad for i have met the owners of BCM and they are nice people outside of the business world.

[Taflet]

@ raz0469 - Fair enough. Any buyer of a new home should do some research and look at the contract. But I believe there should also be an element of ethics and fair play on the part of a developer. The conversations I had with a couple owners of BCM several years ago always ended up with them blaming the city for the delays. I never heard one apology or acceptance of blame on their part.

It was my understanding that once a DP was pulled that the city could not halt construction of that project. If this is not the truth, then I accept your statement. However, the project is now underway and is halted again. I doubt very much that the city has anything to do with it, and that it is quite likely the entire fault of BCM's mismanagement, lack of funds or sales, and/or contractors that have not been paid. Either way - buyers of the various incarnations of this project (hey, let's change the name again so any new buyers won't know how we screwed up the last one!) are left hoping that something will get finished to justify their investment.

As I said before, my advice is to get out while you can. Even if it is miraculously completed, the shortcuts taken to complete it will show through in the final quality.

Taflet

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by IanO

^concur.

which is too bad for i have met the owners of BCM and they are nice people outside of the business world.

so one can justify an apparent ineptitude and an apparent crass disregard for clients time/money/well being... cause they're "nice people"... uhhh... outside of the business world!

[noodle]

I don't think there was anything even approaching justification in Ian's post. Mostly regret it seems...

[IanO]

Originally Posted by noodle

I don't think there was anything even approaching justification in Ian's post. Mostly regret it seems...

bingo.

i am in no way trying to make excuses, just sad that nice people carry out business in such a way.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by noodle

I don't think there was anything even approaching justification in Ian's post. Mostly regret it seems...

semantics? At this stage... after all these years.

clients don't (typically) engage developers outside of business and when, apparently, clients are screwed... it's related to business. What does offering up suggestion that an apparent unethical and uncaring developer is "nice people" (uhhh... outside of business) accomplish - anyway?

[IanO]

^just saying, that's all.

[Taflet]

I found some more feedback from what sounds like a buyer or tenant of the Imperial on 112 street:

http://www.ourbis.com/378066-b-c-m-d...s-ltd-edmonton

For buyers of the Zen, this is likely what you can look forward to.

Taflet

[Taflet]

Wow. It is not difficult to come up with more reasons to stay away from BCM. From an article by Ron Chalmers in the Edmonton Journal from September 2007:

EDMONTON - BCM Developments is planning a 41-storey condominium tower at 101st Street and 105A Avenue -- extending the downtown's northward expansion.
....

"It's a good area close to the downtown, and I think you'll see more towers going up," Max Raimondi, BCM's development manager, said Thursday.
....

The building, tentatively called The Edmontonian, would have three levels of underground parking and a six-level above-ground parking podium with ground-level commercial space -- topped by a narrower tower with 35 to 38 storeys of condos.
....

BCM is preparing to present the plan to a community meeting before asking city council for a re-zoning. Raimondi expects construction to start in about two years, subject to pre-sales.

That was from two years ago. More talk, and no action on the part of BCM. This is their modus operandi.

Taflet

[raz0469]

And Landmark/Carma first gave hints of Aurora over 3 years ago, and nothing's been accomplished on site. Yet most people you speak with will have nothing but good things to say about their experiences with the Landmark Group. Just because they announce something doesn't mean they should be denigrated because it hasn't gone ahead immediately.

Again, I agree with most everything you've said about BCM, and my dealings with them are indeed much worse from the contractor side. But I don't think that's a legitimate point of contention at all.

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by Taflet

This is my first post in this forum, but as I have been watching the NON-development of the site that is called the Trevi/Neo/Zen and was a former client, I thought I would provide some more background info on these imbeciles and swindlers from BCM that pretend to know something about development.

In January 2003 my wife and I viewed the showsuite for what was then called The Trevi. We liked the downtown location, the price was right ($131,000) for a 1 bed+den suite and the design looked contemporary. So we put some money down in the spring of 2003 as down payment for a unit. It was not long after that when we were informed of delays to the project that they claimed were the city's fault because the city had halted development as they were re-examining the development plans for this area.

This is true, the City placed all development applications on hold until the North Edge study was completed.

After many months of back and forth and some discussions with the city, I found out that BCM had never acquired a development permit for the project when they were selling the units. Apparently nobody monitors this and it's not uncommon for a developer to sell before getting a permit. In the real world of commercial development, this is unheard of. My father has been a commercial developer for over 30 years and he said this was a huge red flag.

A developer doesn't need a development permit to start marketing pre-sales.

Since BCM did not have a development permit for the project, the city was able to halt construction and development of the site for an undetermined time while they revisited the plans for the neighbourhood. If BCM had acquired a DP, the City could not have stopped them.

This is correct.

Fast forward about 18-24 months. Because there had been delays in construction, BCM decides that they can alter the terms of the contract and raise the price of the unit by $20-30K that we had originally signed for. This was outrageous and so we took it to a lawyer on the basis that BCM had broken the contract. To make things even worse, BCM sales (anyone deal with a Judith Jossa from BCM?) attempted to persuade us to instead purchase a "comparable" unit in their Imperial project on 112 street. This building is in a crap location and we were offered a unit facing the alley for a mere $165K ($35K more than our original contract)! This may seem relatively inexpensive now, but the simple fact that they were changing prices on a whim AND trying to play the bait and switch game was nothing less than infuriating.

After consulting with our lawyer, he thought that we could take them to court on the basis of BCM violating the contract we had signed. But we did not feel it was worth our effort, time, and aggravation to pursue these bastards seeing as how the final product would most likely be crap. So a strongly worded letter was drafted with some of what I've just described. Shortly thereafter in the early fall of 2005, BCM refunded our deposit with a very small amount of interest.

For those who are still in a contract with these con artists, my advice is to get out, and get out now. Whatever they are telling you is just stall tactics to keep your cash to probably pay contractors that they owe money to.

It is now over 6 years since WE first signed a contract for a unit on that site, and as others have noticed, the site appears to be abandoned with no work being done since the spring. I believe I saw a For Sale sign on the fence facing the Safeway gas station. I would guess that BCM is near bankrupt and cannot pay it's contractors, which is why no work has been done. Six years folks. These guys probably have no intention of finishing this project, and if by some measure of luck it is finished - it will be done by cutting quality in many areas. BCM is incompetent in the extreme. Stay away from them at all costs.

Taflet

I know that there are many purchaser that are frustrated with the delays on BCM projects. Hopefully this improves in the future.

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

I know that there are many purchaser that are frustrated with the delays on BCM projects. Hopefully this improves in the future.

That would be nice... although, quite unlikely.

[murphys]

Are you still interested in for others who purchased in this building. I did way back in 2003 when it was the Trevi. It was quite the struggle with BCM, but i did get my $7000.00 deposit back in 2006. My story still pisses me off. 2010-05-21

Originally Posted by jiwali

I have pre-purchased a condo in the Zen building and am looking for others who purchased in this building. BCM has had my deposit since 2006 and I still have no condo.

[kubchaser]

WOW.. I was wondering what was the condo project behind Safeway in Oliver. I saw a little sign says "The Zen". Boy, I came to Edmonton in 2008, and the site was there.. since then not much was done until the last few months that they started to pick up a bit.

I can't believe this started 6-7 years ago? Holy..

And yes, Judith (the older lady?) is a jerk. I talked to her once in Imperial and she was cocky about BCM development.

[Chris83]

Judging by the exterior of the building, I think a more appropriate name for it would be The Sampler.

[murphys]

LOL Chris83, I am so glad I got out of my purchase and got my deposit back when I did. Ironically I see it getting built everyday, because I ended up buying a very nice resale condo in Oliver right by the Safeway. Sorry for anyone else that didn`t get out.

[kubchaser]

"The Sampler" is nicer way of putting it!

Come on, look at The Quest. The last time I heard it still got 50% to sell, but look at where the building is at? It shows the builder has much stronger financial strength and ethics to finish a project even before it is completely sold out.

[Bobbi]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

This is true, the City placed all development applications on hold until the North Edge study was completed.


A developer doesn't need a development permit to start marketing pre-sales.


This is correct.


I know that there are many purchaser that are frustrated with the delays on BCM projects. Hopefully this improves in the future.

Hello I have a unit with in the Zen and wanted to get my money back, I was wondering which lawyer you used and if I could get his name. I think I am at the point where I am going to go after my money

[Bobbi]

Originally Posted by murphys

LOL Chris83, I am so glad I got out of my purchase and got my deposit back when I did. Ironically I see it getting built everyday, because I ended up buying a very nice resale condo in Oliver right by the Safeway. Sorry for anyone else that didn`t get out.

Hello I am wondering how you got out of your contract with BCM, if you have the name of the lawyer that you used could you please pass him on to me.

Thank you

[Bobbi]

Hello I have bought a unit in the Zen and haven't been able to get any information on the building. Anyone that has previous bought in there and has gotten out of the their purchase agreement please contact me a let me know how you did it and what lawyer you used. If I get my initial deposit back I would gladly pay you for your help.

Thank you

[Bobbi]

Hello I see that you got your deposit back from BCM for your purchase in the Zen. I am looking to get mine back also could you let me know the process you used to get it back? Thank you

Originally Posted by murphys

Are you still interested in for others who purchased in this building. I did way back in 2003 when it was the Trevi. It was quite the struggle with BCM, but i did get my $7000.00 deposit back in 2006. My story still pisses me off. 2010-05-21

[Marcel Petrin]

Welcome to the magical world of message boards...

[murphys]

Originally Posted by Bobbi

Hello I see that you got your deposit back from BCM for your purchase in the Zen. I am looking to get mine back also could you let me know the process you used to get it back? Thank you

Hi Bobbie, I didn`t have a lawyer, I got out back in 2006 when it was called the Trevi, they didn`t break ground yet, so I think that is why I got my deposit back. It was over $7,000.00 deposit back then for a 2 bedroom. My delimna began in late 2002 with BCM. If you want more info, let me know.

[moahunter]

I drove past the Zen the other day.

What do people actually think of it now its done? I realize there have been tons of negative comments in this thread, but I actually think, for a low rise condo, it looks really good. I like the mix of materials, the metal / brick / stucco, looks better for real than the photo below.

What do you think?

[IanO]

^yup, both Zen and Maxx look good IMO and demonstrates what the EDC can do if a developer eventually listens.

[Marcel Petrin]

Haven't seen the front, but when I walked out of Oliver Safeway the other day with my car parked near the gas station, I did stop for a second to look at it and thought "jeez, that looks not half bad".

Then I got in my car, drove by the Venetian and wept.

[etownboarder]

It might look alright, but it's still built by BCM, meaning the poor owners will be in for a surprise or two in a few years.

[Montrosian]

Originally Posted by Marcel Petrin

Haven't seen the front, but when I walked out of Oliver Safeway the other day with my car parked near the gas station, I did stop for a second to look at it and thought "jeez, that looks not half bad".

Then I got in my car, drove by the Venetian and wept.

Yea I don't mind the look of this building either. It's definitely not the worst one in the area. I'm not a fan of that faded yellow color however. If I had to change one thing about it's exterior, that would probably be it.

[noodle]

It's much improved over The Imperial, built using the same prefab panels by the same builder. Hopefully it fares a little better in the long run than their past efforts as etb alluded to.

I dig 'em more aesthetically than Tessco's recent efforts.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by KingswayGuy

Yea I don't mind the look of this building either. It's definitely not the worst one in the area.

I would say it is the best one in the area by some margin. In fact, I can't think of a new low rise condo anywhere in the City that looks as good as Zen or Maxx.

[murphys]

Originally Posted by moahunter

I drove past the Zen the other day.

What do people actually think of it now its done? I realize there have been tons of negative comments in this thread, but I actually think, for a low rise condo, it looks really good. I like the mix of materials, the metal / brick / stucco, looks better for real than the photo below.

What do you think?

Thanks for the info and pic. I live close by and I plan on going to see a unit when there is a showsuite, just out of curiousity. It doesn't look to bad and I like the idea of concrete construction. I am still glad I got out when I did and still wouldn't trust BCM, I am wondering about the results of that class action suit.

[noodle]

Isn't it steel prefab panels, not concrete? I took some pics during construction of the prefab units shrinkwrapped and left on site YEARS ago.

boxes by dion [oʇoɥdʞoɯɐ], on Flickr

[Marcel Petrin]

Were they insulated concrete forms perhaps?

[noodle]

They definitely built the walls from prefab steel stud sections and one of the little rinkydink portable cranes to hoist 'em up.

It's too tall for wood-framed, but I'm 90% sure it's not a full concrete building like the Icons, Illuminada, Uptown et al.

[Chris83]

Originally Posted by noodle

It's too tall for wood-framed

Too tall for wood-framed in Edmonton? That good sir is sacrilege.

I'm not sure what the actual requirements are for height vis a vi wood framing, but weren't the Southview Court woodframe condos that burnt a while back as tall as the Zen?

[noodle]

I was under the impression that ~5 stories was about as far as good ol' lumber could take you, thanks to fire/building code. (the ~ is due to the fact that you could squeeze 6 stubbies into the space of 5 stories cos the limit is in height, not stories)

[IanO]

^correct.

This hybrid system of prefab panels, metal studs, and what appears to be blown insulation has been used almost exclusively by BCM.

Abbey Lane used a different proprietary system on the Venetian that went bankrupt 1/2 way through and had to be bailed out if i recall.

or was it the other way around... I cant recall.

[murphys]

Originally Posted by noodle

They definitely built the walls from prefab steel stud sections and one of the little rinkydink portable cranes to hoist 'em up.

It's too tall for wood-framed, but I'm 90% sure it's not a full concrete building like the Icons, Illuminada, Uptown et al.

I got out of this contract because they increased the price a couple of times and in the letter they sent me they said they are changing the design of my unit and making it a concrete building. I suppose that didn't mean 100% concrete. When I go to visit the showsuite I will ask.

[ChrisD]

Originally Posted by IanO

^correct.

This hybrid system of prefab panels, metal studs, and what appears to be blown insulation has been used almost exclusively by BCM.

Abbey Lane used a different proprietary system on the Venetian that went bankrupt 1/2 way through and had to be bailed out if i recall.

or was it the other way around... I cant recall.

They went bankrupt part way through.

Speaking of wood framed, BC just changed their building code to allow 6-storey wood-framed structures.

[moahunter]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

Speaking of wood framed, BC just changed their building code to allow 6-storey wood-framed structures.

I remember a thread on this, it was the result of lobbying by the big Timber industry in BC.

[etownboarder]

Originally Posted by ChrisD

Speaking of wood framed, BC just changed their building code to allow 6-storey wood-framed structures.

Didn't AB recently change the building code limiting wood-framed construction to 4 storeys?

[buster]

I had no idea there is a class action suit. I'm also trying to get my deposit back, but heard nothing about the suit. Any details? Do you know which lawyer is heading it?

Originally Posted by murphys

Thanks for the info and pic. I live close by and I plan on going to see a unit when there is a showsuite, just out of curiousity. It doesn't look to bad and I like the idea of concrete construction. I am still glad I got out when I did and still wouldn't trust BCM, I am wondering about the results of that class action suit.

[murphys]

Originally Posted by buster

I had no idea there is a class action suit. I'm also trying to get my deposit back, but heard nothing about the suit. Any details? Do you know which lawyer is heading it?

Buster if you go into Business and Economy and go to BCM Developments and a date with Judge, you will get more info. See RMA There was a pre-trial conference Sept 30, 2009. Not sure of any outcome from that.

[brad]

I have had the recent displeasure of dealing with the "C" of this company, or shell of a company. I have never met anyone with such an appearance of kindness and friendliness when caught in person BUT try to get an answer or receive a call back from anyone, absolutely will never happen! The office will act as though they will help, however they are just covering for the dirtbag and do not care one way or the other.

KEEP YOUR MONEY!!!!

I will never gave them, or their other companies any money and do make a point of bringing them up in almost any conversation I have. This ******** will turn around and bite you in your chicken *** one day!!!

[brad]

Wait till the problems arise and you will never be able to find anyone or hear from them ever! Sometimes, and this is the case, it's better to pay more elsewhere as the peace of mind for future issues will be present, NOT with BCM!!

Originally Posted by murphys

Buster if you go into Business and Economy and go to BCM Developments and a date with Judge, you will get more info. See RMA There was a pre-trial conference Sept 30, 2009. Not sure of any outcome from that.

[murphys]

Originally Posted by brad

I have had the recent displeasure of dealing with the "C" of this company, or shell of a company. I have never met anyone with such an appearance of kindness and friendliness when caught in person BUT try to get an answer or receive a call back from anyone, absolutely will never happen! The office will act as though they will help, however they are just covering for the dirtbag and do not care one way or the other.

KEEP YOUR MONEY!!!!

I will never gave them, or their other companies any money and do make a point of bringing them up in almost any conversation I have. This ******** will turn around and bite you in your chicken *** one day!!!

Sorry Brad to hear about your displeasure with BCM, before I got my deposit back I also had to call them constantly until I got anywhere, many times they didn`t answer or just didn`t call back, once I even went back to Judith to complain and yes she showed concern but not much came out of it. One has to wonder who would ever work for them, unless of course it is family owned. Good Luck to you.

[IanO]

It is family owned and run...

[ChrisD]

I certainly hope they change their act given how an increasing proportion of purchasers do their initial research online.

If you type in BCM Developments in Google the second link that comes up is this post and the third is another site complaining about their shoddy workmanship.