“Abstract Developments: Always Unique” – Business Vancouver Island

Business Vancouver Island – September 2006

VICTORIA – Every project Mike Miller creates is a “one-off”.
“I never want to do the same thing twice,” says the owner of Abstract Developments Inc. “Where some might want to save a buck, I’d rather spend an extra buck.”

For Miller, each project is like a work of art, and that attitude helped earn five Silver CARE Awards from the Canadian Home Builders Association this year.

Abstract’s Terra Rose project at 933 Meares Road is now competing for Gold CARE’s as Project of the Year, Best Multi-Family development over 1,500 square feet, Best Exterior Living Space and Best Residential Interior. Abstract is also up for Best Web Site.

Everything about Terra Rose is special and unique, Miller says. Even in early 2003 when he purchased the land, he saw the potential. To begin with, the location, one block south of Fort Street on a cul-de-sac beside Pioneer Square Park, was outstanding. And so, when he planned the site for six town homes, he took the streetscape into account.

“I put in an underground parkade for two cars for each home to keep all the surface parking clean,” Miller says. “That allows for green space and it also nestles in right next to the park.” The park was in very poor condition but when the executive town homes went up the entire neighbourhood changed, Miller recalls. The project literally took the park back and made it a well groomed gathering place.

When it comes to designing the homes, Miller knew he wanted to make them special. In fact, he says that for Victoria they’re probably ahead of their time.

The town homes range in size from 2,000 – 2,400 square feet and feature amenities such as in-floor heat, polished concrete interior stairs, exterior shake and wood frame windows painted black. The six homes are broken up into two blocks of three, meaning four of the six homes get light from three sides.

Viewing them from the street one might think they dropped out of San Francisco or London, England, Miller says – they have that sort of sophisticated and architecturally designed look to them. Miller calls the interiors “up-to-date modern”. “It’s not contemporary. It’s just a lot of woods and concrete to accent it. There”s a bit stainless but it’s not cold. The main floor is all cherry floors.”

The main floor includes an enormous great room that is almost 900 square feet with 10-ft. ceilings. The kitchen is meant for cozy entertaining and is an integral part of the living space with a great many custom touches such a cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops and more stainless accents.

An open concrete staircase with aluminum spindles leads to the second floor and the two bedrooms including the impressive master suite. The bathroom is tiled in white with clean lines and a Japanese style soaker tub that features wooden shutters to the bedroom. There”s also a balcony overlooking the park as well as a loft. In some designs the loft features another hidden balcony under the roof.

“It really has a house feel, not a condo feel at all,” Miller says. “It’s probably my favourite project to date. I could live there.”

He says he took a risk with the project, adding he expected the buyers to be from out of town but four of the six were locals. He says that even his peers who dropped by the project while it was under construction were surprised.

However, the homes are also practical, with an entrance from the underground parkade into a basement hallway. This level also features a flex room and another full bathroom. He explains that he even considered people coming home with shopping bags and entering the home and not having to take their shoes off. When the project was done, he says he took one final look at it and knew that if he had it to do over, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“This is the largest project I’ve done and this is where I want to be.”

Miller began working in development in 1999 by renovating homes and he watched his business grow steadily ever since. These are his first CARE Awards, and although he says he’s excited by the recognition, he adds that he worked very hard for it. He also acknowledges that he had a lot of help.

“My talent is to see the big picture and then bring out the best in everybody,” he says.

“Without the right crew I couldn’t do it and that includes my family and all the trades. It’s been a real team effort.”

Story reprinted with the permission of Business Vancouver Island – The Voice for Local Business www.businessvi.ca