Street view of Astria Properties’ Link Academy building in Kelowna
KELOWNA – Projects like the Link Academy and Astria Hollywood demonstrate Astria Properties’ expertise in developing sub four-acre properties.
“Astria is bringing products to the Kelowna market that are making a meaningful impact in the industrial landscape,” says David Basche, who spent a decade developing and acquiring properties for one of Canada’s leading real estate developers before taking the role of President of Astria Properties. “We have consistently delivered high-quality, well-designed, and functional industrial spaces. We’re thoughtful in our approach to pursue small, boutique projects with the potential for profound impact.”
Astria Hollywood is a build-to-suit development. The 32,000-square-foot facility is strategically located in the Reid’s Corner industrial area and will have a Zero Carbon Building designation certification. Construction is anticipated to start this spring and complete in the first quarter of 2025.
Link Academy is a rare opportunity to own brand-new, small-bay industrial strata units in Kelowna. Located at 3226 Appaloosa Road, the project is immediately adjacent to Astria Hollywood. It includes flexible floorplans ranging from 2,681 to 18,133 square feet of contiguous space. Link Academy features front and rear grade-loading spaces, ideal for businesses requiring high-exposure showroom space or efficient floorplates for manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution.
Link Academy stands out as a unique product in the Kelowna market due to its superior construction quality and functional design, which are unparalleled in the region. Among its notable features are rear and front grade-level loading, a finished washroom included in the units, and built-in closed mezzanines—a rarity in Kelowna’s industrial developments. “These design elements are tailored to maximize efficiency and convenience for businesses, making Link Academy a highly attractive investment opportunity”, says Basche. “Additionally, the use of precast concrete walls ensures superior quality compared to traditional tilt panels, while the customization of slab work for each tenant/owner adds further value and adaptability to the space”. This commitment to excellence in construction and design underscores Astria Properties’ dedication to delivering top-notch industrial spaces that meet the market’s evolving needs.
Link Academy’s front entrance
“Our commitment to our niche has defined Astria as the expert in sub-four-acre boutique industrial development and investments,” says Basche. “The disciplined approach to executing our projects and our trusted relationships within the industry set us apart from our competitors.”
Astria focuses on land parcels under four acres due to B.C.’s limited land supply. This scarcity stems from various factors, including geographical limitations, the presence of the agricultural land reserve, and the competition from residential development. While the prevailing trend among developers leans towards large-scale distribution and warehousing projects, Astria recognizes distinct prospects in crafting adaptable employment spaces on smaller, more compact parcels of land.
B.C. has more small businesses per capita than any other province, and business owners recognize the opportunities available for owning their properties as part of their investment portfolio and strategic planning.
Astria is currently planning and developing over 580,000 square feet of industrial product in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland. “We take a fully integrated approach to our work,” says Basche. “Besides developing industrial projects, we focus on acquiring income-producing properties. By actively investing in existing assets, we aim to contribute value to the communities where Astria operates.”
Astria also provides third-party project management on behalf of private and institutional landlords. Offering an end-to-end development management solution for industrial property owners, the Astria team executes and supports projects for groups inside and outside of B.C. as they develop local industrial real estate.
“We remain rooted in our beliefs that real estate doesn’t need to be complex and that prioritizing relationships is the key to success,” reiterates David.
Business Examiner Staff