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A digital newspaper, curated around the community and culture of East Van, by East Van.
We are the crew behind Woodland Block. A crew curated around the community of East Van, for East Van, by East Van.
Our city is brimming with creatives doing incredible things, people with extraordinary visions. And we felt a pull to support and amplify that passion to build homes that matter, to make a positive impact on communities, and to collaborate with people who want the same. Collaborating with the imaginative minds at Ekistics Architecture and House of Bohn, we set out to challenge the design expectations within real estate, together. We wanted to create a community within a community, where residents can be proud to call their home far from cookie-cutter.
Sasha founded First Track on the premise to do things differently — walk the real estate path least taken. Having grown up in one of Vancouver’s most established real estate families, Sasha understands the importance of building lasting communities and the foundations of thoughtful development. Now, with his own family, he strives to build better, together.
On The Weekends:
He’s either whipping around Stanley Park on his bike or being a Whistler ski bunny.
Favourite East Van Spot:
Pepino’s Spaghetti House
Must Order: Pizza and a Negroni
Location: 631 Commercial Dr
Handle: @pepinos
Best Hidden Gem In East Van:
Equinox Gallery is hidden in plain sight.
Famous Quote You Live By:
“Pressure is a privilege.” – Billie Jean King
You Never Leave Home Without:
A positive mindset and good attitude.
How Your Friends And Family Would Describe You:
At my wedding, a friend described me as someone who takes charge and is always there for you when you need it. Always has time for a coffee.
Your First Job:
Washing cars for my dad, then working at Athletes World.
What You Want To Be Known For:
Putting a more youthful and positive spin on development, while also trying to evoke change. I want to be the spark that gets people motivated and excited to do what they do.
Dead Or Alive, Who Would You Have Dinner With:
Frank Sinatra
Matt’s passion for real estate is partly thanks to being born into a long-standing Vancouver real estate family. While he still gets excited about connecting the financial dots between people and projects, he’s also strategizing challenges and is a devoted advocate for charities and politics. He consistently seeks ways to support the wellbeing of Vancouver and those who live here.
On The Weekends:
You’ll find Matt making “the best ever” scrambled eggs for his two daughters.
Favourite East Van Spot:
Renzullo’s! Local Italian legend and owner Franco remembers your name, your order and then some.
Must Order: Americano (aka the best americano in the city)
Location: 1370 Nanaimo Street x Grant
Handle: @renzullofoodmarket
Best Hidden Gem In East Van:
I recently brought my girls to Trout Lake, and it was fantastic. East Vancouver has that great neighbourhood feeling that I just can’t explain and there are so many hidden gems to explore.
You Never Leave Home Without:
My phone – it’s my traveling office and allows me to explore the city and offers me more flexibility throughout my day.
A Show You Could Watch Over And Over Again:
The West Wing and Billions.
Famous Quote You Live By:
“Do the right thing, even though it might be the hardest thing to do.”
Introverted Or Extroverted:
Extroverted.
Your First Job:
Working with my mother, Olga Ilich at her business Suncor Development Corp. I helped her with the marketing and sales, not full responsibility, but great exposure.
Some Of The Ways You Give Back:
I served on the Board of the Richmond Hospital Foundation for 10 years where we raised over $1.3m dollars for mental health. I am passionate about healthcare and sustainability. At First Track, we are always looking for creative ways to give back, most recently our Operation Welcome Home pilot project supporting Ukrainian refugees in Vancouver.
James Evans is a seasoned real estate developer who has developed over 1,000 homes throughout the lower mainland over the past 25 years. His notable East Vancouver projects include The Jeffs Residences, Ella on Nanaimo, and Brookhouse Residences, along with projects currently under construction including Gibson House and Stinson Block. As a valued partner at Woodland Block and proud East Vancouver local, he is committed to ensuring that the building will be an enduring legacy in the community.
On The Weekends:
You can find James fixing or renovating something in his home or learning to play bagpipes.
Favourite East Van Spot:
Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant
Must Order: Spicy Karaage and a Sapporo
Location: 2054 Commercial Dr
Handle: @kishimoto.restaurant
Famous Quote You Live By:
“Illegitimi non carborundum.” (Don’t let the bastards wear you down)
Things You Avoid:
Crowds and public speaking.
How Your Friends And Family Would Describe You:
Quiet and reserved, I guess I’m a bit of an introvert.
What You Want To Be Known For:
Someone who builds memorable projects, like my past heritage projects that I’m really proud of.
What Is Your Superpower:
At my age, getting out of bed in the morning!
Dead Or Alive, Who Would You Have Dinner With:
Robin Williams
What Gets You Out Of Bed Every Morning:
A challenge; I never really know what is going to land on my desk everyday, and I like that.
Karin Bohn is the founder and creative director of the award-winning House of Bohn design studio. She created the interior design firm in 2009, and has since made her mark in many industries including luxury residential, multi-family, restaurants and retail. Karin believes in invoking the unique soul of every project, with each space designed with intention and with her distinct aesthetic that is eclectic, bold, visually exciting and timeless.
Favourite Thing About East Van:
I love the community aspect of East Vancouver, and I also love the up-pretentious nature of the community. It’s a no-BS area of Vancouver, and I love that!
Your Perfect Sunday:
Spending time with my daughter, Madison. I live for the days that I can spend un-interrupted time with her.
When You’re Happiest:
When I’ve just finished my morning routine, which includes hot water, lemon and salt, a yoga session, a journaling session and a meditation.
Your Favourite Quote or Saying:
“Be you, and you can be anything.”
Your First Job:
My very first design job was helping a friend update her studio condo. The scope was changing out the floors, painting and re-arranging the bedroom furniture. It was such a small job, but I loved it, and it set me on the path to where I am today!
You Never Leave Home Without:
My black briefcase. It has all my work gear in it, and I hate to say it, but it even comes with me on Vacation!
One Thing Your Family Has Taught You:
At a young age, my dad said to me “Don’t try, just do it.” From that point on I learned how to have a high-level of competency. Throughout my life I’ve focused more on results than effort, and that’s gotten me where I am today.
The lead architect of Woodland Block, Charles Leman, has more than 25 years of diverse design expertise. Collaborating with his team at Ekistics, including Senna Lee and owner Mark Blackwood, Charles ensures a meticulous and thoughtful approach to the project. His portfolio showcases a wide range of projects, from opera houses to high-rise residential towers and private homes, each requiring a unique design approach and attention to detail. With his wealth of experience and creative vision, Charles ensures that Woodland Block is both visually stunning and functional.
Favourite East Van Spot:
Tacofino Commissary
Must Order: The Crispy Chicken Tacos
Location: 2327 E Hastings St
Handle: @tacofinolovesyou
When You’re Happiest:
Skiing
Best Hidden Gem In East Van:
I wouldn’t claim to be enough of an insider to call it a hidden gem… but Downlow Chicken Shack is really good.
You Never Leave Home Without:
Spectacles, wallet, cell phone and watch. Oh wait… I never wear a watch.
Most Spontaneous Thing You’ve Ever Done:
Wow. The MOST spontaneous thing…though one. Probably something/someone I’ve purposely forgotten about…In recent years…walked-in to the Rickshaw to watch whatever band was playing (it was metal of some kind) late on a Friday night.
Famous Quote You Live By:
“Time moves in one direction, memory another. We are that strange species that constructs artifacts intended to counter the natural flow of forgetting.” – William Gibson
Introverted Or Extroverted:
Intoverted
Your First Job:
Ah humble beginnings… My first real job was a temp assignment. It was a manufacturing job, in a nail mill. I was the guy who counted the nails. You would think I could do better with an Architectural degree, but back then if you couldn’t type 100 words/minute you weren’t considered employable for office positions.
Some Of The Ways You Give Back:
I volunteer. Kids sports clubs, coaching, cooking for the sailing, rugby club.
The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the information contained herein. Maps, views, photography, and renderings are representational only and are not necessarily accurate, and final design, construction, and features may differ. Floor plans, layouts, finishes, prices, and availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact a developer representative for details. E. & O.E.
