The flooding occurred on March 31 last year above the offices where a tenant had reported water coming down the staircase. Structural damage including ceiling tiles falling down with water everywhere.
Vanessa Oake Hogan and her husband had purchased the building three weeks prior to the flood and took the disaster as an opportunity to renovate the premises rather than rebuild it.
"We had a designer, Mi Casa Designs Norma Hagelin helped us out a lot,” said Hogan. “Her and I took on the project together and as well as Mackenzie Design (Inc.) helped us with the structural changes that were happening.”
Renovations occurred during the Canada Day weekend last year. Prior to that, administration and managers were able to work in the office as agents came in and out despite the damage.
"Our front desk wasn't damaged or affected by the flood, said Hogan. "We were able to keep our admin stuff working and keeping the brokerage going but once we finished the planning stages of the reno once the actual renovations started, we had to move the entire team back into one corner so we were in tight corners for about four months."
The staff had moved in during Thanksgiving once the renovations were completed. The company employs 10 staff and 111 agents.
"I still walk through the office every day and I'm so grateful that we're not in the reno mode," said Hogan.
