Building a Vehicle Oasis in Vancouver: Our Journey to a New Home
For over a decade, AUTO|ONE Vancouver thrived at 8555 Cambie Street. From 2011 to 2024, this location served as our hub, nestled in a light industrial zone less than 4 km from where we are now. It was perfectly suited for auto operations, surrounded by warehouses and like-minded businesses.
But as Vancouver evolved, so too did our story.
The years leading up to (and following) the 2010 Olympics brought a wave of transformation, including the construction of the Canada Line – a rapid transit train linking the airport to the downtown waterfront. This infrastructure boom increased development throughout the city, particularly along our idyllic industrial stretch. We saw the writing on the wall around 2018, when a developer purchased the site we had called home for so long. It was clear we needed to start looking for a new spot, but that proved far more challenging than expected.
The Search for a New Home
Vancouver’s industrial land had become scarce, and the rise of e-commerce, particularly giants like Amazon, meant delivery warehouses were snapping up every available site. Options were limited, and leasing didn’t feel right for our long-term vision. We wanted a space to call our own and eventually, we found the perfect canvas.
Our new location, 1385 East Kent Ave N, once just a bare lot used to park heavy-duty trucks, had potential. It was raw, open, and, most importantly, in a great location. In 2024, we broke ground, beginning to create an open-concept dealership. Today, we couldn’t be happier with the result.
A Space That Reflects Us
Our new Vancouver facility is a modern, open-concept structure; a place for our employees to feel comfortable and confident in their work. Gone are the compartmentalized offices of the past, now the space flows. No cubicles – just natural light, clean lines, and thoughtful design.
With a south-facing orientation, the building bathes in natural light, creating a welcoming, energizing environment year-round. The combination of glass, concrete, metal, and wood is beautifully designed by Nicholas Waissbluth of Waissbluth Architecture and gives the space character. Uniquely adding to this, we’ve adorned the space with car-themed artwork. Framed vintage steering wheels, hubcaps and hoods hang on our walls while tile angled to reflect tire tread line our bathrooms. Anywhere you look, you are reminded that vehicles are a form of art themselves boasting colour, line and form.
Built With Sustainability in Mind
Thanks to Founder and CEO Kevin Andrews, environmental responsibility was front and center in the design of our new space. Solar panels cover the roof for an alternative energy source. Large, bright windows maximize natural light and reduce the need for heating in the cooler months, while carefully designed overhangs help block excessive sun in the summer, keeping the building cooler and cutting down on air conditioning. Extra-large ceiling fans circulate air efficiently, reducing our reliance on HVAC systems. We’ve also installed energy-saving LED lights on motion sensors to ensure lighting is only used when needed, and low-flow toilets minimize our water consumption.
Kevin has been the driving force behind this sustainability first approach, personally choosing thoughtful designs that reflect both environmental values and long-term operational efficiency. His vision has shaped a space that not only looks and feels great but also supports a more sustainable future.
The AUTO|ONE Vancouver showroom isn’t just a building – it’s a vehicle oasis, purpose-built for the future.