After 15 years of leasing space in the Vancouver area for Cascade Callworks, a multi-client call center, company president Shawn Suhrstedt leapt into building ownership, buying a piece of property in downtown Vancouver. Now, following the success of that move, Suhrstedt is solidifying his commitment to the revitalization of downtown with the purchase of a second building.
“Buying commercial property, we were excited about that for the cost savings but we discovered we have a passion for it, so we’re shifting gears to commercial properties,” said Lori Suhrstedt, Shawn’s wife and business partner.
The Suhrstedts first commercial property purchase occurred during the first quarter of 2013 with the acquisition of the two-story brick building at the corner of 7th and Washington streets. According to Lori, the building’s history dates back to 1910 when it opened as the first Buick dealership in the area and later housed the Ramona Apartments until it was converted to office space in the 1980’s.
EnvyMe Salon, owned by Miranda Eshius, was the Suhrstedts first tenant, and Lori described her as an early supporter of downtown. After extensive renovations, Lisa Bagley moved in her boutique bridal shop, Sincerely the Bride. Months later (October 2014), The Grocery Cocktail & Social, operated by Chris and Cindy Reed, also moved in. With Cascade Callworks situated on the second floor, the 10,000-square-foot building was 100-percent occupied.
“The first time we looked at [that building] we were like, ‘No way!’ But the person we bought it from helped us see past all the work that needed to be done,” said Lori. “We liked the location… it’s close to the park [and] there’s lots of commercial activity.”
Fast forward two years and they’ve done it again – this time buying a three-story building situated at the intersection of East Fourth Plain Boulevard and ‘F’ Street. Built in the 1950’s, the building had sat vacant long enough for the Suhrstedts to view it “as a jewel in the rough.” Last month, Cascade Callworks relocated there and now calls it home.
Moving Cascade Callworks to Fourth Plain and F Street freed up the top floor of the building at 7th and Washington, but not for very long. Last week, MD Structural Engineering, owned by Mike and Sara Daubenberger, moved in. To follow that, Laura Standbridge’s Standbridge Design is scheduled to move in next month.
“We offer a unique environment and we knew there’d be special people drawn to the space,” said Lori of the brick building’s appeal. “We knew the attractive pricing would make it an easy choice.”
The Suhrstedts intend to continue their commitment to downtown Vancouver growth and hope to start shopping for a third commercial property by the first of next year.
“We’re really excited to see the increase in traffic,” Lori added. “Downtown Vancouver’s coming back with a vengeance.”
