This project is the flagship Vancouver Island store for Boutique Mac, a Mac authorized reseller. Boutique Mac is operated by Jason Belsey who has considerable lower mainland experience owning and operating a multi outlet Mac retailer. Mr. Belsey decision to expand his operations in the central island area has been well received thanks in part to its location in a very unique and charismatic downtown Nanaimo space. The project includes a high wow factor retail area, a complete service center, and supporting office and ancillary spaces.

This exciting retail space was created within what once was a windowless basement in the Gusola Building, which Tectonica Management Ltd. renovated extensively in 2007. The existing rubble foundation wall along the north side of the space was reinforced with a concrete frame and retained as a character defining element within the space. The concrete floor slab was carefully prepared and left exposed in keeping with the refined industrial design aesthetic. A heavy live edge maple slab is featured along the west wall as part of an interactive computer display center.

Slat wall, while functional, is an unattractive product normally associated with status quo retail environments. Bil Derby, of Tectonica Management Inc., designed a custom retail display system incorporating the utility of slat wall with the beauty and character of edge grain old growth fir slats. This display wall system provides an appropriate background for the design-centric products associated with Mac retailing.

Tectonica Management Inc. was retained to provide interior design services; project and construction management services; and, in support of the project schedule, provided the carpentry labour for concrete forming, framing and finish carpentry.

Bil Derby, AT.AIBC of Tectonica Management Inc. was the designer and project manager for both the landlord and tenant improvements.