It was a large crowd, especially for Vancouver on a Monday night in late November, but the draw was the opening of the newest, and now the only, auto dealership in downtown Vancouver, and the headliner was none other than Jim Pattison himself.
This new building was designed by Bing Thom and IBI Group, and the new 120,000 square-foot dealership features three vertical showroom mezzanines connected through a Toyota-emblem shaped opening in the middle. Underneath are five floors of state-of-the-art auto services and parking, and above are offices that are already full, including eight floors of LuluLemon offices. The store is part of the One Burrard Place development built with Reliance Properties.
“We plan to deliver a purchase experience at Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown that will feel more like what you expect from an Apple Store or five-star hotel,” said the store GM, Michael Chase, during opening remarks.
The project has been a long time in the making, said Bill Harbottle, President of Pattison Auto Group, and it has been the work of a large and dedicated group of people.
“We wanted to build a fitting showcase for all these outstanding Toyota vehicles,” he said. Harbottle also gave a tribute to Jim Pattison’s administrative assistant for over 60 years, Maureen Chant, who was also in attendance.
Toyota Canada President and CEO Larry Hutchinson said “When Bill [Harbottle] came to Toronto 15 years ago with this idea of doing this whole complex, it was an interesting meeting. I did not know what would come of it. It’s amazing that we’re here today to celebrate the opening of this beautiful dealership.”
Jim Pattison took the stage right before the ribbon cutting and gave thanks to everyone who has helped make this new development possible, and recognized Bill Harbottle’s contributions to the auto division of Pattison Group, and he thanked his wife and Maureen Chant. He also recalled his warm friendship with the Toyota family that led him to become a Toyota dealer in 1980.
After the ribbon cutting, champagne was poured and guests mingled and took in the selection of cars and trucks on view. Jim Pattison Toyota Downtown is located at 1280 Burrard Street in Vancouver.
