Historic Surrey Building Emerges from Decades of Vacancy with Ambitious Transformation
A prominent four-storey commercial structure in Surrey that has stood empty since its completion in 1998 is finally experiencing a remarkable revival after years of inactivity and multiple ownership changes. The building, located at 14178 104 Avenue between Whalley and Guildford town centers, is now undergoing extensive renovations that promise to breathe new life into this long-dormant property.
From Failed Dreams to New Beginnings
Originally conceived as the Canada Asian Centre and intended to become British Columbia's largest Asian mall with retail and office spaces, the project never materialized due to financing challenges. The 271,000-square-foot building, encompassing an entire city block, has witnessed numerous ownership transitions and unrealized development plans over the past quarter-century.
American lawyer Donald Pitt purchased the property in 2002, followed by Kuldeep Bansal's acquisition in 2022 for $55 million. Bansal envisioned an office strata project with 202 units, but the property entered foreclosure in 2023. Throughout these years, potential tenants including Fraser Health, Simon Fraser University, and the RCMP considered the space for various uses ranging from office spaces to banquet halls and educational facilities.
District 104: Surrey's Newest Commercial Landmark
The building has now been rebranded as District 104 and is being marketed as "Surrey's newest landmark for strata office and retail" and "a turnkey opportunity to capitalize on Surrey's remarkable growth trajectory." According to Colliers listing materials, the property is undergoing what senior vice-president Dylan Sohi describes as "a significant facelift and interior renovations, which is nearly complete."
"The building is now as if it was built today," Sohi emphasized. "Since it's been built, there's been lots of speculation, tons of rumours. The former identity of the building is no longer."
Substantial Tenant Interest and Community Integration
The renovated building has already attracted considerable attention from potential occupants. Sohi revealed that ground-level spaces are likely to include a grocer, with early discussions underway, along with significant medical facilities including doctors' offices, pharmacies, specialists, and dental groups. Childcare providers have also expressed strong interest in securing substantial space within the development.
Upper floors are being targeted by professional office users, creating a mixed-use environment that promises to serve the surrounding community comprehensively. The building's strategic location offers proximity to numerous amenities including:
- Surrey Central SkyTrain Station
- Major shopping malls
- Educational institutions
- Municipal parks and green spaces
The wider neighborhood benefits from close access to Surrey City Hall, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the Surrey campuses of both Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University, creating an ideal environment for commercial and professional activities.
New Ownership and Future Prospects
The property is now owned by numbered company 1262066 BC Ltd., with Sukhminder (Sukhi) Rai serving as sole director. Rai, who is president of developing company Jayen Properties and head of RBI Companies, represents the latest chapter in the building's complex history. While Rai did not respond to requests for comment, the visible transformation and marketing efforts suggest a renewed commitment to realizing the property's potential.
For nearly three decades, this distinctive building with its floor-to-ceiling windows served primarily as a filming location when not sitting completely vacant. Now, with "For sale or lease" signs appearing around the site and substantial renovations nearing completion, District 104 appears poised to finally fulfill its original promise as a vibrant commercial hub in one of British Columbia's fastest-growing urban centers.
