The whY is a space that one has to physically walk through to understand because the mind has to be inside the space to comprehend the language of the building. It shows how architecture reframes our thinking and how concepts can be evolved without destroying what once existed.

An architect and urban designer have completely transformed a former YMCA into 18 condos of inspired modern living. They have reused materials from the existing building including original floors from the gymnasium, tiles from the pool, windows, walls, and wood from the bowling alleys and squash courts. The lines that were painted on the floors for basketball and squash are intact. The elements of its past are preserved in its modern reincarnation.

When you climb the stairs to the roof top terraces, you look out over Victorian homes including the Fairholm National Historic Inn which is a Picturesque style home circa 1938 when the British were establishing colonial societies here.

The condo building has maintained the exterior of the old YMCA or “The Y”, a recreational landmark at Prince and Euston, but the interior architecture and design is showing that Charlottetown’s urban vibe is finding its place in the city, too. We thought it was the perfect place to start our Likemind Charlottetown conversation.

Are Canadians ignorant about how Americans actually vote, as our knowledge about the US is filtered through Canadian media? Maybe we need to be more proactive …as what happens in the U.S. will directly influence what happens in Canada. Obviously some other people think this as well. Check out www.munkdebates.com for the Munk Debates…and the warning is to expect colourful language…oh, so un-Canadian.

Is there an East-West divide or an East-West collide? With the Oil Boom in Alberta, there is a flow of people going West to work, but there is also a flow of money and investment coming East. For Easterners or those with family connections in the East, the West is their workplace, but a number of them see the East as a place to make a home. Maybe it’s like the ad says, “Where a million buys what a million should.”

Likemind is an international organization that invites people to get together around the world once a month for coffee to discuss ideas and trends. Likemind Charlottetown is the third likemind group in Canada…also one in Toronto and Vancouver. We now complete the geographical bookends.

Likemind was originated by Piers Fawkes and Noah Brier in NYC. Piers is president of PSFK (www.psfk.com) a trends research company that consults with companies to innovate and inspire. There are PSFK conferences around the world…there was one in NYC in March and the next will be in San Francisco in July.