About

The Urban Escapes Story

1998

The Idea – Father and Son

Jim and Tyler Lorencz began their building team in 1998 by building their family home while Tyler was in College working towards his Business Diploma.

1998

1999

Founding

Jim Decided that it was time for a career change. He began with building homes in the country with the idea of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. He bought an Acreage lot and simply built a house. This project quickly turned into a custom build.

1999

1999

The Snowball

While Jim was building homes, helped by his son, Tyler, more and more people were seeing their work and hired them for more projects. The snowball rolled for the next 3 summers through friends and family.

1999

2004

The Partnership

During the early life of Urban Escapes, Tyler was in college and didn’t take the business too seriously. This was until he and his father officially became business partners in 2004.

2004

2003 - 2005

We were recognized by our Community

Home Builder of the Year Customer Choice Awards

2003 - 2005

2004 - 2011

Life is good

Urban Escapes builds 3 of the Dream Homes for the Dream Home Lotteries and were hired for a number of high profile custom build projects in the Grande Prairie area.

2004 - 2011

2011

Jim Steps Back

Tyler becomes the sole owner as his dad steps back into semi-retirement. He is still around and you may see him on the job site from time to time.

2011

2013

Urban escapes gets a new look

We rebranded, getting a new logo and website

2013

2014 - 2015

We were recognized by our community again!

Home Builder of the Year Customer Choice Award.

2014 - 2015

2022

Branching Out

We expand our website to include our Restoration and Renovation offerings.

2022