[SpongeG]

sounds like a mess a brewing

[CPE]

I think this is why the locals were so upset about this development. With the IGA and liquor store hidden behind it (out of sight - out of mind), the south half of the block will eventually be redeveloped too, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone since IGA already has a new store two blocks west on Broadway.

As long as the building masses on the south half of the block aren't too overwhelming (as seen from Broadway), the developer could build something bigger than the Broadway side of the block.

I thought I read that the north half (currently the parking lot) and the south half of the block (currently IGA) were separate parcels with a city-owned alley between them, and these parcels are owned by different companies. If so, the compromises made to get "Pinnacle On Broadway" built may not apply to the south half of the block, but they would likely be used as precedent by the locals whenever the south half comes up for rezoning.

They should wait until the M-Line gets extended before they develop the southern half. It would be a good place to dig up to make Arbutus station, and hopefully integrate some type of bus loop for the 99 into the development.

[Spork]

They should wait until the M-Line gets extended before they develop the southern half. It would be a good place to dig up to make Arbutus station, and hopefully integrate some type of bus loop for the 99 into the development.

As per a previous post, provisions will be made for rapid transit both down Arbutus and Broadway. These provisions will allow LRT or tunneled Skytrain, including a Broadway or 10th Ave alignment.

[jlousa]

More good infill, good-bye 7-11.

This proposal is to rezone the property at 984 West Broadway from C-3A to CD-1 to permit a 10-storey mixed-use office and retail building totalling 96,587 sf. The applicant is seeing an increase in FSR from 3.3 (maximum FSR under C-3A) to 5.15 FSR. The overall height of the building is 123.83 ft to the roof top of the amenity level 10 from the average grade on oak st and 131.08 ft to the the roof top of the amenity level 10 from the average grade on Broadway

[vanman]

Great news! Infill gets me more excited than towers nowadays.

[entheosfog]

I noticed they slapped up a rendering for James (http://jamesliving.com/) on the Busters Towing building, which is right next to Olympic Village at Quebec and 1st Ave. Maybe they wanted to capitalize on the foot traffic that's been going through there and create some interest.

[jsbertram]

I noticed they slapped up a rendering for James (http://jamesliving.com/) on the Busters Towing building, which is right next to Olympic Village at Quebec and 1st Ave. Maybe they wanted to capitalize on the foot traffic that's been going through there and create some interest.

Are you sure there's any foot traffic there?
I heard Mario's Gelati is suing everyone involved with the Olympics because the fencing and road closures at Quebec & First has eliminated parking near his business. Apparently you could count the number of walk-in customers they had last week on one hand.

[squeezied]

More good infill, good-bye 7-11.

That's great new indeed! I wonder if there will be a provision for a rapid transit station like the one on arbutus, I'm guessing not. But I think the southwest corner of oak st (i believe it's a tiny one story scotia bank branch?) would be an excellent place for a station.

[jsbertram]

More good infill, good-bye 7-11.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=984+West+Broadway,+vancouver&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.910058,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=984+W+Broadway,+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ll=49.263429,-123.126371&spn=0.000188,0.000687&t=h&z=21&layer=c&cbll=49.263429,-123.126371&panoid=NfAy7rvJb8M2z7Ix-m8E4g&cbp=12,163.93,,0,-0.08

10 stories would make it the same height as the former BCAA building on the north east corner of Oak & Broadway, and taller than the 6 story building on the north west corner that has the Red Robin restaurant. The lot size means it could have the same bulk as the BCAA building.

I would have expected any new construction on this south east corner to be taller than than the BCAA building so the top-floor tenants get an unobstructed mountain view. (aka the million-dollar view).

Now we just need to get Scotia Bank and the other small buildings on the remaining corner redeveloped. Perhaps that's where the entrance to the new UBC SkyTrain will be? Perhaps have the new UBC SkyTrain Station integrated into a new office / condo tower?

[jsbertram]

As per a previous post, provisions will be made for rapid transit both down Arbutus and Broadway. These provisions will allow LRT or tunneled Skytrain, including a Broadway or 10th Ave alignment.

They could also buy the west side of that block along Arbutus (that has Fletchers Cleaning on the corner) and redevelop both sides of the old CPR rail line to become the B-Line bus loop, the UBC SkyTrain terminal and the Arbutus tram station.

[wrenegade]

Pinnacle's "Broadway" development at Maple/Broadway has a provision for a skytrain/rapid transit station on the western part of the site (next to the CPR tracks). The remaining land between the tracks at Arbutus could become any number of things.

[entheosfog]

Are you sure there's any foot traffic there?
I heard Mario's Gelati is suing everyone involved with the Olympics because the fencing and road closures at Quebec & First has eliminated parking near his business. Apparently you could count the number of walk-in customers they had last week on one hand.

Oh I be sure. I walk down that sidewalk every day to get to work. The east sidewalk of Quebec St is open (Busters is on the SE corner, across Quebec from Mario's) and was widened a couple months ago to accommodate extra pedestrians and bicycles. So there's a ton of people who are getting to work, volunteers, athletes and cops who pass by all day.
But Mario's, man, I kinda feel bad for them as the fence is right in front of their place where only volunteers really go. Not sure what else can be done for them though. They'll make up for it when the Olympics are over and people move into the village.

[SpongeG]

it was always an odd location to me there isn't much besides him - he has other locations too

[WarrenC12]

it was always an odd location to me there isn't much besides him - he has other locations too

Yes, that place always looked dead before, and looks even more dead now.

Gelato is too expensive too, lol. It's cheaper and better in Rome even when you include the exchange. :shrug:

[officedweller]

More good infill, good-bye 7-11.

Nice to hear that it's office space.
I expect it will get tenants from VGH-related companies (i.e. biotechs, etc.)

[entheosfog]

I noticed Mercedes Benz has set up a make-shift used car lot on Terminal between Thornton and St George. About a month a ago they were grading the lot and adding gravel to make it level but I though it would be used for something to do with the Olympics, like parking or something. A little odd, me thinks...

[Spork]

I noticed Mercedes Benz has set up a make-shift used car lot on Terminal between Thornton and St George. About a month a ago they were grading the lot and adding gravel to make it level but I though it would be used for something to do with the Olympics, like parking or something. A little odd, me thinks...

Definitely not good for their brand. Surprised that the company would let their dealer (likely culprit) do this.

[Hed Kandi]

Pinnacle Living on Broadway - Kits apartments come to market
Final design reflects a compromise on neighbourhood concerns, includes thoroughfare and lane setbacks
Claudia Kwan

Sun

Saturday, February, 27, 2010


Pinnacle Living on Broadway

Project location: Broadway between Maple and Arbutus

Project size: mid-rise building with 131 apartments, three town houses

Residence size: one-bed -- 568-731 sq. ft.; two-bed-- 8311,142 sq. ft.; town houses-- 1250-1300 sq. ft.

Prices: one-bed from $439,900; two-bed from $619,900; town houses from $889,900 Developer: Pinnacle International

Architect: Bingham Hill Architects

Interior Design: Christina Oberti Interior Design Sales centre: 2080 West Broadway

Hours: noon -5 p.m., daily Telephone: 604-739-2080 Web: www.broadwayliving.ca

Occupancy: Spring 2012

At the moment, the Vancouver block of West Broadway between Maple and Arbutus streets is dominated by an IGA and a liquor store. There's a sizable -- for Kitsilano -- parking lot in front, and a small building that houses the sales office of the Pinnacle Living on Broadway development.

But come 2012, the site will have a hugely different appearance. A glass and metal building with brick facing at its base will stretch along most of the front of the block where the parking lot is now situated. The IGA will eventually be gone, although it may be replaced by a grocery store in a retail space that will measure more than 20,000 square feet in the new building. A new liquor store also may be a possibility and a right-of-way concession has been allotted for a proposed SkyTrain station on a route to UBC.

The Pinnacle Living development is not without controversy and compromise. City staff heard opposition related to traffic concerns, to the loss of parking and retail amenities, and even to the potential loss of sunlight for other residential buildings in the neighbourhood. One petition contained more than 1,000 signatures.

Partner John Bingham of Bingham Hill Architects calls it a "push-and-pull" influence on the final design.

"We were responding to all of the various interested groups," he says. "There are setbacks from the back lane and Broadway, and a lot of attention paid to the relationships between the site and surrounding area."

Landscaping is intended to soften the line between public and private space, and the sunlight issue has been addressed with a "massing" effect on the sprawling building. The two ends are taller, giving the effect of small towers, while the building's roofline drops down several storeys in the middle. There are noticeable tiers built into each level, allowing the building to recede either horizontally or vertically, depending from where you're looking at the building.

The tiering also allows for balconies or terraces for the apartments that are remarkably generous -befitting the Kits outdoor-loving esthetic -and remarkably egalitarian. A one-bedroom apartment can have anywhere from 45 to 374 square feet of deck; in the upper ranges, that's more than the outdoor space given to some of the two-bedroom units.

The egalitarianism extends to the inside. The penthouse level includes one-bedroom units, so purchasers at the lower end of the price scale can afford top-floor living. Just about every suite has an oversized, walkthrough closet and ensuite bathroom, including the one-bedroom apartments.

"That's a signature of Pinnacle Living: modern sophistication with classic elegance," says Grace Kwok, the uber-agent who is once again the general in charge of the sales and marketing campaign for developer Pinnacle International. "They spend a lot of time on the floor plans so that every inch of floor space is usable."

You can feel that sense of space inside the show suites. The one-bedroom unit has room enough for a king-sized bed, and the luxurious feel continues through the closet and into the bathroom.

The natural stone countertops are easily an inch thick, and the wall has been covered with an eye-catching band of thin vertical tiles between large white horizontal tiles. A cosy, but fully functional, den is in an alcove off the dining room, which can accommodate a dining table for six.

The two-bedroom show suite has dual connecting entryway closets, with a corridor-style bathroom that serves both the guest bedroom and the living area. Another sizable nook can be used as a den, while an enclosed balcony is a sun-drenched spot to curl up with a book or putter with some plants.

The master bedroom feels like an upscale hotel room, with an open closet tucked into one corner of the room. A bathroom is in the other corner, fully inside the bedroom suite. A large window in the bathroom wall allows sunlight to permeate from the bedroom through to the soaker tub, although the blinds also can be drawn over the glass for privacy. Energy efficient air conditioning is standard in all units, as are noteworthy appliances. The full-sized washers and dryers are Frigidaire; the oven is Bosch, and the huge refrigerator is Fischer Paykel.

"We don't offer upgrades because we already offer everything you would need."

Kwok believes buying at Pinnacle on Broadway makes sense on a number of levels. With interest rates at historic lows, she says, the development represents a prime opportunity for consumers who might have thought that a home in Kits was slightly out of reach.

The site has ready access to Kits Beach, amenities, restaurants and transportation.

Kwok points out that an investment in a little extra space and a good location pays off in the long run. "When you buy a 400-or 500-or 600-square-foot space, you have to pay moving fees, taxes and real estate agent commissions each time you move up," she calculates. "Why not jump in to the market at a livable space?"

Kwok says they are seeing purchasers who realize the value of a location between downtown and UBC, including investors, longtime renters who want to own in the area and some young families. Previews of the available units started at the beginning of February and sales are expected to formally start at the end of March.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

[jlousa]

Info about the Gravely site which is expected to temporily house VPD as they vacate 312 Main St.

The Graveley Site buildings are not large enough to house all VPD staff and at the eastern border of the City at Boundary Road and 1st Avenue are not optimally located for many VPD operations. As a result, a transition plan has been developed which takes full advantage of the new facility, but which also contemplates retaining the facility at 2120 Cambie.

In summary:
o 312 Main would be vacated with the Beat Enforcement Team remaining in the Downtown Eastside, likely in rented premises;
o 5 East 8th Avenue will be vacated with most of the specialty units being relocated to the Graveley site, save for the Emergency Response Team, which will relocate to 2120 Cambie;
o Investigative and administrative support functions would be relocated from 2120 Cambie and 312 Main Street to Graveley;
o Depending on the outcome of a decision on completion of Phase 3 of the Glen Drive site, the forensic laboratories would be relocated to the Graveley site;
o Force Options Training has relocated to the recently completed Tactical Training Centre on Glen Drive;
o the Property Office, Forensic Storage and vehicle forensics will move to the new Glen Drive site in spring 2011;
o the uniform component of the Operations Division would remain at 2120 Cambie Street.

The timing of the relocation from 312 Main Street and the reorganization of VPD operational units is approximately 16 months. The Graveley site will begin to become available in May 2010 and the necessary outfitting will be completed by March 2011. The Department will vacate 312 Main in phases, likely beginning in January 2011 with the final moves – to Graveley and Glen Drive - completed by June 2011.

The move from 312 Main is a significant move for the City and VPD because after 100 years, the Police Department will not have a major presence in the downtown area. However, there are two units that the Department believes should remain, the Beat Enforcement Team (BET) and the Station Sergeants (Station NCOs).
o The primary mandate of BET is foot patrol in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). This would be significantly compromised by a move out of the area (2120 Cambie Street would be the alternative). As proximity is the primary concern for BET, finding an alternative deployment location within the DTES will be required should 312 Main Street be completely closed.
o Station NCOs are optimally located near the Courts, as they work closely with jail staff and police officers who have people in custody. This small office can easily be relocated with the BET or co-located in the Vancouver Jail.

Long term
The VPD must continue work towards the realization of a purpose-built, police facility. The work by HOK has answered many questions and provides a solid basis for more planning. Future risks include the lease status of 2120 Cambie and the loss of police parking. Future opportunities include the rebuilding of a smaller secondary police facility at 312 Main, building on provincially owned lands at Terminal and Main (both of which could help revitalize the DTES), and/or building at 33rd Avenue and Heather Street on property left vacant by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (when they move their Provincial HQ facilities in 2013).

Way too much info regarding VPD's facilities, personally I'm not sure some of this should of been made public, like the actual floor plans

http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20100302/documents/a4.pdf

[wrenegade]

The sales centre for James living is open on West 2nd. Impressive looking building. I quite like the design of the townhouses and love that the media room/resident space thingy is on the roof. I really like the area but have yet to see something I really like from Pinnacle, Millennium, or Acquilini. This one could be the ticket.

[Delirium]

there's a rendering of the rooftop area (and the building) on their website. looks great.

www.jamesliving.com

[osirisboy]

hmm, the roofs of the townhomes look interesting but as for the "tower" portion its pretty boring looking

[officedweller]

Dare I say that the SEFC private lands may end up looking a bit like Richmond in terms of building scale and massing?

[vanman]

^ Interesting, I never really thought of that before but you're probably right. Albeit SEFC will be more upscale with higher quality materials and a more extensive use of glazing.

[trofirhen]

Dare I say that the SEFC private lands may end up looking a bit like Richmond in terms of building scale and massing?

Permit me; most of the new city already does, albeit taller.

[hollywoodnorth]

not very good plan IMO......


http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1202270

VPD gets plans for new home OK'd
VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980)

3/3/2010

Vancouver City Council has approved a plan for Vancouver Police to move into a building currently occupied by VANOC. The force hopes to have a new central headquarters built within a decade.

A January report says the force's old building on Main near Hastings is cramped and vulnerable to earthquakes and fires, while the current headquarters on Cambie near Sixth lacks parking and security.

Deputy Chief Doug Lepard says they want to keep their 72-officer Beat Enforcement Team in the downtown east side, if not at 312 Main, "If the City decides that they're going to demolish the building or otherwise dispose of it, then we will find space in the downtown east side. It's not a big amount of space that's needed. So one way or the other, we will have a presence in the downtown east side."

The Department is set to move into VANOC's Graveley Street site at the beginning of next year.

[jlousa]

Kind of funny how security is a concern at a current police station.:tup:
Seems like the False creek flats will probably eventually hold the new police.

[officedweller]

Maybe next to the shooting range?

[Hed Kandi]

Ginger delivers promised spice to Main Street
'We didn't skimp,' developer says of Chinatown-vicinity apartments
Christina Symons

Sun

Saturday, March, 06, 2010


GINGER

Project location: Strathcona, Vancouver

Project: 9-storey concrete building, 78 residences

Residence size: studio, 1, 2 bed, 454 sq. ft. -1,100 sq. ft.

Prices: $269,900 -$789,900

Sales centre: on site, 718 Main

Telephone: 604-688-5005

Web: gingerliving.com

Developer: Porte Development Corp.

Architect: Gomberoff Bell Lyon

Interior design: BYU

Occupancy: Immediately

---

One of the benefits of a real estate market at simmer rather than at rolling boil is the opportunity to chill out a little and browse the available stock of built product, rather than a menu of yet-to-be-seen, pre-construction offers.

But either way, a purchase pre-or post-construction is a leap of faith when it comes to emerging developments in edgier locales.

Stuff happens. Volatile construction costs can wreak havoc with a project's early budget, as can unexpected mishaps or design gaffes. Neighbourhoods and project specifications can change dramatically -or not -over just a few years.

Thankfully, at Ginger on Main at East Georgia -- fully built and ready for occupancy-- what was offered at pre-sale was delivered as promised, despite rollicking construction costs and a fluctuating market over the past 30 months.

And for those buyers shopping now, what they see is exactly what they'll get. That is, a spicy collection of units over nine storeys with decidedly swank modern living spaces, higher-end appliances such as AEG and Fischer Paykel, unique details and all the trimmings.

"Construction costs went up and our costs went up with them," says David Porte, president of Porte Development Corp. "But we didn't skimp on the quality or finishing -we made a clear commitment to our buyers and to our contractors on what we were planning to do and we set out to deliver it."

Even the special features, usually the first to go when costs rise, didn't get nixed. These include frosted-glass sliding walls, sustainable finishes, graphic entry-door treatments and other architectural elements such as the iron balcony railings, which are accentuated with brightly coloured glass panels, and a sexy embossed dragon on the side of the building.

Not surprisingly, the developer anticipated Ginger's buyers as typically young urban dwellers. There is also a wet bar in the party and Wii room on site.

"For our young or first-time buyer, it's just a great opportunity to have value, quality and an up-and-coming location all combined," says Porte. "It's a terrific proposition." The 78 smartly outfitted homes straddle Strathcona, edging Chinatown and overlooking downtown. The area is rife with history and neighbourhood shops poised for rediscovery, along with new hot spots to entice fresh residents like twenty-something Amie Halsall. She works nearby as an accessories designer at Vancouver's ultra-cool John Fluevog Shoes.

"I was originally looking in my old neighbourhoods of Kits and South Granville, but I really wanted to be in an area that was culturally diverse, up and coming, but one that would hold onto its cultural identity," she says. "I had only been to Chinatown once before I bought, but it's my nature to just go for it, so I took the plunge."

So far, Ginger has exceeded Halsall's expectations, adding exactly the right kind of zest to her artistic lifestyle. A bonus: she can walk to work in Gastown, stroll downtown or to the seawall, or jump on the SkyTrain and major bus routes leading everywhere else.

Staying close to home is inspiring, too.

"Right now there is a pretty cool buzz around the area," she says, noting several of her new nearby haunts, such as Campagnolo's on Main and Bao Bei on Keefer. "By the weekend, I am exploring more and more, including the little shops that have been here forever." Of these, the eclectic Italian import market, Tosi's, is a fave.

Halsall's new neighbour is also a first-time homebuyer in his twenties. Electrician Jared Power moved to Ginger from Peachland, and was smitten by Ginger's Asian touches, which include a dragon motif in the lobby and and Asian-inspired artwork.

Power has also been pleasantly surprised by the vibrancy of the neighbourhood, which he overlooks from his generous 100-square-foot covered deck.

"There's a real exciting mix of cultures and people here," says Power. "You don't have to go far to find whatever you need -coffee shops, markets, SkyTrain."

Just over half of the building was sold when it launched in 2007. Now the rest of the suites, including the sub-and proper penthouses, are available for purchase and occupancy. Prices are still in keeping with the launch strategy, from $269,900 (studio) to $459,900 (two-bedrooms) and up.

"When we initially launched, we knew we were in a new area and we wanted to make sure that we were providing really good value for the homeowners, so we priced ourselves accordingly," says Porte. "We've come back on the market with the same attitude."

The neighbourhood is responding well and will continue to change as new retail moves into the mixed-use storefront spaces at Ginger and beyond, says Porte. The developer is also renovating the old London Hotel next door to include 72 units of much-needed non-market housing for the neighbourhood, along with more retail on the ground floor.

In addition to these projects, Porte is taking what he's learned at Ginger and applying it to his next developments: a live-work project in South Surrey and new residences in the innovative SFU UniverCity neighbourhood, both to launch later this year. Adding value to neighbourhoods is paramount to Porte and his team.

"I am born and raised in Vancouver, so Chinatown for me has always been an area of lots of life and activity and that has sort of gone away in recent times," says Porte. "But what's now starting to emerge is new life and activity in Chinatown and Ginger is a part of that new energy and we're very pleased by that."

Halsall agrees, very pleased with her investment and new community. Having lived in many other areas of Vancouver, she had lots of comparisons.

"I love living here, right away it felt like home," she says. "And I've lived in a lot of other places -with 22 different roommates and in over 12 different spaces!"

Will Ginger prove to be the right spice for the neighbourhood's new urban melting pot?

So far, for those living there, the flavour is bang on.

In the Ginger kitchens are an AEG cooktop and convection wall oven; an LG 24-inch refrigerator with bottom freezer; a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher; a Panasonic microwave; and a Broan slide-out hood fan . Slabs of quartz top counters and glass backsplashes face the walls between counters and upper cabinets. Bamboo flooring is underfoot in the kitchen, living and dining spaces and the master bedroom. Not the bathroom shown here, but some of the Ginger bathrooms will have a double shower accessible from two bathrooms. (All of the tubs and showers will be under 'singing in the rain' showheads.) Oversized ceramic tile is underfoot and part of the surround, with an insert of glass tile, floor to ceiling, providing punch. The vanities with their sculpted bowls were designed for the Ginger homes.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

[SpongeG]

just saw on the news a new sign going up in chinatown looks cool someone needs to get a pic ;)

[delboy]

just saw on the news a new sign going up in chinatown looks cool someone needs to get a pic ;)

It's part of a project for the city to re-introduce more neon signs:

http://vancouver.ca/greatbeginnings/neonLighting.htm

[SpongeG]

yes it looked really good but they only showed it laying on the ground :(

[entheosfog]

The new Chinatown sign:

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2913/dscn0263i.jpg

I'll have to go back at night and get a lit up shot of it...

[SpongeG]

it's cool

[red-paladin]

Excellent!

[SpongeG]

where the Canadian Tire is going on marine drive lots of demo going on was quite surprised to see how much is done when i passed today

[officedweller]

From the Courier - hopefully there will be space for an M-Line station in there.
I don't think they own the properties along Main Street (so that parking lot may be available for a station).

Developer pitches tall tower for East Broadway fire site
Christmas Day blaze destroyed businesses and artists studios

Cheryl Rossi
Vancouver Courier


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

A tall tower could emerge from the ashes of the Christmas Day fire that destroyed businesses and artists' studios at the corner of East Broadway and Kingsway.

Representatives of developer Rize Alliance Properties Ltd. debuted sketches and a model of a tower that was at least 20-storeys to participants at a community planning open house for Mount Pleasant in September 2009, but the proposal has not been widely publicized.

Rize owns the block of buildings along Broadway, Kingsway and up to East 10th Avenue, except for one property at Broadway and Watson Street. The company says it has been assembling these properties for seven years.

Rize is talking to the city about having the property rezoned to allow a large residential development that would include market rental housing, with commercial on the ground floor. The company has yet to submit a formal rezoning application. William Lin, president of Rize, said the idea presented in September was a "raw" concept.

Lin said Rize will have to wait for the city to complete its Mount Pleasant community planning program that will "dictate the appetite of the neighbourhood for extra height and massing."

But Peter Burch, the key city planner on the project, said projects that provide benefits to the community, by providing social or affordable housing or preserving heritage, can be considered while community planning is underway.

Burch said residents in the neighbourhood identified the property and Kingsgate Mall, which sits on land owned by the Vancouver School Board across Kingsway, as sites that could accommodate larger developments that provide public benefits.

"From an urban design perspective, there's a sense that Mount Pleasant is a kind of hill town in that you climb up from Southeast False Creek and, really, the peak of that hill town could be at that juncture of those roads," Burch said.

Rize is interested in providing rental housing under the city's STIR program to provide incentives for developers to build rental units. The company would have to negotiate the amount of rentals to be provided with the city. Lin expects it would be one-fifth to one-quarter of the total number of units.

The city is nearing completion of its plans for Mount Pleasant's shopping areas and neighbourhoods that will guide development for decades. Open houses on the plans will be run from April 21 to 29. Burch expects to present a report to council by the end of the summer.

Rize is also considering placing stacking containers on the property in which artists could produce and exhibit their work until construction of a permanent building gets underway at Broadway and Kingsway.

"It's our way of giving back to the community because the community's very strong in its roots and culture and art. And some of these poor artists, we know that they weren't one hundred per cent covered by insurance," Lin said.

But the container concept is preliminary. The city would require the containers to meet building codes, Burch said, and Lin said Rize needs to figure out if it could provide the space to artists "without breaking the bank."

Rize Alliance Properties is redeveloping The Yale Hotel and The Cecil properties on Granville Street and a four-storey condo building with retail on the ground floor at Broadway and Quebec.

crossi@vancourier.com

© Vancouver Courier 2010

[urbandreamer]

Hmm, fire on Christmas day. Assembling the properties for years. Insurance job!

[jlousa]

Few more STIR projects on the table, seems like it's the only thing going ahead these days. Two 6 storey buildings along Kingsway, one at 19th ave and the other half a block east of Rupert. Another one this one 4 storeys at 41st and Knight where there money mart is now.

[Locked In]

:D


Beehives to be placed atop city hall

Demonstration project part of the effort to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world

By TIFFANY CRAWFORD, Vancouver Sun March 18, 2010 10:02 PM

VANCOUVER - Vancouver is moving ahead with plans to make the city greener by installing beehives on the roof of city hall.

In a memo circulated to all staff this week, the city said that in an effort to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world, there will be a demonstration beehive project on the roof of the east wing. The demonstration will include the installation of two hives.

The memo said that while there was not expected to be “any significant concentration of bees around city hall, persons with allergies to bee sting should take appropriate precautions.”

Coun. Andrea Reimer, a member of the city’s Green Action Team who is allergic to bee stings, said “appropriate precautions” do not include staff staying home or wearing protective clothing because the bees will be so high up that “there really is no chance of human interaction” for city workers.

“Honeybees are not aggressive like wasps,” Reimer said. “They do swarm when they are leaving the hive and I know that sounds like a horror movie, but it’s not. They are flying at high levels.

“Obviously there is the chance of bees in the garden, and so it’s not like the possibility doesn’t exist of getting stung but the chances of getting stung by a bee are so low compared to wasps. People who are allergic should be taking precautions anyway.”

Keeping bees in the city was illegal until 2003, when the ban was overturned so that bees could help pollinate trees and urban gardens.

“Now we know if we don’t have pollinators, we don’t have tomatoes or cherry blossoms,” Reimer said.

Since the law was reversed in 2003, there has been no increase in hospital emergency room visits because of bee stings, she said.

Reimer said the project will not cost taxpayers any money. She said she understands the beekeeper will benefit from selling the honey.

Allen Garr, an apiarist and columnist for the Vancouver Courier newspaper, confirmed Thursday that he will be the beekeeper at city hall. He said the project will be unveiled sometime in May.

Garr is also the beekeeper at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, where there are four beehives. The 2.4-hectare green roof is the largest in Canada and is home to about 60,000 bees.

The apiarist also has hives all over the city, including several at the University of B.C., Science World, and VanDusen Botanical Garden.

“I’m as busy as a bee,” he said of his growing business.

The intention behind the city plan is to introduce more bees and increase local food production by also increasing the number of urban gardens.

Honeybees are the most common pollinators in Canada.

ticrawford@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Beehives+placed+atop+city+hall/2699482/story.html)

[whatnext]

:D


Source: Vancouver Sun (http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Beehives+placed+atop+city+hall/2699482/story.html)

:previous: Where's the vomitocon?

[flight_from_kamakura]

wow! that's awesome! the world literally needs more honey bees. funniest thing is that the minder is allan garr, of all people. just really funny.

[djh]

wow! that's awesome! the world literally needs more honey bees. funniest thing is that the minder is allan garr, of all people. just really funny.

They probably gave him the job so he'd write nicer things about city hall in his column...!

[nova9]

:previous: Where's the vomitocon?

why?

[geoff's two cents]

why?

Indeed, please explain.

[Yume-sama]

Mr. whatnext is allergic to bees :yes:

I wonder if he is related to this guy:
H5iJSGLFmW0

[raggedy13]

^Intense. That guy has too much time on his hands.

[trofirhen]

Mr. whatnext is allergic to bees :yes:

I wonder if he is related to this guy:
H5iJSGLFmW0

Could be. That dude seems like a PR person for Air Canada.
Either that or one of the male stewards. :slob:

[Metro-One]

why?

I think it s joke on that bees produce honey by vomiting.

[trofirhen]

I think it s joke on that bees produce honey by vomiting.

Such originality and subtlety of humour that some people have ......... it makes you wonder what they'll come up with ... "next" :D

[vanman]

Mr. whatnext is allergic to bees :yes:

I wonder if he is related to this guy:
H5iJSGLFmW0

Cocaine much?

[worldwide]

no, he seems completely normal.

[whatnext]

Could be. That dude seems like a PR person for Air Canada.
Either that or one of the male stewards. :slob:

Hey, at least I live in Vancouver.

As to the vomitocon, I find it ironic that a Council allowing less greenspace through the STIR program then tries to greenwash by putting bees on the roof of City Hall. It has occurred to them that bees need plants to produce honey, I assume? Why not an incentive to tear down lot-hogging Vancouver and Hong Kong specials to encourage more plants and hence more bees?

[nova9]

Hey, at least I live in Vancouver.

As to the vomitocon, I find it ironic that a Council allowing less greenspace through the STIR program then tries to greenwash by putting bees on the roof of City Hall. It has occurred to them that bees need plants to produce honey, I assume? Why not an incentive to tear down lot-hogging Vancouver and Hong Kong specials to encourage more plants and hence more bees?

I don't see how Vancouver Specials (with your little undertone of adding Hong Kong in there as well...tsk tsk) are lot hugging when all parcels of land for houses are the same and sooo regulated. You mean to criticize people who have no green or gardening knowledge choosing a large house with small garden over a small house and having to spend so much time tending a large and pretty garden instead of working to provide for their family?

[whatnext]

I don't see how Vancouver Specials (with your little undertone of adding Hong Kong in there as well...tsk tsk) are lot hugging when all parcels of land for houses are the same and sooo regulated. You mean to criticize people who have no green or gardening knowledge choosing a large house with small garden over a small house and having to spend so much time tending a large and pretty garden instead of working to provide for their family?

It takes little gardening knowledge to plant a few shrubs friendly to bees, maybe the city should expend their time and money teaching residents what they are. I've got several in my yard that require virtually no care, other than pruning them once a year. And Vancouver was built by working people who seemed to have time for lots that weren't: a huge house, a three car garage and concrete.

You shouldn't be so touchy about the term "Hong Kong special", its shorthand for any house built from the mid 80's to 90's that was a lot-hogging beige or pink stucco box.

[trofirhen]

You shouldn't be so touchy about the term "Hong Kong special", its shorthand for any house built from the mid 80's to 90's that was a lot-hogging beige or pink stucco box.
:previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous:
In this case, I know what you are referring to. In said period, there were a lot of (in my opinion) rather ugly, very large houses that came as close to the perimeter of the building lot as possible, and often ruined the look of leafy, established avenues. One man, who beleived that big trees were "bad feng shui" even chopped down two giant sequoia trees on the front perimeter of his lot, much to the outrage of the neighbours, who called in the news cameras, much to his surprise (and embarassment). Hopefully we have got beyond that stage now.

I will re-iterate the proverb "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," and that applies here in Vancouver as much as in Rome.

Criticism of such often resulted in charges of "racism! racism!," but it was NOT racism, as we have always had large East and South Asian communities in Vancouver who contributed hard work and culture to the city and helped make it the cosmopolitan place that it is.

However, when a city has been established, the ARE certain architectural and cultural norms that should be respected, here and anywhere else.

[jlousa]

The Eldorado site at Kingsway and Nanaimo has new hoarding up. The site was owned by Holborn but was sold for just over $15M to the Walls. The plan remains the same for a 22 storey tower and a large street wall. My understanding is that it will go to market shortly and construction to start shortly after.

[jsbertram]

:previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous: :previous:
In this case, I know what you are referring to. In said period, there were a lot of (in my opinion) rather ugly, very large houses that came as close to the perimeter of the building lot as possible, and often ruined the look of leafy, established avenues. One man, who beleived that big trees were "bad feng shui" even chopped down two giant sequoia trees on the front perimeter of his lot, much to the outrage of the neighbours, who called in the news cameras, much to his surprise (and embarassment). Hopefully we have got beyond that stage now.

I will re-iterate the proverb "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," and that applies here in Vancouver as much as in Rome.

Criticism of such often resulted in charges of "racism! racism!," but it was NOT racism, as we have always had large East and South Asian communities in Vancouver who contributed hard work and culture to the city and helped make it the cosmopolitan place that it is.

However, when a city has been established, the ARE certain architectural and cultural norms that should be respected, here and anywhere else.

Another problem at the time was spec builders who put up these ugly monstrosities in the belief "that's what will sell". The buyers liked the large living space and generous-sized rooms in the monstrous homes, but being new to the city weren't always aware of the controversy over these monster homes until they'd moved in.

In my neighborhood, a monstrosity was built right up to the lot lines with just enough room to get the lawn mower from the front yard to the back. However, the driveway between the sidewalk & garage door was so short that if they parked on the driveway and then needed to open the garage door, they had to back the car a few feet onto the sidewalk so the bottom edge of the garage door as it was rising to open would clear the car's bumper.

[hollywoodnorth]

The Eldorado site at Kingsway and Nanaimo has new hoarding up. The site was owned by Holborn but was sold for just over $15M to the Walls. The plan remains the same for a 22 storey tower and a large street wall. My understanding is that it will go to market shortly and construction to start shortly after.

great news!

[cornholio]

The Eldorado site at Kingsway and Nanaimo has new hoarding up. The site was owned by Holborn but was sold for just over $15M to the Walls. The plan remains the same for a 22 storey tower and a large street wall. My understanding is that it will go to market shortly and construction to start shortly after.

I hear the Eldorado pub closed ists doors a week ago so it sounds like their confident that nothing will stop this project again.

[osirisboy]

does this project include the parking lot behind eldarodo

[Prometheus]

Another problem at the time was spec builders who put up these ugly monstrosities in the belief "that's what will sell". The buyers liked the large living space and generous-sized rooms in the monstrous homes, but being new to the city weren't always aware of the controversy over these monster homes until they'd moved in.

In my neighborhood, a monstrosity was built right up to the lot lines with just enough room to get the lawn mower from the front yard to the back. However, the driveway between the sidewalk & garage door was so short that if they parked on the driveway and then needed to open the garage door, they had to back the car a few feet onto the sidewalk so the bottom edge of the garage door as it was rising to open would clear the car's bumper.

In Point Grey, where I grew-up, many beautiful, stately, heritage estates were destroyed and clear-cut during that period of migration of Hong Kong wealth in the late 80s/early 90s. It was significant loss of architectural and landscaping heritage.

[nova9]

does this project include the parking lot behind eldarodo

It does, as the signage boarders the parking lot too. It states 188 homes. But no rendering. So 188 homes would be equivalent to what size building. I'm working on the premise that the Hills development is completely gone since the signage theme is completely different and there is no name, just 2300 Kingsway.

[jlousa]

The project is bigger then 188 units, unless I'm mistaken the sign says 188 homes under $300k, pretty safe to assume there will be numerous units over $300K as well.

[raggedy13]

I hear the Eldorado pub closed ists doors a week ago so it sounds like their confident that nothing will stop this project again.

That's too bad. I've only been there once and it was quite recently (in January) but I kind of had an urge to go back there one day. It was a bit of a dive but not too bad - cheap Moosehead there too. Anyways, glad I got to check it out before it closed.

[CPE]

Any news if the old Elderado Liquor Store will reopen in the new building?

[jlousa]

It was going to be in the old plan, I haven't seen the new plan but I imagine it would still be included, a liquor sales license is worth a fair chuck of money and I can't see it going to waste.

[nova9]

It was going to be in the old plan, I haven't seen the new plan but I imagine it would still be included, a liquor sales license is worth a fair chuck of money and I can't see it going to waste.

Does a BC Liquor have the same strings as beer and wines? I wouldn't mind seeing a BC Liquor at that location so I can bring the alcohol closer to home. Haha.

[trofirhen]

Another problem at the time was spec builders who put up these ugly monstrosities in the belief "that's what will sell". The buyers liked the large living space and generous-sized rooms in the monstrous homes, but being new to the city weren't always aware of the controversy over these monster homes until they'd moved in.

In my neighborhood, a monstrosity was built right up to the lot lines with just enough room to get the lawn mower from the front yard to the back. However, the driveway between the sidewalk & garage door was so short that if they parked on the driveway and then needed to open the garage door, they had to back the car a few feet onto the sidewalk so the bottom edge of the garage door as it was rising to open would clear the car's bumper.

Yes, that was a difficult and embarssing (not to mention ugly and defacing) epoch in the city's history, and the story you tell is typical of many. Hopefully those days are over now. I don't what and if any bylaws are in place to control this kind of thing. It seems to have settled down, but I can't get a feel for it, living overseas.

[squeezied]

well the nouveau riche immigrants are notorious for building large monster houses. and more and more are coming from all over the place.

[nova9]

oh no, the asian invasion.........too late, we're here. muahaha.

[trofirhen]

oh no, the asian invasion.........too late, we're here. muahaha.

Very true, and welcome to us. However, with an attitude like that, don't be surprised if the rest of the population greets you and treats you with less than polite welcome and enthusiasm. (and please stop spitting on hotel lobby rugs while you're at it)

[LeftCoaster]

An attitude like what? Trying to joke off the subtle undertones of racism here?

[trofirhen]

An attitude like what? Trying to joke off the subtle undertones of racism here?
:whip:
an attitude like "too late, we're already here. muahaha."

However, I confess there is an undertone of racism, but not simply because (in this instance) Asians are Asians.

We have ALWAYS had a large Asian population in Vancouver from the beginning, and they helped build and contribute to the city.

As I said in another post "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," and that means fitting in, and avoiding habits like spitting in hotel lobbies - something that has been noted by observers other than than on this forum - and which is considered disgusting, just as jumping the queue at the bank or post office has been noted, and is considered extremely rude and agressive.

When moving to another country as an immigrant, it's good to learn about the culture and ways of the country, and that applies to you and me and anyone else.

[jlousa]

Back on topic.

Kingsway is finally starting to get some attention. With the Eldorado project about to commence, there is the large Thind project just down the street, a couple of over 4 storey STIR projects being proposed, we are seeing some immediate action, over the longer term both the Mount Pleasant and Norquay community vision programs wraping up and going to council this year we can expect some major changes that will revive the street.

[nova9]

:whip:
an attitude like "too late, we're already here. muahaha."

However, I confess there is an undertone of racism, but not simply because (in this instance) Asians are Asians.

We have ALWAYS had a large Asian population in Vancouver from the beginning, and they helped build and contribute to the city.

As I said in another post "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," and that means fitting in, and avoiding habits like spitting in hotel lobbies - something that has been noted by observers other than than on this forum - and which is considered disgusting, just as jumping the queue at the bank or post office has been noted, and is considered extremely rude and agressive.

When moving to another country as an immigrant, it's good to learn about the culture and ways of the country, and that applies to you and me and anyone else.

so suddenly I have to defend people that spit in hotel lobbies? WTF? I was born in Canada and I don't need to represent or defend 'my people' from people like you. and as a matter of fact, it's considered disgusting and rude in asia too, we're not just tribal villagers sitting in our own filth you know.

If we're going to list offenses that you've seen Asians do, shall I proceed with the stupid things I see white people do? you're disgusting.

[nova9]

Back on topic.

Kingsway is finally starting to get some attention. With the Eldorado project about to commence, there is the large Thind project just down the street, a couple of over 4 storey STIR projects being proposed, we are seeing some immediate action, over the longer term both the Mount Pleasant and Norquay community vision programs wraping up and going to council this year we can expect some major changes that will revive the street.

Yeah, Scene is coming right along. Too bad it's not a huge project.

[jlousa]

Thind was unable to afford carrying the costs any longer and had to proceed with the project, had then been able to hold off another year or so they most likely would've been able to build more on that site, not to mention the wasted opportunity of those sfhs that were built directly behind them could've been something more. Of course it's always dangerous to be paying interest and waiting on an unknown, so I don't fault them.

[nova9]

Thind was unable to afford carrying the costs any longer and had to proceed with the project, had then been able to hold off another year or so they most likely would've been able to build more on that site, not to mention the wasted opportunity of those sfhs that were built directly behind them could've been something more. Of course it's always dangerous to be paying interest and waiting on an unknown, so I don't fault them.

those homes behind are atrocious. only made more maddening by the 5 or 6 iterations on 1 block.

but i kinda hope eventually kingsway is a row of new buildings from at least nanaimo to king ed anchored by the el dorado development and the king ed. village.

[jlousa]

The 2400 site will become the anchor. ;)

[whatnext]

The Eldorado site at Kingsway and Nanaimo has new hoarding up. The site was owned by Holborn but was sold for just over $15M to the Walls. The plan remains the same for a 22 storey tower and a large street wall. My understanding is that it will go to market shortly and construction to start shortly after.

What is Holborn Properties still involved with in Metro Vancouver?

[hollywoodnorth]

The 2400 site will become the anchor. ;)

now you got me curious ;) ;)

[jlousa]

Still too early to see what will happen there but the property is held by the citys PEF with the purpose of serving as an investment. Here are the current ideas being discussed.

Kingsway: Buildings and Sidewalks:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/11buildings_eng.pdf

Kingsway: One Street, Two Hearts:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/12onestreet_eng.pdf

Special Site: 2400 Motel:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/14motel2400_eng.pdf

All the lastest info boards could be found here
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/index.htm

It might not be an exciting read for skyscraper enthusiasts but it good reading for people that enjoy urban planning.

[Canadian Mind]

Why would the proposal with varying heights have wider sidewalks and pedestrian-accessible mid-block plazas, yet those aren't available on the continuous mid block option?

[jlousa]

It's a large balancing act, to get wider sidewalks, the owners have to give up property, in exchange they need to be allowed to increase height to make up for the lost density. You want wider sidewalks but not too wide or they seem empty, you also don't want buildings too large right over them otherwise they remain in the shade. The whole process is fascinating and in the end you don't know if you got it right for years to come.

[LeftCoaster]

^ But hey, at least there are plenty of examples of how to do it wrong!

I love this plan, I had no idea this plan even existed, definitely flew under my radar... but then again this isnt really my hood, in fact I know very little of the eastern and SE portion of Vancouver proper.

This is exactly what I pictured for Kingsway, but in a bite size. My dream for Kingsway would be this stretched along its entirety to Metrotown. My only concern with these plans is if they have allowed enough room for a streetcar with those fancy spacious sideways. I always thought a streetcar would be perfect for Kingsway, both in scale and "vibe', meeting up with the planned streetcar network near science world/athletes village.

[Canadian Mind]

Oh. Well, I'd like to see similar massing as to what we have in the Olympic Village. I really think that should be used as a model for many developments outside of downtown.

[vanman]

so suddenly I have to defend people that spit in hotel lobbies? WTF? I was born in Canada and I don't need to represent or defend 'my people' from people like you. and as a matter of fact, it's considered disgusting and rude in asia too, we're not just tribal villagers sitting in our own filth you know.

If we're going to list offenses that you've seen Asians do, shall I proceed with the stupid things I see white people do? you're disgusting.

I completely agree with you man. trofirhen's post was fucking ridiculous.

[vansky]

look at richmond, how clean it is, and chinatown's not that bad.

but look at new west, surrey...man...garbage, and most of the population is not chinese anyways, still it's much better than toronto

[ryanmaccdn]

look at richmond, how clean it is, and chinatown's not that bad.

but look at new west, surrey...man...garbage, and most of the population is not chinese anyways, still it's much better than toronto

try using North Van/West Van/Kits and even New West.... yeh New West has million dollar home at the top of the hill..... as a comparable example.

[trofirhen]

I completely agree with you man. trofirhen's post was fucking ridiculous.

It was. I apologize to everyone for it. I wish I could reverse time and "unpost" it, but I can't.

But please let me off the hook, and put it behind me. Thank you.

[Metro-One]

look at richmond, how clean it is, and chinatown's not that bad.

but look at new west, surrey...man...garbage, and most of the population is not chinese anyways, still it's much better than toronto

Richmond is nice and clean (With the C-line in place I would really like to live there), but Chinatown? That is stretching it. Surrey though, IMO, is the worst city in the Lower Mainland. Was there yesterday, it is a horrid patchwork of sub urban sprawl and has terribly maintained streets for the most part. Yes Surrey has nice areas, but I am talking on Average.

Coquitlam (once the Evergreen Line is built) and Richmond are my favourite suburbs for living.

[LeftCoaster]

Not the north shore??

[Metro-One]

:previous: Prices to high for me :) Also, would hate to have to rely on the second narrows and Lion's Gate Bridge. if price were not an option I would be downtown, haha.

[trofirhen]

Still too early to see what will happen there but the property is held by the citys PEF with the purpose of serving as an investment. Here are the current ideas being discussed.

Kingsway: Buildings and Sidewalks:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/11buildings_eng.pdf

Kingsway: One Street, Two Hearts:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/12onestreet_eng.pdf

Special Site: 2400 Motel:
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/14motel2400_eng.pdf

All the lastest info boards could be found here
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/neighcentres/norquay/janfeb2010panels/index.htm

It might not be an exciting read for skyscraper enthusiasts but it good reading for people that enjoy urban planning.

Good stuff! I always regretted that Kingsway was slowly left to "rot."
This is the start of bringing it back to life. (Too bad we don't have anything like Westwood Blvd in Los Angeles, not that this is at all comparable, of course)

[Canadian Mind]

For the development, could the northern side of the street stick to the mid-rise, 25 foot sidewalk, and the south side have the more varied building heights with the 40 foot sidewalk? Or are they trying to be ridged with one option of the other for both sides and the full length of kingsway?

And are they going to develop it in such a way that a streetcar line could go down the middle someday, or is that off the table?

[jsbertram]

For the development, could the northern side of the street stick to the mid-rise, 25 foot sidewalk, and the south side have the more varied building heights with the 40 foot sidewalk? Or are they trying to be ridged with one option of the other for both sides and the full length of kingsway?

And are they going to develop it in such a way that a streetcar line could go down the middle someday, or is that off the table?

Streetcar on Kingsway is an interesting idea, but with Kingsway running parallel with Expo Skytrain from Victoria Dr. all the way to New West, there could be complaints of 'too much transit' in the area. Especially when people remember that much of the Skytrain Expo line is already running over the former BCElectric tram line between New West and Vancouver.

I can already hear someone saying "just put the BCElectric tram line tracks back in and run LRT!"

[Canadian Mind]

Yes, but where Expo line is like an express system with over a km between many stops, could the streetcar, with 2-4 stops between ever Expo line station, not act as a feeder to the Expo line stations for the Kingsway corridor?

[officedweller]

While it's nice that Kingsway is being improved, I think it's a bit wrong-headed to focus on Kingsway while the areas around the SkyTrain Stations (or even the Kingsway stretch of Collingwood) could be densified.

[nova9]

I mean, if you're going to name something KING's WAY, you better damn well make sure it fits the name. It's a HUGE boulevard that stretches across the region. It deserves better than the crap that line Kingsway. The only good stretch is the little bit as it merges into Main St. anchored by Mount Pleasant Community Centre (best address in the city: 1 Kingsway), by Metrotown, and, hopefully, the renewed Nanaimo to Knight stretch.