[VancouverPM]

There some pile-driving action happening on the south side of the 300 block of Terminal. This was earlier this week and these piles are now halfway in the ground. Not sure what's happening as the site isn't fenced off or anything:
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/663/dscn2388d.jpg

and hopefully I'll be back later this weekend with some photo updates again, I've had a busy last week or so :)

Its a Commercial Project that Rize Alliance is doing, I don't have the renderings available, only the drawings, buried somewhere in my computer, I can't recall the height but somewhere between 3 and 6 stories seems to ring a bell.. The Architecture Firm is B+H BuntingCoady that is handling the design.

[VancouverPM]

Its a Commercial Project that Rize Alliance is doing, I don't have the renderings available, only the drawings, buried somewhere in my computer, I can't recall the height but somewhere between 3 and 6 stories seems to ring a bell.. The Architecture Firm is B+H BuntingCoady that is handling the design.

If that is the RIze Project here in the link http://www.containersonterminal.com/pages/contact

The other project that it could be as I'm not sure without driving by the specific location is the New Mercedes Benz Dealership that should be starting up shortly.

[Sir Conga]

The other project that it could be as I'm not sure without driving by the specific location is the New Mercedes Benz Dealership that should be starting up shortly.

The dealership is on the next block east.

[webster]

likely the Rize project - as there are orange rize concrete blockades on the lot

[entheosfog]

Thanks guys, I just wasn't sure if this was actually related to that development or of they're doing some sort of soil cleanup as they are on the next block east where the Mercedes dealership will go.

[entheosfog]

Mount Pleasant substation, below grade:
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6422/img5728u.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2316/img5729x.jpg

[whatnext]

Some of my shots of the new green visitor centre at VanDusen Garden which opened to the public yesterday. They`re still working on the inside.

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy177/Whatnext2010/Vancouver%20Gardens/VanDusenOct.jpg

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy177/Whatnext2010/Vancouver%20Gardens/VandusenOct2.jpg

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy177/Whatnext2010/Vancouver%20Gardens/2011-10-24153250.jpg

[cc85]

The facet in the kitchen area looks to be from 1975.

[SpongeG]

the shoppers drug mart on south granville (@13th) is it 3 storeys? - pic by me

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4340/imag0601i.jpg

[VancouverPM]

Pardon the ignorance - Is there a a forum of the Plaza 500 Hotel/Indigo Hotel "Redevelopment"

[whiteshadow]

Pardon the ignorance - Is there a a forum of the Plaza 500 Hotel/Indigo Hotel "Redevelopment"

Not sure, but I do know the whole project is on hold. I know some people who are involved in the project's construction. Apparently the owner has no more money, the bank (Canadian Western Bank) has stopped paying the construction trades, and there's now a shitload of leans on the project.

Jobsite is completely shutdown now.

I did hear that they had serious asbestos issues that the owners and bank financers weren't made aware of until after construction had started. There's probably more than that, but I know asbestos was one of the biggest cost overruns there.

[VancouverPM]

Not sure, but I do know the whole project is on hold. I know some people who are involved in the project's construction. Apparently the owner has no more money, the bank (Canadian Western Bank) has stopped paying the construction trades, and there's now a shitload of leans on the project.

Jobsite is completely shutdown now.

I did hear that they had serious asbestos issues that the owners and bank financers weren't made aware of until after construction had started. There's probably more than that, but I know asbestos was one of the biggest cost overruns there.

Well, in that case I'll just post this here then.

The Plaza 500/Indigo Project has trades with monies owing by the Family that owns the hotel upwards of $300,000 to $400,000 at the moment. Construction as noted has completely halted, and has been that way for a little while now. There are numerous liens against the projects and property. The project's initial budget is shot and costs to complete the project have climbed over 300% for just the remediation and finishing. There is a massive asbestos issue within the building, further to that there is a massive mould problem in the building as well. The building was very very poorly constructed. To further that, the building doesn't come close to meeting any seismic code of today, and has the potentiality of not being structural sound period, there are several concrete balconies that are slowly breaking off the building, the structural integrity of some of the slabs could also be put into question. On a note thats a little more disturbing, the residential building next door to the Plaza 500/Indigo was built by the same Developer and Contractor at the same time. - This could be interesting to watch how it unfolds, there could be a strong possibility with further investigation this building could be either condemned or require serious, serious seismic and structural upgrades.

[LeftCoaster]

Hey guys don't think this has been mentioned yet but phase one of the Containers site has been 100% pre-leased and will begin construction soon.

[osirisboy]

Hey guys don't think this has been mentioned yet but phase one of the Containers site has been 100% pre-leased and will begin construction soon.

wow thats great news, do you know who leased it.

[LeftCoaster]

Yeah nothing too exciting, Columbia College. I don't know the school but hopefully it should bring some life to the area.

[allan_kuan]

Out of curiosity... does anybody know what's happening at the address of 3683 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC?

The site is adjacent to Boundary Road and the border between Vancouver and Burnaby. There are two buildings on site: the old office block on the east side of the property and some old apartments with a parking garage entrance on the west side. I've passed by the site a few times over the last two or three years. In the first year, the apartments in particular looked abandoned, dilapidated and damaged (particularly the balconies which were actually falling apart), with the offices looking somewhat better but still also in an abandoned state. Then just last year, they started building new wooden frame apartments within and on top of the eastern old concrete structure, which is arguably very unusual given the condition and look that it had previously.... I personally would have preferred the whole thing coming down since it looked rather hideous still.

But anyway, does anybody know what the history of the site might be, and why they're rebuilding it in such a manner?

[jsbertram]

Out of curiosity... does anybody know what's happening at the address of 3683 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC?

The site is adjacent to Boundary Road and the border between Vancouver and Burnaby. There are two buildings on site: the old office block on the east side of the property and some old apartments with a parking garage entrance on the west side. I've passed by the site a few times over the last two or three years. In the first year, the apartments in particular looked abandoned, dilapidated and damaged (particularly the balconies which were actually falling apart), with the offices looking somewhat better but still also in an abandoned state. Then just last year, they started building new wooden frame apartments within and on top of the eastern old concrete structure, which is arguably very unusual given the condition and look that it had previously.... I personally would have preferred the whole thing coming down since it looked rather hideous still.

But anyway, does anybody know what the history of the site might be, and why they're rebuilding it in such a manner?


Don't know anything about the property, but here's Google Streets showing the familiar burned out apartments:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3683+East+Hastings+Street,+Vancouver,+British+Columbia,+Canada&hl=en&ll=49.281131,-123.024287&spn=0.000938,0.002747&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.273371,56.513672&vpsrc=6&hnear=3683+E+Hastings+St,+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=49.281131,-123.024287&panoid=cnzzI934s_IgeaLMy7g6pA&cbp=12,330.64,,0,-25.49


You can see the remains of the blue tarp that was hanging off the roof & balcony trying to cover up the fire damage.
A very familiar sight to me when heading up to SFU for classes.


Ciiy of Vancouver notice:
http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20101007/documents/csbu1.pdf

[osirisboy]

I noticed that area the other week. it seemed like the were rebuilding the apartments and the office space looked abandoned aside from that sports store.

[officedweller]

This could be interesting to watch how it unfolds, there could be a strong possibility with further investigation this building could be either condemned or require serious, serious seismic and structural upgrades.

The bad thing is that if it does get demolished, I'd bet it would be replaced with a 4 - 6 storey condo.

[jsbertram]

The bad thing is that if it does get demolished, I'd bet it would be replaced with a 4 - 6 storey condo.

If both buildings get demolished, I can see the site getting at least the same height as the existing Hotel & Apartment buildings using 'grandfathered' building envelope rules - especially if the site stays with the same owners.

[djh]

If both buildings get demolished, I can see the site getting at least the same height as the existing Hotel & Apartment buildings using 'grandfathered' building envelope rules - especially if the site stays with the same owners.

Firstly, from what I understand, if it's demolished and a whole new development permit is submitted, there's nothing to grandfather - it would be a whole new development, so as others have implied, they'd lose the rights to the previous height and would have to abide by whatever height restrictions apply now on that site - i.e., probably 4-6 stories.

Secondly, since it appears that the developer is at or near bankruptcy, who would pay for the demolition and all of the requirements that come with an asbestos-site demo? Does the city pay for this and go to the courts to get the money back from the owner, or what? If the developer is broke and the site is a hazard, then surely it can't be left up?

I'm interested in this one. I regularly walk past Douglas Park, about 10 blocks up Cambie from this site. A house burned down last month - it made the news because a hoarder lived there and he died because he couldn't get out due to the massive amount of cr@p in the way. When I walked by the next morning it looked like a scene from a horror film. When I went by the day after, the demo crew were there, and there were "Asbestos Hazard" signs up - ***while the digger was kicking dust into the air and polluting the surrounding houses***. So I wondered who authorized that, and who is paying for it?
(of note, only 1 of the demo guys had any kind of mask on...)

[VancouverPM]

If both buildings get demolished, I can see the site getting at least the same height as the existing Hotel & Apartment buildings using 'grandfathered' building envelope rules - especially if the site stays with the same owners.

I'd highly doubt it stays in the ownership Family. To further elaborate, the Bank has not stopped paying the contractors, the bank has pulled the financing from the owners because of some major differences of opinion in remediation and re and re work that was to be done. The owners have stopped paying their trades.

[jlousa]

While it would not be grandfathered in if demolished, it is very probably that the city would allow similar density in a similar massing for reconstruction.
In fact it would be a relatively safe bet that density would increase on reconstruction if it comes down to it, although height would be unlikely to increase.

[SpongeG]

what will they allow across the street from that building? the old gas station and currently empty lot next to white spot? can they build a highrise or is it height restricted because its so close to city hall?

[officedweller]

I recall someone saying it would be redeveloped with a 4-6 storey condo.

[hollywoodnorth]

Yeah nothing too exciting, Columbia College. I don't know the school but hopefully it should bring some life to the area.

that is AMAZING news! wow thanks for the post!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_College_%28British_Columbia%29

they are currently located right next to BCIT on Seymour....that will deff bring lots more life to the area and work great with the similar schools in the area.

so I take it that the work being done on the Containers site is ... actual prep work with construction set to start soon? any idea?

[SpongeG]

I recall someone saying it would be redeveloped with a 4-6 storey condo.

ah ok not too bad, must be getting close for the land to be able to develop

[LeftCoaster]

that is AMAZING news! wow thanks for the post!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_College_%28British_Columbia%29

they are currently located right next to BCIT on Seymour....that will deff bring lots more life to the area and work great with the similar schools in the area.

so I take it that the work being done on the Containers site is ... actual prep work with construction set to start soon? any idea?

Well it is preleased and they have the approvals from the city so I would imagine it will start imminently.

No sense in waiting.

[entheosfog]

Commercial Drive building that will be getting some added height:
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6135/img6006q.jpg

[jsbertram]

Commercial Drive building that will be getting some added height:
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6135/img6006q.jpg

Isn't that where the Van East Cinema was?

[SpongeG]

yes, been meaning to snap a pic of it glad someone did

[officedweller]

Elevation Renders of 2211 Cambie (south end of bridge):

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/2211cambie/index.htm

East
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/2211cambie/eele.pdf

North
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/2211cambie/nele.pdf

West
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/2211cambie/wele.pdf

South
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/2211cambie/sele.pdf

East and North elevations from the City's link, above:

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9271/unledbuo.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/259/unledbuo.png/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[trofirhen]

Small but sleek .....

[SpongeG]

is that where the sushi place is? looks alright

[officedweller]

Yup - next to Robinson Light and Bath

[Built Form]

In addition to OD's post here's the model pix for 2211 Cambie. The highlight of the design is the night time lighting installation. Unlike West Pender Place's I don't think there will be any opposition. Unless it comes from future residents of Maynards Block.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040178.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040177.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040176.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040186.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040183.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040184.jpg
all pix by Built Form

[Built Form]

South west corner of 7th and Fir (1616 W 7th) where the Family Services of Greater Vancouver is. I do like the glass elevator shaft but little else.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040173.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040172.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040171.jpg
all pix by Built Form

[LeftCoaster]

Wow, I really like 2211 Cambie, will look great exiting the bridge southbound. Will be some noisy suites though.

Dont mind the 7th and Fir building, really like the rooftop patio and nice to see the exposed elevator faces the Fir ramp, providing some visual interest. It wont stick out much though so not much reason in hoping for a stellar design, just some more quality Vancouver infill.

Thanks for all the updates Built Form and OD.

[officedweller]

Thanks.

1616 West 7th was rejected by the UDP:

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/udp/2011/Minutes/Oct19.html

[187 Feet Tall]

Tried to take some pictures of the District views yesterday.
Unfortunately the weather couldn't have been worse for views, but thought I'd share anyway.
8th floor, NE corner looking NW towards downtown.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18283909/Pal%20Properties/View%20with%20watermark.jpg

[hollywoodnorth]

any updates on the project on the North Side of East Hastings by the Train Viaduct at Campbell Avenue? it was a residential tower project. I think a year or 2 ago plans were posted up here. anyone?

[jlousa]

Still in the works, I imagine we should be hearing about it within the next few months.

[entheosfog]

This square block at Terminal and Thornton (I think it's the 400 block of Terminal) was fenced off recently, backhoe on site. But they may just be doing some soil cleanup like the proposed Mercedes dealership next block over to the east:
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7011/dscn2474b.jpg

[Homeowner]

Tried to take some pictures of the District views yesterday.
Unfortunately the weather couldn't have been worse for views, but thought I'd share anyway.
8th floor, NE corner looking NW towards downtown.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18283909/Pal%20Properties/View%20with%20watermark.jpg

District is a sweet project. The 2nd building has got some gorgeous views of the mountains & downtown. With District & Social (already completed), the area will just get better with time.

[mr.sandbag]

yeah with the Collection at 8th and Main and I just saw another development sign for the corner of 6th and Scotia. it is for 60ft, so im guessing 5 floors plus mechanical. either way it is getting busy here just north of main and broadway. I cant wait until 180 kingsway get the go ahead.

[logan5]

:previous:

Which corner is that, NE or NW?

[LotusLand]

Newspaper headlines are starting to get ridiculous. Apparently Marpole is the new Yaletown:
http://www.vancourier.com/business/next+Yaletown/5765462/story.html

I cringe whenever developers say that Whalley is the new Yaletown. This is just as ludicrous

[osirisboy]

Was out for a walk and noticed the north west corner of prince edward and great Northern way is all fenced in, does anyone know whats planned for this site (sorry if this has been mentioned already)

[officedweller]

This doesn't answer you question, but on a related note -
WRT that funky Centre for Digital Imaging (?) Building being built at the GNW Campus -
are the upper floors woodframe?? That what I thought I saw when I drove by.

[hollywoodnorth]

This doesn't answer you question, but on a related note -
WRT that funky Centre for Digital Imaging (?) Building being built at the GNW Campus -
are the upper floors woodframe?? That what I thought I saw when I drove by.

I was surprised to see how far along that project was when I drove by lats week

and yes I think they are in fact WOOD

[mr.sandbag]

Logan,

its the north west corner of 6th and scotia, so same north side of 6th as the Whip. theres currently a 2 store light purple building on the corner.

[vanman]

Saw a for lease sign for this near Renfrew Station.


Renfrew Centre

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/b8898830.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/a1d5a3dc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/0fe7a218.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/eccbdc3c.jpg

http://www.renfrewcentre.com

[hollywoodnorth]

looks great! TOD anyone? ;) :)

[Conrad]

Newspaper headlines are starting to get ridiculous. Apparently Marpole is the new Yaletown:
http://www.vancourier.com/business/next+Yaletown/5765462/story.html

I cringe whenever developers say that Whalley is the new Yaletown. This is just as ludicrous

Typical sensationalist headline. I hardly think that building a new (and much needed) Safeway with rentals will make Marpole the next Yaletown. That being said, this IS a city, and cities evolve. Those moaning, self-serving nimbys need to get over it. Not even unpretentious, working-class neighbourhoods like Marpole can stay in a time warp forever. Personally, as a Marpole resident, I welcome the changes... especially that new beer and wine store! :cheers:

But the new Yaletown? Please. I don't think we'll see be seeing fake-tanned, caramel-macchiato-sipping, micro-dog-walking yuppies roaming our streets anytime soon.

[vanman]

looks great! TOD anyone? ;) :)

Yeah no doubt. Look at all the office space that is planned,u/c, or about to start construction adjacent skytrain stations! Brewery District, Civic Center,Metrotower III, not to mention the massive plans for Surrey. This is all space that could have easily been built in car oriented business parks.

[entheosfog]

I can't remember what project this is, but it's at Commercial and Victoria, right beside the vacant Mazin Furniture building:
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1763/img6296eo.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4494/img6295as.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/5265/img6298m.jpg

[jlousa]

Don't know if it has a name, but it's referred to as the Porter St development.

[Homeowner]

Logan,

its the north west corner of 6th and scotia, so same north side of 6th as the Whip. theres currently a 2 store light purple building on the corner.

District building 1 & 2 facing west units have nice views of downtown/west side/sunset views. but i would be worried if had a unit in building 1. with the empty car lot just west of it; if anything gets built there, you can pretty much say goodbye to your view.

[mr.sandbag]

:previous:

as for the parking lot, most like 4-5 floors above a retail first floor, the community plans outlines main street between 2nd and 7th to have 4-6 floors max, so only the lower floors will be effected. the owner of the lot will need to get it by zoning to get any extra height and from what ive heard from some counselors, they are sticking to the community plan. can't blame then since it is only a couple years old.

here's the link.
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/cpp/mountpleasant/index.htm

they also suggested to turn the alley way into a mostly pedestrian street with shops and/or work live spaces all the way to 2nd. those units along the alley might be pretty cool in the near future.

[187 Feet Tall]

:previous:

Which corner is that, NE or NW?
NM, I see you were asking about the new development site.
:previous:

as for the parking lot, most like 4-5 floors above a retail first floor, the community plans outlines main street between 2nd and 7th to have 4-6 floors max, so only the lower floors will be effected. the owner of the lot will need to get it by zoning to get any extra height and from what ive heard from some counselors, they are sticking to the community plan. can't blame then since it is only a couple years old.

here's the link.
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/cpp/mountpleasant/index.htm

they also suggested to turn the alley way into a mostly pedestrian street with shops and/or work live spaces all the way to 2nd. those units along the alley might be pretty cool in the near future.
I hope so, they need to get rid of the power lines there ASAP as they'll be an eye sore for the owners who bought on that side about 3-5 levels up.

[cornholio]

Saw a for lease sign for this near Renfrew Station.
[

Not sure if this was posted but across the street the final building (#8) in Broadway tech park should start construction soon as they are looking for leases and the building currently under construction (#7) is fully leased. In any case this one will be the gateway to Broadway tech park and the nicest building when done. Combined with this Renfrew building it will really change the look and feel of that intersection around the station.
http://www.broadwaytechcentre.com/images/leasingpics/2920-VirtualWay.jpg

[invisibleairwaves]

^Surface parking and a massive setback, kitty-corner from a Skytrain station? How awfully suburban. Not a nice contrast to the proposed building across the street.

[squeezied]

Well, at least it looks like permeable pavement for parking. But I agree that it doesn't seem fitting next to the skytrain station.

[jsbertram]

Some CEO's will insist on using their car, regardless of how non 'eco-green' this looks to the rest of society.

After you've 'made it' you can't back-slide & commute on trains with the common folk.

[cornholio]

^Surface parking and a massive setback, kitty-corner from a Skytrain station? How awfully suburban. Not a nice contrast to the proposed building across the street.

This building has some 175,000 square feet of office space and the entire block has just under 1,000,000 square feet. Meanwhile that surface lot your talking about is something around 10 stalls for a drop off and pick up point, something needed in this development. Which might I add is certainly being built more because of the highway rather then the skytrain(mind you its im sure a combination of those two). Anyways this is one of the best developments in the region next to rapid transit outside of the downtown.

[SpongeG]

looks good - so will they demolish the old building on that spot or just convert it like they did with the other parts of the old building which look completely new?

i'd love to see all those single dwelling homes along grandview between rupert and renfrew converted to at least townhomes or 4 or 6 storey apartment condos

[dleung]

This building has some 175,000 square feet of office space and the entire block has just under 1,000,000 square feet. Meanwhile that surface lot your talking about is something around 10 stalls for a drop off and pick up point, something needed in this development. Which might I add is certainly being built more because of the highway rather then the skytrain(mind you its im sure a combination of those two). Anyways this is one of the best developments in the region next to rapid transit outside of the downtown.

Quite a large space to hold just 10 cars. Anyhow that could be easily provided underground, or at grade with building mass cantilevering or bridging over it. This is a suburban design, period.

Not to mention I hate little curved elements that try to make interesting a box design. Or the tacky, Best-Buy style vertical insertions with the "daring" sloped parapet for a splash of colour.

[red-paladin]

Quite a large space to hold just 10 cars. Anyhow that could be easily provided underground, or at grade with building mass cantilevering or bridging over it. This is a suburban design, period.

Not to mention I hate little curved elements that try to make interesting a box design. Or the tacky, Best-Buy style vertical insertions with the "daring" sloped parapet for a splash of colour.

I don't think there is a problem to have a drop off zone. Even downtown, Shaw Tower and Fairmont Pacific Rim share a drop off zone that appears larger than that.

[cornholio]

Quite a large space to hold just 10 cars. Anyhow that could be easily provided underground, or at grade with building mass cantilevering or bridging over it. This is a suburban design, period.

Not to mention I hate little curved elements that try to make interesting a box design. Or the tacky, Best-Buy style vertical insertions with the "daring" sloped parapet for a splash of colour.

Well you should go check out Broadway tech park in person to get a idea of the development. Its a dense development and has amazing public space. Its very well executed imo and unlike other pie in the sky proposals it has been built pretty quickly next to a skytrain station and added nearly a million square feet of office space and likely will be responsible for spurring other developments around it.

[itinerant]

The Tech Park is modeled after a campus, with common areas and plenty of landscaping amongst a fairly tight cluster of low-rise structures. In fact, that's how they describe themselves. For the area its in, this is appropriate density and height I think. Its also got a very nice mix of amenities. Yes, it has the look of a suburban office park, but its not overloaded with at-grade parking that has often come with that. Its on the wedge leading eastward to a much larger light industrial area (converted from heavier industrial in past couple decades), and bordered by low density commercial and single family housing in established neighbourhoods close to the north.

While the look of the buildings, and the self-styled them of 'tech' isn't my favourite (a la Best Buy details), the massing and arrangement of buildings is really very good.

Here's an aerial context with a mashup of Google Maps and site plan from the Broadway Tech Centre website (http://www.broadwaytechcentre.com/).

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8149/bwaytechpark.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/bwaytechpark.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[dleung]

The site plan makes even less sense; it's like they're trying to discourage people from using the skytrain station. Does the symmetry even result in significant savings? Why is the axis going east-west from nowhere to nowhere, instead of diagonally from southwest-northeast. The generous set-backs from the street ensure that the buildings will never be reused for more urban programs, and pedestrian experience will suck forever. The buildings could have comfortably rose to 8 stories on the south side due to the skytrain guideway. Just overall a really dumb, unresponsive scheme.

[s211]

The Tech Park is modeled after a campus, with common areas and plenty of landscaping amongst a fairly tight cluster of low-rise structures. In fact, that's how they describe themselves. For the area its in, this is appropriate density and height I think. Its also got a very nice mix of amenities. Yes, it has the look of a suburban office park, but its not overloaded with at-grade parking that has often come with that. Its on the wedge leading eastward to a much larger light industrial area (converted from heavier industrial in past couple decades), and bordered by low density commercial and single family housing in established neighbourhoods close to the north.

While the look of the buildings, and the self-styled them of 'tech' isn't my favourite (a la Best Buy details), the massing and arrangement of buildings is really very good.



And they've also since purchased the land further to the east, IIRC.

[LeftCoaster]

The site plan makes even less sense; it's like they're trying to discourage people from using the skytrain station. Does the symmetry even result in significant savings? Why is the axis going east-west from nowhere to nowhere, instead of diagonally from southwest-northeast.

There is already a greenway going SW-NE parallel to the skytrain guideway. Why would they incorporate a redundant pathway into the design when they could create a more urban street feel with an E/W grid road?

Count me down as a fan of the development, one of my favourite examples of a low rise, high density office park

[phesto]

The site plan makes even less sense; it's like they're trying to discourage people from using the skytrain station. Does the symmetry even result in significant savings? Why is the axis going east-west from nowhere to nowhere, instead of diagonally from southwest-northeast. The generous set-backs from the street ensure that the buildings will never be reused for more urban programs, and pedestrian experience will suck forever. The buildings could have comfortably rose to 8 stories on the south side due to the skytrain guideway. Just overall a really dumb, unresponsive scheme.

I'm not sure if you're at all familiar with this development, but it was phased over a period of several years, and the initial planning was done over 10 years ago.

I usually enjoy your critiques, but you lost me on this one. :shrug:

[officedweller]

The pathways will connect to the expansion to the east.
All pathways do not need to radiate out from a SkyTrain station - a grid is perfectly acceptable.
The north-south axes also allow preservation of some views from the houses on Broadway - a diagonal arrangement probably wouldn't do that.

[jsbertram]

looks good - so will they demolish the old building on that spot or just convert it like they did with the other parts of the old building which look completely new?

i'd love to see all those single dwelling homes along grandview between rupert and renfrew converted to at least townhomes or 4 or 6 storey apartment condos


Not sure of you're referring to "Renfrew Centre" or "Broadway Tech Centre".

If the latter, sections of the old Eatons warehouse buildings on the site got demolished as each phase of Broadway Tech Centre was built, so I don't see why they wouldn't continue to demolish the old buildings to make way for new Broadway Tech Centre construction.

[SpongeG]

broadway tech - the old eatons warehouse - some of it was retained and built upon to create some of it

[deasine]

^Not "retained." The old warehouse was actually comprised of three separate structures. As Broadway Tech expands, be sure that the warehouse will be gone. Right now, HSBC is nearing its completing stages of their first building there (and I wouldn't be surprised if they move more of their operations from downtown over to the Broadway Tech Centre). So HSBC did not just build on top of the old warehouse; part of it was torn down.

It is important to note that the "street level" of the Broadway Tech Centre is above actual street level of Hebb Avenue (due to slope). So dleung's point isn't without reason really. While there is a greenway, there is little pedestrian connection between the Tech Centre and the actual greenway; access is only possible through a narrow staircase. And given that the area underneath is for loading/unloading (see plan), I think there's a huge opportunity lost with the existing Broadway Tech Centre in terms of the lack of connections with the greenway, and it would be more opportunity lost to see the future building replacing the Eatons Warehouse does not include anything to help facilitate the Broadway Tech street level with Hebb Avenue/Greenway street level.

[trofirhen]

^Surface parking and a massive setback, kitty-corner from a Skytrain station? How awfully suburban. Not a nice contrast to the proposed building across the street.
:previous:

I admit it may have a "suburban" feel to it, but I think they are trying for a "parklike" effect, which is definitely in contrast to much of UN-parklike East Broadway.

[jlousa]

Second development for the West side of the 6300blk Cambie st. There is a 6 storey development going ahead just to the north of this one. At the prices lots are going for on Cambie these units will be costly.

Integra Architecture Inc. has applied to the City of Vancouver to rezone 6361-6385 Cambie Street from RT-1 (Two-Family Dwelling) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. The proposal is for a 70-unit residential (strata apartment and townhouse) and commercial (retail) building, with 8-storeys facing Cambie Street and 2-storeys facing the lane to an approximate height of 29 m (95 ft.). The proposed project would be comprised of 5,171.4 sq. m (55,666.3 sq. ft.) of residential and 265 sq. m (2,852.5 sq. ft.) of commercial area, with a floor space ratio (FSR) of 3.56. Underground parking is proposed for over 80 stalls.

Context Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/context.pdf

East Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/east.pdf

North Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/north.pdf

West Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/west.pdf

South Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/south.pdf

Courtyard Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/courtyard.pdf

Shadow Study
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/shadows.pdf

Landscape Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/landscape.pdf

[officedweller]

Thanks!
Right next door to the south of the other one - the render shows them touching at the property line. The style is quite different so the other more modernist building will contrast nicely. Wish the other were taller though.
Seems like the two buildings are stepped for an even taller one at 49th and Cambie. i.e the core/mass is on the south, not adjacent to the shorter 6 storey project.

[squeezied]

Wow! Really liking it! Yes, looks like the other 6-story building is touching which makes a continuous line of retail.

I personally don't think the 6-story building to the north needs to be taller; maybe 7 stories would be ok. But as you mentioned, this building is "stepped up" towards the south or "stepped down" towards the north/6-story building. If I recall correctly, the properties at the corners of the intersections are allowed to be 10-stories or something like that. So I think "step" design compliments well with the adjacent lots. Plus the nature of a "step" design is unique not symmetric (something I think is lazy and boring design).

I also like that there is a public walkway at the south side of the property, although I'm not sure if that will really lead anywhere.

Overall, I'm quite happy about it and hope it passes the UDP

I think this deserves a repost:
Second development for the West side of the 6300blk Cambie st. There is a 6 storey development going ahead just to the north of this one. At the prices lots are going for on Cambie these units will be costly.



Context Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/context.pdf

East Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/east.pdf

North Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/north.pdf

West Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/west.pdf

South Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/south.pdf

Courtyard Elevation
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/courtyard.pdf

Shadow Study
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/shadows.pdf

Landscape Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/6361cambie/documents/landscape.pdf

[dleung]

yikes, what 80's architectural firm came up with these drawings? It's like a kid built it with lego, and not in the good way a la MVRDV.

[dleung]

I'm not sure if you're at all familiar with this development, but it was phased over a period of several years, and the initial planning was done over 10 years ago.

I usually enjoy your critiques, but you lost me on this one. :shrug:

That only means that the 10-year old plans were ill conceived also.

All pathways do not need to radiate out from a SkyTrain station - a grid is perfectly acceptable.

A streetgrid is perfectly acceptable, except here we have a superblock, with courtyards aligned to the east-west/north-south axis that don't connect with anything except for the alley dividing the site, through just one point.

[officedweller]

A streetgrid is perfectly acceptable, except here we have a superblock, with courtyards aligned to the east-west/north-south axis that don't connect with anything except for the alley dividing the site, through just one point.

The first in a string of future redevelopments will always look out of place. And remember what I said about the north-south views - and that there will be a continuous link with the expansion to the east (and eventually to the Rupert SkyTrain Station after redevelopment of the LDB lands).

See map on page 2 of the Context Plan - here:

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/3030ebway/index.htm

[jsbertram]

Thanks!
Right next door to the south of the other one - the render shows them touching at the property line. The style is quite different so the other more modernist building will contrast nicely. Wish the other were taller though.
Seems like the two buildings are stepped for an even taller one at 49th and Cambie. i.e the core/mass is on the south, not adjacent to the shorter 6 storey project.

I'm disappointed that they couldn't be bothered to 'sweat the details' on the presentation boards.

a) It seems all the shadow drawings for "14:00 AM" are the same. Who uses 24Hr time and includes AM/PM too?

b) the site context plans show the "RAV line" station. How hard is it to open the file to search & replace "RAV line" to "Canada Line" ?


Makes me wonder about what more important details have been missed.

[entheosfog]

Kits 360:
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/5035/img6431q.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/9752/img6432a.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/3403/img6433z.jpg

[entheosfog]

Pinnacle on Broadway:
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9020/img6460c.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5863/img6458e.jpg

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4894/img6459v.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3268/img6461y.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2314/img6462z.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9398/img6463n.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6695/img6456y.jpg

[entheosfog]

A park is replacing this former body shop at Fir and 6th:
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8918/img6439je.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8646/img6447c.jpg

[wrenegade]

A park is replacing this former body shop at Fir and 6th:
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8918/img6439je.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8646/img6447c.jpg

That's a great place for a park. Nice to see that CAC money going towards something.

[officedweller]

I think the Arbutus RoW is on the other side of that garage. Hopefully it is NOT part of the park (i.e. hasn't beeen purchased) otherwise we'd never get it back for a streetcar/LRT RoW.

[SFUVancouver]

Thanks for the photos of Pinnacle on Broadway, Entheosfog. That came together quickly. Has there been any word about what the retail tenants will be?

Good news on the park. I recall that as part of the Westbank 7th and Fir project, Henrequiez and Partners were asked by the City to put together a preliminary plan for that park at 6th and Fir. I don't know whether that means that firm will have designed the new park, but perhaps if the city were able to piggy-back a preliminary design for a park on an unrelated project it will be able to deliver the park earlier than would have otherwise been the case?

[whatnext]

That's a great place for a park. Nice to see that CAC money going towards something.

Except there's already a fairly large park space enclosed in the cloverleaf from the bridge down to 4th that seems pretty lightly used.

[jsbertram]

Except there's already a fairly large park space enclosed in the cloverleaf from the bridge down to 4th that seems pretty lightly used.

That's just a decorative area within the cloverleaf filled with some sculptures and monuments.

The hedges and fences along the southern perimeter certainly discourage casual use, although I have seen some people catching some rays in the summer.

[hollywoodnorth]

good news on the park

http://vancouver.ca/parks/info/planning/6thandfir/

http://vancouver.ca/parks/info/planning/6thandfir/pdf/6thandFir.pdf

[officedweller]

Thanks. Looks like there's still RoW left intact.

[webster]

Except there's already a fairly large park space enclosed in the cloverleaf from the bridge down to 4th that seems pretty lightly used.

i'm sure this park will be well used, with a couple of new projects in the area - Westbank on the east side of Fir, and someone else (can't remember) on the south side of 6th.

[hollywoodnorth]

cool story on HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON TOWER CRANES >> http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Canada/BC/1258521056/ID=2176465044

[Built Form]

Pics have been posted here on the project at the former Korean restaurant at 2211 Cambie, but this pic shows the scale and massing for the Robinson Lighting site adjacent.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040660.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040663.jpg
pix by Built Form

[Prometheus]

Thank you for the photos.

Do you know the name of the project to replace Robinson Lighting?