[Built Form]

Thank you for the photos.

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

No, this was just a lucky happenstance as the model centred on the 2211 Cambie development.

[officedweller]

Great find.
It looks more like a mixed use project (along the lines of Olive) than a big box project like the east side of Cambie. The block is also much smaller than those on the east side.

It would be nice if it reponded to the setbacks on the corner building better and maybe had a one or two level step in the roof line, stepping down to the bridge. That location could provide a nice view towards downtown over the bridge. I wonder what the height limit is?

[Built Form]

A few weeks past I posted some pictures of a 46 unit development at 1616 W 7th designed by IBI/HB which was rejected by the UDP. Here is the approved altered design. Much the same except for more glazing while still keeping the glassed-in elevator. Looks much better.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040935.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040934.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1040937.jpg
pix by Built Form

[red-paladin]

That's firmly in the 'meh' pile, at least to me.

[LeftCoaster]

Absolutely, but it's about what I would expect from a 10 storey building in that area.

[jlousa]

I like it, not going to win any design awards but it's a solid design and won't look dated in a decade. Like the way the balconies are incorporated into the design and not tacked on like the norm.

[peterprinciple]

Anyone know what happened to the links at the bottom of the SSP Local Vancouver page? Used to be Canada, Calgary, VibrantVictoria etc...

[jsbertram]

Anyone know what happened to the links at the bottom of the SSP Local Vancouver page? Used to be Canada, Calgary, VibrantVictoria etc...

Never even noticed them.

[officedweller]

Agreed - Looks better - thanks.

[SFUVancouver]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6850/vaneastdecember232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 23rd, 2011.

[SFUVancouver]

The 7th and Fir "14 Sites" supportive housing building is coming along nicely.
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3677/7thandfirsocialhousing1.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 23rd, 2011.

Looking back on its northeast elevation from beneath the Fir Street off ramp of the Granville Street Bridge.
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7029/7thandfirsocialhousing2.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 23rd, 2011.

Site clearance has begun for Westbank's newest project; 6th and Fir.
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4571/6thandfirdecember232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 23rd, 2011.

[SFUVancouver]

Progress appears to be under way on Science World's Switch outdoor science experience.
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3579/scienceworldeastentranc.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 29th, 2011.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6388/scienceworldforegroundd.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 29th, 2011.

Some work seems to be under way for Rize Alliance's Containers project on Terminal Avenue.
http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7784/rizeterminalavesitedece.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, December 29th, 2011.

[Built Form]

Here's a new project on 2858 West 4th. Designed by GBL Architects it has 50 units above 6 CRUs.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050050.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050053.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050054.jpg
All pix by Built Form

[hollywoodnorth]

Here's a new project on 2858 West 4th. Designed by GBL Architects it has 50 units above 6 CRUs.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050050.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050053.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050054.jpg
All pix by Built Form

wow very good ... that removes a sizable break in the retail street scape of 4th. I like GBL quite a bit.

[osirisboy]

^^^ Agree, those two apartment blocks are crap, although that game store was cool, hopefully they can move into another location.

Whats the status on the former gas station lot across the street, that thing has been sitting empty for years now, im anxious to see that get developed soon.

[officedweller]

Wow - they competely stripped the trees and shrubbery from in from of Science World!

[SFUVancouver]

That development on 4th Avenue will have to include a fair amount of rental units, will it not? Is there a rate-of-change bylaw in effect for that part of the city?

[osirisboy]

Wow - they competely stripped the trees and shrubbery from in from of Science World!

I know I love it

[SpongeG]

they have created a real entrance with what looks will be a good plaza area

[logan5]

Here's a new project on 2858 West 4th. Designed by GBL Architects it has 50 units above 6 CRUs.


Seems like kind of a waste. 50 units to replace what looks like about 30 units. Why not go the limit with wood frame (6 stories?) and make the most efficient use of the space. Is that the maximum allowable density or height?

[Built Form]

^Don't know if that's the maximum allowable density although the site is at 2.48 FSR.
Here's the link showing all the info and other elevations.

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/pc2858w4th/index.htm

[jlousa]

Another infill project for the Oakridge area.

Rezoning Application - 665-685 West 41st Avenue, 5675 Manson Street and 5688 Heather Street

Formwerks Architectural Inc. has applied to the City of Vancouver to rezone 665-685 West 41st Avenue, 5675 Manson Street and 5688 Heather Street from RS-1 (One-Family Dwelling) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District. The proposal is for a 6-storey residential development with market residential units on levels 1, and 4 to 6, and residential rental units on levels 1 to 3, and 1½ levels of underground parking. The proposed floor space ratio (FSR) is 3.1, with a gross floor area of 10 741 m² (115,617 sq. ft.), and a height of 17.7 m (58 ft.).

Project Stats
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/projectstats.pdf

Context Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/context.pdf

Site Plan
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/siteplan.pdf

Parking Plans
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/parking.pdf

Floor Plans
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/floorplans.pdf

Building Section Drawings
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/sections.pdf

Building Elevation Drawings
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/elevations.pdf

Axonometric
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/axon.pdf

Shadow Studies
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/5675manson/documents/shadow.pdf

[osirisboy]

great thanks, 134 units is pretty decent. whats the development beside this one?

[squeezied]

The development east of the proposed is going to be 6 stories and targetted towards older people (I forget if it's seniors or not) if I recall correctly; whatever it is, it's not exactly going to be normal market housing.

The units look pretty small though; alot of 1 beds, but I guess that's typical nowadays. Renderings look nice though, but it'll depend on the choice of materials. I've never been disappointed by Formworks so I'm sure it'll look great.

I hope this development won't become a nimby against the future towers immediately south on Oakridge mall (shadowing issues).

I do like the future crossing at Heather St. which connects to a future greenway at Oakridge mall. Any cyclists who bike along the Heather bikeway knows how confusing this area is. The pedestrian crossing just east of Mason St. seems a bit redundant though.

[wrenegade]

^Don't know if that's the maximum allowable density although the site is at 2.48 FSR.
Here's the link showing all the info and other elevations.

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/devapps/pc2858w4th/index.htm

Max height is 45' and max density is 2.5 FSR for that site on 4th, so that was a big as you were going to see without a rezoning.

[officedweller]

So neither this project nor the senior's home next door will have any ground floor retail on 41st Ave. - in what is supposed to be a transit oriented hub.

I suspect that will significantly hinder the redevelopment potential of the existing commercial property on the NW corner of Cambie and 41st.
Looks like the City is focussing only on Oakrdge for the density at this station - which is a shame.

Even the midrise buildings planned for Cambie closer to 49th Ave. (posted in this thread) will have ground floor retail.

[jlousa]

They are keeping the retail to Cambie St and not 41st, I beleive this is the same around the other stations.

[jsbertram]

I was at Maynards on the weekend, and noticed that the Shell station at Main & 2nd is closed & fenced up.

More condos coming soon?

[jsbertram]

They are keeping the retail to Cambie St and not 41st, I beleive this is the same around the other stations.

It seems to me that the city wants Oakridge Mall to be the primary TOD development in the area.

With the closing of the multi-plex theatre (rumoured to become a Crate & Barrel), they might be able to get the Canada Line station attached to the mall as part of the renovations.

Since the only Canada Line station entrance is on the S.W. corner of 41st & Cambie where the mall is, the other developments at that intersection may have less pressure on them to be true TOD projects that connect to transit.

[SFUVancouver]

^ Very interesting. I heard once that Shell location was the most profitable in the province. There was talk at one point about having a tower go up beside and cantilever partially over the Shell station, though not the pumping area and subterranean tanks.

[s211]

I was at Maynards on the weekend, and noticed that the Shell station at Main & 2nd is closed & fenced up.

More condos coming soon?

Any explanatory signs? Could be a reno. With lack of other stations in the area, may end up having to siphon off others to fill the tank.

[officedweller]

They are keeping the retail to Cambie St and not 41st, I beleive this is the same around the other stations.

But in this case (compared to 49th), those lots are still across from Oakridge - so there will be commercial on one side of the street (built to the sidewalk) and residential patios on the other - that's a bit odd.

[whatnext]

They are keeping the retail to Cambie St and not 41st, I beleive this is the same around the other stations.

Lets hope so or Cambie will become another Kingsway. :yuck:

[jlousa]

Don't count out Kingsway, it's going to be highly desirable within the next decade, you heard it hear first.:tup:

[trofirhen]

Lets hope so or Cambie will become another Kingsway. :yuck:
:previous:

Kingsway; berrk! I know this is politically incorrect, but Kingsway - at least most of it - is so ugly that I wouldn't mind seeing it ripped up for some express route of some sort into Vancouver, although that'll never happen.

{sure wish they'd make some major investments in appearance though; take away the ugly tangle of signs; improve the aesthetics of the streetlamps..... It must be about the UGLIEST major road in Vancouver.}

[SpongeG]

:previous:

Kingsway; berrk! I know this is politically incorrect, but Kingsway - at least most of it - is so ugly that I wouldn't mind seeing it ripped up for some express route of some sort into Vancouver, although that'll never happen.

{sure wish they'd make some major investments in appearance though; take away the ugly tangle of signs; improve the aesthetics of the streetlamps..... It must be about the UGLIEST major road in Vancouver.}

kingsway is a lot better than the last time you probably saw it - the fraser kingsway is becoming hipster central as main street gets too pricey

[osirisboy]

I disagree, its still a dump from when I first saw it 6 years ago... The handful of projects that have happened have helped but there is just so much crap

[logan5]

I can see the Collingwood section of Kingsway developing into something interesting in the not too distant future. Maybe some consider it interesting right now. There's another huge Safeway site in this neighbourhood that could be redeveloped. That would certainly give the area a big lift, and maybe redevelop the elementary school at Joyce and Kingsway.

[whatnext]

I disagree, its still a dump from when I first saw it 6 years ago... The handful of projects that have happened have helped but there is just so much crap

The problem is it just way too long a strip of unattractive retail. Lets hope the city doesn't botch Cambie that way. It would be nice to see them actually zone to encourage retail nodes with a couple blocks of depth instead of the classic streetcar-inspired set-up Vancouver is notorious for.

[peterprinciple]

Lets hope so or Cambie will become another Kingsway. :yuck:

Let's hope not. At least the Metropolis area. Talk about looking third world.

[Conrad]

I disagree, its still a dump from when I first saw it 6 years ago... The handful of projects that have happened have helped but there is just so much crap

Agreed. Kingsway is a mess. Best to pretend it doesn't exist, works for me :)

[Jebby]

^ Very interesting. I heard once that Shell location was the most profitable in the province. There was talk at one point about having a tower go up beside and cantilever partially over the Shell station, though not the pumping area and subterranean tanks.



Are buildings not allowed to be over the pumping area in Vancouver? It's quite common in Europe.

[officedweller]

Don't think I've seen it mentioned - 4 storey project on SE corner of 41st and Knight:

http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/rezoning/applications/1418e41st/index.htm

[jlousa]

:previous:Think it was mentioned a couple of years ago, it's been in the process since the STIR program started but hasn't progressed since then.

[red-paladin]

Agreed. Kingsway is a mess. Best to pretend it doesn't exist, works for me :)

I actually love to drive along Kingsway.
There is a lot of terrible 60s suburban junk there, but there is so much going on, so many new infill sites. Some are bad but many are alright. I like the King Edward Village, I would love to see more of that!

[hollywoodnorth]

Any explanatory signs? Could be a reno. With lack of other stations in the area, may end up having to siphon off others to fill the tank.

ya I would think its a RENO ... I know for a fact that the Car Wash facility they have is always breaking down and also does not fit larger vehicles like big SUVs or Passanger Vans.

also it gets really jammed up there in rush hour. that would be pretty crappy if it closed as its in a great location.

anyone get anymore details on this?

[PaperTiger]

There is no development application for this address on the CoV's website (1785 Main St.)

According to Vanmap the orginal gas station was constructed in the 70's with a major reno in 1995.

[cornholio]

Are buildings not allowed to be over the pumping area in Vancouver? It's quite common in Europe.

I hope not. We dont have a land shortage to start putting housing above gas stations where you can never eliminate carcinogenic fumes and a increased risk of a catastrophic fire.

This is one of those instances where I expect the city to plan ahead and simply not allow housing above gas stations. It wouldent even increase density, it would just reduce livability for the citizens for a extra buck for some gas station owners.

[hollywoodnorth]

There is no development application for this address on the CoV's website (1785 Main St.)

According to Vanmap the orginal gas station was constructed in the 70's with a major reno in 1995.

I just talked to someone in the know. They are closed for 3 months for RENO. As per my assumption ... they are REMOVING the Car wash and adding pumps to that area ... also all the pumps will be swaped to new ones. so come april we will have a much more functional and workable gas station for this part of town.

[PaperTiger]

I just talked to someone in the know. They are closed for 3 months for RENO. As per my assumption ... they are REMOVING the Car wash and adding pumps to that area ... also all the pumps will be swaped to new ones. so come april we will have a much more functional and workable gas station for this part of town.

Amen!

[jsbertram]

I actually love to drive along Kingsway.
There is a lot of terrible 60s suburban junk there, but there is so much going on, so many new infill sites. Some are bad but many are alright. I like the King Edward Village, I would love to see more of that!

Most people don't know that Kingsway as we know it today roughly follows the original wagon trail route that was cut through the forest by the Royal Engineers in the 1860s to connect New Westminster (the capital at the time) to Gastown. Some sources say parts of this wagon trail followed the even older walking trail between False Creek and New Westminster that was used by the natives before European settlement.

I heard years ago that a developer wanted to knock over an old building on their Kingsway property, but during site preparation it was discovered that this building was the last surviving example of the stage coach stops that were built between Vancouver and New Westminster. These buildings usually had a stable attached (or nearby) so that the horses could be changed to fresh steeds and the passengers could stretch their legs & get some grub during the day-long stage coach trip.

I heard that the developer bulldozed the building as quickly as possible so their project didn't get tied up in red tape that would have preserved the old building.

[officedweller]

I just talked to someone in the know. They are closed for 3 months for RENO. As per my assumption ... they are REMOVING the Car wash and adding pumps to that area ... also all the pumps will be swaped to new ones. so come april we will have a much more functional and workable gas station for this part of town.

The Shine carwash over on Terminal probably took all of their business.

[Built Form]

2211 Cambie has been named South Creek Landing and is now marketing the retail portion to be available mid 2013. Their website is still in the works:
www.southcreeklanding.com

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050448.jpg
pic by Built Form

[jlousa]

Believe this was touched on already in the retail thread. Ledingham McAllister acquired the property on the NW corner of W 4th Ave and Fir St, the project will be named Radius.

Also the Translink property at Cambie and 25th sold late last year, we will probably hear about a redevelopment plan shortly.

[Built Form]

Here's another retail/condo development proposed for the north west corner of E 6th and Scotia.
There's a 2 story office building and adjacent parking lot there now.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050391.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050392.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050394.jpg
All pix by Built Form

[Built Form]

Here's a better look at Westbank's proposed tower at Main & Keefer.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050399.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050397.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050395.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050401.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050403.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1050404.jpg
All pix by Built Form

[quobobo]

^Nice! I'm not in love with the 6th and Scotia project (might just be the colour they chose to represent the windows, it looks awful with the green), but the Main and Keefer tower looks great - big improvement on most of the towers along that stretch of Main.

[jlousa]

The Main and Keefer tower was approved but still expect it to see some changes from the current design before proceeding.

[red-paladin]

^Nice! I'm not in love with the 6th and Scotia project (might just be the colour they chose to represent the windows, it looks awful with the green), but the Main and Keefer tower looks great - big improvement on most of the towers along that stretch of Main.

I agree with you on both counts.

[privatejet]

New renders of Westbank's Marpole Safeway project

http://www.westbankcorp.com/granville-70th/

[VancouverPM]

The Werks Condo started excavation in Mid-December, its expected to be completed by Mid-February, with structural work starting immediately. Build out of the structure is estimated to be 6 months. Werks for reference is located at 555 W 7th. 20 units, 7 story building. An infill on an OLD parking lot.

[osirisboy]

love the brick on the main and keefer project, although it looks like it will be the typical painted concrete on the tower portion and keefer side. (if only it was social housing the materials would be 100% better).

[osirisboy]

The Werks Condo started excavation in Mid-December, its expected to be completed by Mid-February, with structural work starting immediately. Build out of the structure is estimated to be 6 months. Werks for reference is located at 555 W 7th. 20 units, 7 story building. An infill on an OLD parking lot.

can someone refresh my memory, is there another project across the street from this?

[VancouverPM]

can someone refresh my memory, is there another project across the street from this?

yes there is... a 10 Story through WT Leung - Demolition on the existing buildings has just begun as well. Its civic address is 540 W7th.

[osirisboy]

ah thanks! that area sure is changing. the lots i would kill to see developed are the north/west corner of cambie/broadway where wendys and its parking lot are, up to broadway where that ugly ass billboard and "patio" is for that non nondescript restaurant.

[Denscity]

ah thanks! that area sure is changing. the lots i would kill to see developed are the north/west corner of cambie/broadway where wendys and its parking lot are, up to broadway where that ugly ass billboard and "patio" is for that non nondescript restaurant.

Yes I second that. Such a hugely important corner!

[LeftCoaster]

Really liking the podium on the Keefer. Reminds me of another little Westbank project, Woodwards.

[mr.sandbag]

i agree, the keefer looks much better and better then the submitted docs to the city,

as for the 6th and main, was a little worried about the height as i could have lost of some of my views, also alittle un-inspiring too, hope city recommends some changes. feel for the District owners on the bottom 5 floors

[SpongeG]

i wonder if wendys would want to give that location up - the city doesn't allow drive thrus and that drive thru does great business for them

i thought a cool idea would to see the block across from it next to canada line station demolished and a large nordstrom dept store built there and in the parking lot to the south and than an overpass to a newly constructed retail mall indoor or outdoor

[WarrenC12]

i wonder if wendys would want to give that location up - the city doesn't allow drive thrus and that drive thru does great business for them

Since when is the city not allowing drive thrus? Starbucks has had a few go in during the Vision Vancouver era IRCC.

[jlousa]

The only Starbucks that I know of with drive thrus is the one on Powell and the one on Terminal, both of them were previously zoned, pretty sure both of them were also opened before Vision either way. Is there anymore?
Also the no drive thru unofficial policy was instated under the NPA and I don't think Vision has a desire to change that. Has there been any new drive thru in recent years? Perhaps the Timmy's on Terminal, not sure it has drive thru.

[AverageJoe]

I am pleased to see such a complex going in the heart of Chinatown. Something like this will do wonders in revitalizing Chinatown and bringing residents back into the area. And it's about time that the old Vikon Foods building gets redeveloped.

Bamboo rather than trees would add a nice Chinatown touch to the podium of this project... but that's small stuff.

[Xerx]

The only Starbucks that I know of with drive thrus is the one on Powell and the one on Terminal, both of them were previously zoned, pretty sure both of them were also opened before Vision either way. Is there anymore?
Also the no drive thru unofficial policy was instated under the NPA and I don't think Vision has a desire to change that. Has there been any new drive thru in recent years? Perhaps the Timmy's on Terminal, not sure it has drive thru.

There's one on Hastings and Kaslo.

[AverageJoe]

Since when is the city not allowing drive thrus? Starbucks has had a few go in during the Vision Vancouver era IRCC.


According to the Georgia Straight (By Pieta Woolley, January 10, 2012):

"Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver city planners are notoriously anti-window, according to Ian Tostenson, the president of the B.C. Restaurant & Foodservices Association—much more so than in the rest of the province ... Vancouver planners haven’t approved a new drive-through for at least five years, according to the City of Vancouver’s manager of communications, Barb Floden. (The city doesn’t keep track of how many businesses have applied for one, she explained.) "

Source: http://www.straight.com/article-580386/vancouver/vancouvers-drivethroughs-leave-car-captives-wanting-more

[jlousa]

Good call on the Hasting and Kaslo Starbucks, had forgotten about it. That used to be a KFC with a drive thru though so it would've been grandfathered in.

[SpongeG]

yeah they took over that one and it had a drive thru so they were allowed to keep it - probably why they took over that location

the other two new ones with drive thrus - terminal and down in east van were built before the new bylaw came into effect

the time hortons on terminal does not have a drive thru, i think that why mcdonalds is so keen on keeping that location on main street

[Jebby]

Why is the city against drive thrus?

[jlousa]

Drive thrus do not serve the local community and only serve those passing thru the community, at least that's the theory. They also need to include driveways/sidewalk cuts and empty voids between buildings that lower the pedestrian experience.

[osirisboy]

Drive thrus do not serve the local community and only serve those passing thru the community, at least that's the theory. They also need to include driveways/sidewalk cuts and empty voids between buildings that lower the pedestrian experience.

well thats not necessarily true at all. back in the day I would always use the tims drive thru by my house before i headed downtown, lots of people would therby serving the local community. and they dont need to include cuts through sidewalks. they could be creative and have the cars enter and exit via the laneway.

[SpongeG]

Why is the city against drive thrus?

it also ties into the anti car idling bylaw - when you are stopped waiting you are supposed to turn your engine off, there is supposed to be less pollution

[EastVanMark]

well thats not necessarily true at all. back in the day I would always use the tims drive thru by my house before i headed downtown, lots of people would therby serving the local community. and they dont need to include cuts through sidewalks. they could be creative and have the cars enter and exit via the laneway.

The Terminal St. Tim Horton's could be a perfect example of what you are talking about. There is ample room for a laneway access, but the city's bizarre stance on drive thrus force customers into a difficult, cramped, parking lot. (among other things there is no room for incoming cars to access the parking lot if someone near the entrance is attempting to leave. That is why you see some regular customers backing in to their parking spots which makes leaving that much easier). This says nothing of the fact that having a drive thru has been known to account for as much as a 70% increase in business when compared to those without. But then again, since when does the city worry about businesses anyways. (unless they're condo developments)

[Jebby]

Drive thrus do not serve the local community and only serve those passing thru the community, at least that's the theory. They also need to include driveways/sidewalk cuts and empty voids between buildings that lower the pedestrian experience.

it also ties into the anti car idling bylaw - when you are stopped waiting you are supposed to turn your engine off, there is supposed to be less pollution

Those have got to be some of the most idiotic reasons for bylaws I've ever heard.

[jlousa]

More change for the east side coming.

Ted Harris Paints has been a neighbourhood institution for the last 91 years, and it’s about to become a neighbourhood game-changer.

The downtrodden strip of Hastings east of Main Street is undergoing transformation. At the heart of the area, which is on the fringe of Strathcona, is the paint store, which has been closed since owner Bob Harris retired almost a year ago. He sold the building at 757 E. Hastings to Kris Rennie, who works with his father, high-profile marketer and art collector, Bob Rennie. Mr. Rennie and son will oversee its conversion into artist studio rental spaces - if the city gives them the go-ahead.

Mr. Rennie says that he and his son have no intention of developing any kind of residential space at 757 E. Hastings. That will be developer Bruno Wall’s job. Mr. Rennie’s long-time collaborator, Mr. Wall is proposing the area’s first condo development two blocks away at 955 East Hastings - another game-changer.

Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/real-estate-development/paint-store-sale-heralds-major-east-hastings-redevelopment/article2301538/page1/

[jlousa]

Looks Commercial Dr might finally make the push north of Venables.

Owner Daniel Boffo wants to revitalize the north end of Commercial Drive with a commercial and residential development that would incorporate a larger centre for The Kettle, which helps people with mental illness, alongside supported and market housing.

Boffo was inspired by the location and the challenge of incorporating The Kettle drop-in into the development. He compared it to the redevelopment of Woodward’s in the Downtown Eastside.

“We’re hoping we can do something similar, smaller scale obviously, for this area, and help contribute to the revitalization of The Drive.”



Source:
http://www.vancourier.com/Commercial+Drive+development+plan+includes+drop+centre/5973913/story.html

[hollywoodnorth]

Looks Commercial Dr might finally make the push north of Venables.



Source:
http://www.vancourier.com/Commercial+Drive+development+plan+includes+drop+centre/5973913/story.html

that is some GREAT news .... awesome he was able to assemble the whole "road island" if you will. location here >> http://g.co/maps/uyj2a

woodwards style .... sounds perfect if you ask me...as its a very key site

[osirisboy]

I got an invitation to the Realtors VIP open house thing from Magnum today for their broadway central project. it'll be interesting to see how well these sell.


The open house is on the 26th and will be releasing prices etc then..

[squeezied]

which project is that?

[osirisboy]

strata office on broadway at cambie
https://www.mylasso.com/FileWarehouse/Projects/Project_1628/Images/Rendering.jpg

[officedweller]

Thanks - I was wondering - it used to be called the "Neelu Bachra Centre" according to the Studio One website:

http://www.studioonearchitecture.ca/

http://www.altusinsite.com/files/filelib/spaces/645908/doc/1.pdf

[jsbertram]

strata office on broadway at cambie
https://www.mylasso.com/FileWarehouse/Projects/Project_1628/Images/Rendering.jpg

Isn't that the one across from "Cross Roads" (London Drugs &tc) on Cambie @ Broadway?

[osirisboy]

yes. theres a map of the location in the link officedweller posted

[officedweller]

At one time it was slated to have a Shoppers Drug Mart in it.

[phesto]

PCI (Marine Gateway, Crossroads, etc) has purchased the Canadian Tire site on East Hastings. Hopefully we'll see something interesting proposed there!

[jlousa]

Any word on the Summit Mazda site just East of the CT? I noticed it's been on the market for at least a couple of years now.

[jlousa]

Guess I'll answer my own question. :tup:

Peter and Shahram Malek, through new companies incorporated last fall, have bought a major piece of property on East Hastings for $4.9-million, an area that is mostly zoned industrial, but has seen some gentrification lately.

The property, a former Morrey Mazda car lot near the recently renovated Waldorf Hotel

Source: Globe and Mail

Interesting to see such a flurry of activity so quickly, if only someone could have predicted the surge eastward.;)

Here's a clue to what PCI has in store for the CT site.

developer PCI Group has bought the old Canadian Tire store on the next block from the Maleks’ site and is planning a commercial development with a small amount of residential.

Now this next one has no specific details so I don't know if they are referring to 955 E Hastings St or if they actually mean the used car lot on the NE corner of Hastings and Clark.

Wall Financial, which builds mostly condos, has bought a property on the north side where the zoning allows some residential.

[hollywoodnorth]

wow if that is true about Wall taking that NE Corner site on Clark and Hastings that's amazing! thanks for the details and again ... wow! :)

interesting to see the Malek's get back in the game at a site like this ... seems like a smart move.

with these being prodominently commercial projects ... what form will that take? big box with smaller CRU's? Production - Distro - Retail space? or offices? a mix of them all? I could see a Save-On or something like that doing well there .... or a Best-Buy/Future Shop maybe ....

[red-paladin]

Going to be interesting to see how that area looks in a few years.

[leftside]

I can feel the squeeze around the DTES, but would like to see a major project right in the heart of the DTES - say Main/Hastings. Another Woodwards where the Carnegie center or police station are.

The government purchasing a lot of the buildings in the DTES and developers not prepared to deal with the protests has really stalled things.

[jlousa]

I agree with a current stalling within the dtes, as much as it's improved, the closing of Boneta's original location, the announced closing of NOOD and the still empty Storyuem location and the old crappy Subway. The area needs another wave of life breathed into it. There does appear to be some work taking place on the Cordova side of Storyeum although I've heard no rumours of why or what, and 60 W Cordova will start being occupied in about a month.
I think the lack of Greenwich being built on the 0 blk of W. Hastings could have siginicate negative consequences for quite a while.
I still hopefully though that the Budget site and even the MacDonalds site might see activity within the next several years.

[jsbertram]

I agree with a current stalling within the dtes, as much as it's improved, the closing of Boneta's original location, the announced closing of NOOD and the still empty Storyuem location and the old crappy Subway. The area needs another wave of life breathed into it. There does appear to be some work taking place on the Cordova side of Storyeum although I've heard no rumours of why or what, and 60 W Cordova will start being occupied in about a month.
I think the lack of Greenwich being built on the 0 blk of W. Hastings could have siginicate negative consequences for quite a while.
I still hopefully though that the Budget site and even the MacDonalds site might see activity within the next several years.

Isn't Vancouver Film School taking part of the Storyeum space?