[red_lantern]

Hey has anyone heard any updates on 700 West 8th? Anyone buy into this project yet?

[wrenegade]

There have been updates posted in the General Vancouver updates threads. The website is live and there is a rendering there. I'm all for the project having it's own thread if we can dig up more details (height, floors, number of units, etc). I think it's one of the more interesting projects in the city right now.

[red_lantern]

Looks like they are just finishing up the parkade over at 700west8th. Elevator structure is up. There's lots of powerpoles in the laneway so I'm wondering how that will impact sales. Anyone buy in this development yet? Seems kinda pricey.

[trofirhen]

Photos? Thank you very much if you have.

[red-paladin]

Here's the website:http://700west8th.com/
Here's some pictures from it:
http://700west8th.com/x/homepg_slides/7.jpg
http://700west8th.com/x/homepg_slides/8.jpg

[Fairbanks]

thought this looked familiar...this is identical to "The Falls" in Victoria...and here's proof

http://www.thefallsvictoria.com/

[sacrifice333]

Too bad they didn't replicate the waterfall!

[Hed Kandi]

Fantastic Location! I wonder what these suites will run for.

[SpongeG]

this is the one behind the holiday inn right?

[osirisboy]

I like the look of the building but the floor plans suck!

[red_lantern]

I just heard that pricing will start at $499,000 for a 1 bedroom no balcony facing east (no view). They have a few 1 bedrooms around $550,000 with partial views and a huge 800 square feet but again kinda pricey for a 1 bedroom unit. Good quality though. Hopefully they will include HST or lower the prices in the following months.

[wrenegade]

Pricing is a little lower than that. I was offered a 6th floor east facing unit for $429,900. And to say the floorplans suck is stupid. There at 60+ floorplans or something, and some I've seen are quite good. Still, the stuff that faces downtown is very pricy.

The Falls was designed by James Cheng and this one is Henriquez, this one will turn out better (though they do look similar). Also, the waterfall itself is a joke, more of a trickle than an actually waterfall.

[red_lantern]

Pricing is a little lower than that. I was offered a 6th floor east facing unit for $429,900. And to say the floorplans suck is stupid. There at 60+ floorplans or something, and some I've seen are quite good. Still, the stuff that faces downtown is very pricy.

The Falls was designed by James Cheng and this one is Henriquez, this one will turn out better (though they do look similar). Also, the waterfall itself is a joke, more of a trickle than an actually waterfall.

What do the interiors look like? The website shows more like the interior of the fairmont pacific rim, but the developer can change it if they like as it's subject to change - so like the interiors of the woodwards?

[jsbertram]

What do the interiors look like? The website shows more like the interior of the fairmont pacific rim, but the developer can change it if they like as it's subject to change - so like the interiors of the woodwards?

I"m guessing you're asking about The Falls in Victoria?
No Idea.

If you're asking about 700w8 in Vancouver, this building is still below street level, so it'll be a year or so before interiors get worked on. The developer will build the minimum needed to look nice and sell, since the purchasers will likely redecorate to suit their needs.

[red_lantern]

Building is coming up along nicely although don't have any photos as of yet.
I've called to inquire about pricing but only 2 suites in the building have come down in price the others are all at the same level they were when they started marketing the units ($540,000 and up for a 1 bedroom). The agent said there are many units sold but I don't think that's true. Anway the finishings are subject to change so it's best to wait till it's built to see what you actually get. Nice building, looking forward to view some units when it's up in 2012.

[phesto]

Building is coming up along nicely although don't have any photos as of yet.
I've called to inquire about pricing but only 2 suites in the building have come down in price the others are all at the same level they were when they started marketing the units ($540,000 and up for a 1 bedroom). The agent said there are many units sold but I don't think that's true. Anway the finishings are subject to change so it's best to wait till it's built to see what you actually get. Nice building, looking forward to view some units when it's up in 2012.

1 bedrooms start at $460,000 for an 803 sq ft unit. They're actually competitively priced, they're just larger units than the market standard 1 bedroom.

[red_lantern]

Looking good so far for the development as the Parkade is just about finished just about street level. I'm thinking that this develpment will be finished before James. I called the city to inquire about the hydro and transformer poles in the lane and they said that they won't be moved (that's a shame that they can't go underground). Looking forward to seeing a few floors go up by December.

[red_lantern]

Just walked by the development and looks like the parkade is now all completed. It's at ground at last. Has anyone here purchased a unit in the building yet? I'd love to hear your feedback on the process that you went through (ie: if you purchased from the developer directly or through your own realtor).

Sorry I couldn't get photos up but will try to next week as I'm hoping another floor above ground will be up.

[Mike K.]

What's the height (floors and meters) of the project and the status? Is it technically u/c?

[LeftCoaster]

I would assume Jlousa knows the official height, but if he doesnt im sure someone could dig it up from the COV approvals.

And yes it is most defintiely U/C.

[Mike K.]

Thanks, LC.

Looks to be 18-storeys tall and yes, as mentioned above, strikingly similar in almost every respect to The Falls (http://vibrantvictoria.ca/construction-projects/the-falls-18-54m-residential-commercial/) in Victoria. Weird.

[sacrifice333]

1 bedrooms start at $460,000 for an 803 sq ft unit. They're actually competitively priced, they're just larger units than the market standard 1 bedroom.

That's not too bad a price. I just sold a similarly luxurious 1 bedroom, but smaller at only 630 square feet and in a better area, for around there.

I feel for developers though... not a whole lot of motivation to buy pre-sale right now.

[SFUVancouver]

... Is it technically u/c?

Here is my most recent photo of the project:

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9541/700west8thoctober192010.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, October 20th, 2010.

[red_lantern]

Pricing is a little lower than that. I was offered a 6th floor east facing unit for $429,900. And to say the floorplans suck is stupid. There at 60+ floorplans or something, and some I've seen are quite good. Still, the stuff that faces downtown is very pricy.

The Falls was designed by James Cheng and this one is Henriquez, this one will turn out better (though they do look similar). Also, the waterfall itself is a joke, more of a trickle than an actually waterfall.

Did you get a bit of a discount or did they all go for full price? I heard that HST Can be negotiated.

[wrenegade]

Did you get a bit of a discount or did they all go for full price? I heard that HST Can be negotiated.

I didn't buy here, I bought in James. And no, I wasn't able to negotiate HST (but this was back in April....I think, possibly May).

[red_lantern]

Just heard from the sales rep and I quote what they said "If you are interested you better get them before they are gone as they are selling like hotcakes and the prices are non-negotiable and not hst exempt".


Looks like pre-sale condos are selling quick....not sitting idle like the older inventory that's over 4 years old that's been on the market for months with no offers...

[Yume-sama]

Pre-sales are doing fine, which is why we've heard of so many upcoming projects now.

Of course, they aren't tainted by the media as certain projects that have been sitting unsold for several years now :P

[SFUVancouver]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9494/700west8thnov172010p122.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, November 17th, 2010.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/7711/700west8thpitnov172010p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, November 17th, 2010.

[red_lantern]

I took a look at the presentation centre downtown in the Shaw Tower office but it's really an overpriced development. I'm sure that there will be many units still for sale once it's built in 2012. Perhaps if the market continues to fall better deals could be had then.

[jlousa]

What did the presentation centre look like?

[red_lantern]

You have to make an appointment and then they tell you to go to the shaw tower. I met a representative in the lobby that took me up to the developers office and there was a room with the mock up and display boards. They didn't have a show suite just blueprints. Nice mockups on the wall (cabinetry, floors, etc)..however the sales rep said those may not be the ones the builder uses and it's subject to change....therefore could use the same one as the woodwards development. I don't know why someone would put down 1 million on something that's not certain but theres quite a few units that they say are sold. I'm not sure if they are stretching the truth about the sales or if they have actually sold...anyway I'd be interested in seeing them when the building is actually up.

[wrenegade]

Nice mockups on the wall (cabinetry, floors, etc)..however the sales rep said those may not be the ones the builder uses and it's subject to change....therefore could use the same one as the woodwards development. I don't know why someone would put down 1 million on something that's not certain but theres quite a few units that they say are sold.

It's pretty standard fare for developers to say things are "subject to change" or something to that effect. They'd be stupid not to. They can't really change too much though because it would open the door for buyers to terminate their contracts. I'm sure you'd get something pretty much the same as what you say, brand names or suppliers might be slightly different but that's probably it.

[red_lantern]

From the photos at the office it looked like they had the same finishings as the Fairmont Pacific Rim which would totally be great, a definate step and a jump above the woodwards finishings.

[materialgurl]

my bf and i bought a presale there back in june... i think overall its a good development. but we were contemplating between the james penthouse flats (more like townhomes)... the decision was made for us when the last james unit went. we got our condo for $699 plus hst so total is $756k for a 2 bedroom, 1198 sqft.

as for the finishings, they are definitely not top of the line, but everything just looks so sleek! im excited!

i preferred this development anyway... since flase creek east is going to be a construction zone for a long time.

[red_lantern]

my bf and i bought a presale there back in june... i think overall its a good development. but we were contemplating between the james penthouse flats (more like townhomes)... the decision was made for us when the last james unit went. we got our condo for $699 plus hst so total is $756k for a 2 bedroom, 1198 sqft.

as for the finishings, they are definitely not top of the line, but everything just looks so sleek! im excited!

i preferred this development anyway... since flase creek east is going to be a construction zone for a long time.



Wow! I was doing the same thing actually thinking of a penthouse flat, made an offer and that fell through and then they were ultimately sold out so I was considering this development now too. Is your unit that you purchased a view unit - North facing?

[materialgurl]

^ was james accepting offers for their penthouse flats? i know they had 10k off opening day... otherwise the price was just 769k. i didn't like the finishings at all or floor plan... the only thing that sold me was the rooftop terrace with fireplace, which we don't get to use very much in vancouver anyway.

yes our unit is north facing. we just dropped off all our cheques last week, to my knowledge the next 2 bedroom condo is over 1 mill... i think she said 1.1mill? or there are 2 bedroom townhomes left. she said the development is about 75% sold. even when we bought there were just okay choices... two 2 bedroom condos and a few townhouses within our price range of under 800k.

[red_lantern]

They had me look at one in the Northeast corner at the James it was a small 2 bedroom townhouse flat and it had the nice balcony with fireplace. The bedrooms were tiny 9X9 or 9X10 but the outdoor space was nice. The price for that was $629,000 but it sold the same day I looked at it. They had one in the back that was $667,000 and I think that one is still available but you can hear the noise from west 2nd and if there's a building that goes up behind it then there would be no privacy or sunlight depending on how heigh they would build it.

I heard from Janet at the 700 west 8th that there is one 2 bedroom at $769,000 I think it's on 2nd or 3rd floor facing north, then they have some townhouses on the ground level and then the rest are over 1 mill. I wasn't too keen onthe ground level as any patio furniture put out there would dissapear (lot's of transients in the area lately). Some of the 1 bedrooms were nice but over 1/2 mil. There will be some senior residence or social units on the bottom by the lane 4 units in total.

The balconies at 700 west 8th have views to die for.

[materialgurl]

^ really? when was that? i know when we bought there was one northwest facing for 769k... on 3rd floor but it was sold back in aug/sept. my realtor sold it to a family friend. unless they backed out of their contract...

[SFUVancouver]

There will be some senior residence or social units on the bottom by the lane 4 units in total.


Those units are being gifted to the City and leased to the well established co-op across the street as part of a density bonusing deal for the developer.

Just a suggestion, though, maybe your conversation with materialgurl could take place via private messages?

[red_lantern]

^ really? when was that? i know when we bought there was one northwest facing for 769k... on 3rd floor but it was sold back in aug/sept. my realtor sold it to a family friend. unless they backed out of their contract...


It was way back in April when I looked at James. The smaller n/w corner penthouse flat that was $629,000 was really nice but the size of the bedroom was kind of odd as you could really only fit a bed and 1 side table that was it. They had the north facing units for sale but they were more expensive. The one at the back is still available but it's not that desireable. I kept getting calls in August from the Sales rep at the James saying they would through in the HST. I'm sure they all sold by now. the rooftop lounge would have been great it's for everyone to use (no penthouse suite).

Doesn't 700 West 8th have some similar rooftop lounge for all residents?

[red_lantern]

Those units are being gifted to the City and leased to the well established co-op across the street as part of a density bonusing deal for the developer.

Just a suggestion, though, maybe your conversation with materialgurl could take place via private messages?

Thanks for the information, I was wondering what those units were. On another topic, I noticed there will be a green wall (living wall) in the building similar to the wall by the whole foods building. Looks really nice.

[materialgurl]

It was way back in April when I looked at James. The smaller n/w corner penthouse flat that was $629,000 was really nice but the size of the bedroom was kind of odd as you could really only fit a bed and 1 side table that was it. They had the north facing units for sale but they were more expensive. The one at the back is still available but it's not that desireable. I kept getting calls in August from the Sales rep at the James saying they would through in the HST. I'm sure they all sold by now. the rooftop lounge would have been great it's for everyone to use (no penthouse suite).

Doesn't 700 West 8th have some similar rooftop lounge for all residents?


no rooftop lounge. but theres a huge common area on the 3rd floor.. with an "exercise room".. u know when they say that it's going to be REALLY small. there's also some common area garden.. also a "library" on the ground floor of the east building. there will be a few floors that will join the 2 buildings together.. one of them being floor 3.

[red_lantern]

Looks like construction is above ground and well underway. Too bad the 1 bedrooms facing the laneway will have a transformer and hydro pole 2 feet from the balcony (not good for re-sale and for health). They should have burried them underground,

[hollywoodnorth]

Looks like construction is above ground and well underway. Too bad the 1 bedrooms facing the laneway will have a transformer and hydro pole 2 feet from the balcony (not good for re-sale and for health). They should have burried them underground,

are you cutting and pasting this post? reminds me of another one your made a few weeks back and were incorrect on ....

[red_lantern]

are you cutting and pasting this post? reminds me of another one your made a few weeks back and were incorrect on ....

No actually i"m not I was going to buy one on Main but then realized it's woodframe and not concrete then I started to notice the Hydro pole and heard about how dangerous it was to be placed so close to buildings. Then I switched from main to here and I was going to buy one here but the freaking pole is even closer in one of the units. I contacted the city and they told me if it's too close they may not get occupancy. I don't know why they build in front of these things don't they realize it's dangerous and omits cancer..and bad for resale. Anyway...Hope this answers your question.

[djh]

I don't know why they build in front of these things don't they realize it's dangerous and omits cancer..and bad for resale. Anyway...Hope this answers your question.

:jester: :jester: :jester: :jester: :jester: :jester: :jester: :jester:

[golog]

You don't need to worry about the power lines or transformers within the city

First of all transmission lines don't radiate, but there is an electrical storage field. It decreases inversely to the distance-squared, and it's proportional to the voltage. It's not really a concern at whatever voltages would be running near this building. That's why the high voltage lines, like the ones for the new Mt Pleasant substation, are run underground since that shielding is cheaper than obtaining the real estate for a sufficient setback.

If it was a concern, it would be for BC Hydro as they would be losing energy in energizing the metal of the building that would just go to ground while heating bits of metal.

[red-paladin]

Can we put this to bed?

Fact Time!

Ionizing radiation can cause cancer / genetic damage. Non-ionizing radiation cannot.
This is why ultraviolet radiation is bad, and gamma radiation is bad, but red light bulbs and the EM fields from power lines are not.

[red_lantern]

Can we put this to bed?

Fact Time!

Ionizing radiation can cause cancer / genetic damage. Non-ionizing radiation cannot.
This is why ultraviolet radiation is bad, and gamma radiation is bad, but red light bulbs and the EM fields from power lines are not.

What about the transformer part exploding? It's happend in a few places where the transformer had exploded. If there's ever an earthquake then the hydro pole and lines would possibly fall into one of the units.

[whatnext]

No actually i"m not I was going to buy one on Main but then realized it's woodframe and not concrete then I started to notice the Hydro pole and heard about how dangerous it was to be placed so close to buildings. Then I switched from main to here and I was going to buy one here but the freaking pole is even closer in one of the units. I contacted the city and they told me if it's too close they may not get occupancy. I don't know why they build in front of these things don't they realize it's dangerous and omits cancer...

Perhaps the sales centre staff would throw in a tinfoil hat as a signing bonus?

The only possible danger is of fire resulting from an earthquake if the transformer is mounted on wooden pole:

One of the biggest risks to Vancouver during an earthquake could be fires sparked by hundreds of transformers perched atop wooden power poles, according to a report from a research group set up by the Canadian insurance industry.

The report by the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction says Vancouver's downtown core is uniquely vulnerable because of the large number of transformers mounted on wood poles.

Author Paul Kovacs said Vancouver is one of the only cities in North America that hasn't put all of its electrical transmission equipment underground...
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/12/15/bc-vancouver-earthquake-fire-risk.html#ixzz18t4wZ3ON

[Alex Mackinnon]

You're really pulling at threads here. Those aren't even high voltage lines in all likelyhood. They're probably 480v. You know whats in a transformer? A bunch of copper coils and some oil (probably mineral). Generally when they fail the oil boils out and they trip a breaker. This ain't a hollywood action movie.

[worldwide]

You're really pulling at threads here. Those aren't even high voltage lines in all likelyhood. They're probably 480v. You know whats in a transformer? A bunch of copper coils and some oil (probably mineral). Generally when they fail the oil boils out and they trip a breaker. This ain't a hollywood action movie.

... best reply ever

if we have an earthquake you will probably just see scrubs from the dtes walking around with shopping carts picking up the copper for scrap:)

[red_lantern]

Realtors say that if there's a transformer out the front window that will decrease resale value down the road. They are asking almost $600K for a 1 bedroom and I'm sure if someone goes to sell they would be lucky to get $450

[red-paladin]

Realtors say that if there's a transformer out the front window that will decrease resale value down the road. They are asking almost $600K for a 1 bedroom and I'm sure if someone goes to sell they would be lucky to get $450

I don't think that's true, but even if it is, it's probably just cause it ruins the Feng Shui

[red_lantern]

I don't think that's true, but even if it is, it's probably just cause it ruins the Feng Shui

Well according to what I've learned from the city doesn't look like I will be purchasing here.

[djh]

Well according to what I've learned from the city doesn't look like I will be purchasing here.

^^^

Let me guess, he was putting down other projects all this time, and then, in a final reveal, he posts a link to a totally different project? And what, is he a realtor or salesperson or investor in same said project?

[raggedy13]

A pic I took yesterday from afar:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5313391713_87679f7bb9_b.jpg

[SFUVancouver]

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9068/700west8thfeb92011p1230.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, February 9th, 2011.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5713/p1230616.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, February 9th, 2011.

[SFUVancouver]

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9420/700west8th1march232011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, March 23rd, 2011.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1472/700west8th2march232011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, March 23rd, 2011.

[SFUVancouver]

700 West 8th as seen from the alley. There is greater separation between the new building and the hotel than I had thought; certainly more than on the east side.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/241/700west8th1april212011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6934/700west8th2april212011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7045/700west8th3april212011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

I took a wide angle panorama to show as much of the 8th street frontage as possible.
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/924/700west8thpanoapril2120.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/4638/700west8th4april212011p.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

700 West 8th as seen from the Cambie Street Bridge.
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2285/700west8thfromcambiestr.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, April 21st, 2011.

[Locked In]

My photo (https://picasaweb.google.com/dev.pics.1/Summer2011#5601991816376009730), today:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9FW9P3-u1EI/Tb5F4Fm8xAI/AAAAAAAAESU/Y-ajXjchcmE/s1000/IMG_5059.jpg
Full Size (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_9FW9P3-u1EI/Tb5F4Fm8xAI/AAAAAAAAESU/Y-ajXjchcmE/IMG_5059.jpg)

[entheosfog]

A quick snap looking north from Broadway and Heather:

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/706/dscn2097du.jpg

[Spork]

Looks like it is pretty close to the Holiday Inn. Will it disrupt some of their windows/balconies? I doubt that the city would allow such tight spacing, but if so, perhaps we will see that torn down and redeveloped.

[SFUVancouver]

700 West 8th.
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/5985/700west8th1may32011p124.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 3rd 2011.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5033/700west8th2may32011p124.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 3rd 2011.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9958/700west8th3may32011p124.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 3rd 2011.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6957/700west8th4may32011p124.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 3rd 2011.

700 West 8th from 10th Avenue and Heather Street.
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3025/700west8thfrom10thmay32.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 3rd 2011.

[officedweller]

Looks like it is pretty close to the Holiday Inn. Will it disrupt some of their windows/balconies? I doubt that the city would allow such tight spacing, but if so, perhaps we will see that torn down and redeveloped.

In a previous incarnation, it was an addition to the hotel.
The north wall of the hotel tower was just a blank wall - the views from the hotel rooms are to the east and to the west.

[hummingbird]

Looks like a few of the listings are showing up on the MLS...most of these are the undesireable units facing the laneway. Most likely they are selling these first and holding off the good units till later once these one's sell..if they can get what they are asking that is and then there's that dreadded HST.

[SFUVancouver]

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7359/700west8th1may312011p12.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 31st 2011.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2243/700west8th2may32011p125.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, May 31st 2011.

[SFUVancouver]

700 West 8th from the Granville Street Bridge
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/5628/p1250426x.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 9th 2011.

[vanman]

Thanks for the pic. It looks really impressive, especially when heading up Heather street towards Broadway.

[SFUVancouver]

700 West 8th
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2462/700westeigth1june232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 23rd 2011.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/6744/700westeigth2june232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 23rd 2011.

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/710/700westeigth3june232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 23rd 2011.


Pretty sure this mystery oval is a two-level penthouse unit with a spiral staircase.
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6827/700westeigth4june232011.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 23rd 2011.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6025/700west8thfromlamysmill.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 24th 2011.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/817/700west8thfromgijune252.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 25th 2011.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9517/700west8thfromgi2june25.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, June 25th 2011.

[cc85]

i really like this building.

[Jebby]

This thing looks massive!

[idunno]

Looks great!

[hollywoodnorth]

agreed it's coming off great and looking very big .... hopefully this is a sign of the future for this part of town aka the Central B-Way Strip

[hummingbird]

95% of the building is sold out. Sales woman says that buyers were told there are no assignments allowed so once the building is finished there may be quite a few units for sale on mls. Wondering who bought the million dollar plus units on the upper floors...hmmm.

[Built Form]

As seen from across False Creek today.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1030606.jpg
pic by Built Form

[SFUVancouver]

As seen from a block west on 8th Avenue.
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9404/700w8th1july282011p1250.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 28th 2011.

Looking all the way up.
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4074/700w8th2july2011p125096.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 28th 2011.

A second oval void is on a balcony facing north about half way up the building.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/614/700w8th3july282011p1250.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 28th 2011.

They have painted on a dark coloured sealant on the westernmost facade, upon which the green wall system will be mounted. The oval on this elevation is now clearly on the exterior of the building, as opposed to being an internal stairwell.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7531/700w8th4july282011p1250.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 28th 2011.

As seen from the Cambie Street Bridge.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8512/700w8th5july282011p1250.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 28th 2011.

[hummingbird]

There's only a few towhomes around $850,000 and the cheapest unit is a 2 bedroom for $875,000 but other than that the building is practically sold out from what the sales agent says (not sure if she's holding a few back). The agent says no assignments are allowed so will have to wait to see what pops up on the MLS in this building next year.

[hummingbird]

This building got some serious views. Anyone know if there are any resales happening? I called and they said all the one bedrooms are now gone. The building looks clean and smart for the area.

[entheosfog]

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6143/img4433pk.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/3433/img4432m.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3405/img4431w.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7058/img4430i.jpg

As seen from the Granville bridge:
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9503/img4470lz.jpg

[LeftCoaster]

I love the details on Henriquez buildings, they are always just spot on. They really propel his buildings from Bs into As.

[entheosfog]

From the Cambie bridge:
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3484/img4691vf.jpg

[hummingbird]

There are some white metal railings going up on the building, I thought that was scaffolding for them to paint but unfortunately there's going to be a living wall. Oh no, that's not going to be a good thing, I like it the way it is without the yucky living greenery on the side of the building. I can imagine how much in maintenance that's going to be and the moss and bugs and spiders...eww.. Hope they decide to foregoo the greenery and leave it the way it is, so thumbs up now, but down if there's moss.

[worldwide]

there's nothing wrong with bugs or moss or spiders. bring on the green walls

[entheosfog]

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/6538/img5734w.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5413/img5735a.jpg

Laneway, mid block 8th ave:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7865/img5736gh.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/6479/img5737p.jpg

From under the Cambie bridge:
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/3774/img5772b.jpg

[Locked In]

My photos (https://picasaweb.google.com/104250476900282174023/SummerFall2011#), today:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUHNjkse60s/TuQIv7pb-QI/AAAAAAAAEfM/nP17jMnhEbQ/s1000/IMG-20111210-00033.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bRvLncHJDcQ/TuQIuHanZDI/AAAAAAAAEfI/0tLvwrewn-U/s1000/IMG-20111210-00034.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8fJKJ6sDOkk/TuQIsQ95qiI/AAAAAAAAEfE/UMGoykG3n2k/s1000/IMG-20111210-00035.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cmcAc2EvbDE/TuQIqkywuUI/AAAAAAAAEfA/6IRuAHAEIL0/s1000/IMG-20111210-00036.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MQywECVwoIE/TuQIpeUeZKI/AAAAAAAAEe8/oj-SVOJXvYA/s1000/IMG-20111210-00037.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kQxG_8hskcs/TuQImJYC9gI/AAAAAAAAEe0/dCgKLU1G5ao/s1000/IMG-20111210-00038.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2OEXNsQmr1Y/TuQIn12iEdI/AAAAAAAAEe4/PK7rUxJoyJM/s1000/IMG-20111210-00039.jpg

[BodomReaper]

Thanks for the pics - looks great! I wish more projects had similar variation in form and color. The liberal use of setbacks also turned out well.

[jlousa]

Project has been completed for a bit now and is occupied.

[SFUVancouver]

It will be interesting to check in on this project from time to time over the next couple of years to see how the trellis system and climbing greenery fares. I understand that Henriquez and Partners refined the system after the installation at Woodwards under-performed. Thank goodness that they invested in the intricately-designed red metal trellis system that stands out as being architecturally significant even without the greenery. Based on the last round of photos of 700 West 8th, the trellis does not seem to be as integral to the design of the building, but the green-on-white contrast of successful climbing greenery will stand out more than the green-on-red of Woodwards.

[officedweller]

It may be more a function of the plants chosen - although narrow spindles around which tendrils can grab would help a lot.

The black steel louvred screens at Yaletown Park are not successful (it should have been obvious from the start to any gardener) and there are some wires strung up on them now. The choice of Passion Flowers may also not have been the best for vigorous growth.

At the Cambie & Nelson corner of Waterworks' podium the pilasters have steel frames up top with vines on them - some of them used to have massive growth (but they were deciduous and would lose their leaves over winter) - although i haven't checked recently.

Vines would probably grow better on a concrete wall - like the ones on the grooved wall on the 6th Ave. side of Canadian Tire/Best Buy.

There are a number of vines planted on the alley side of L'Atelier - it'll be interesting to see if those grow well (i.e. minimal effort expended on that one)

[s211]

Any SSP people living in this complex?

Considered it but the website sure is light on information, such as are there any amenities in this project?

How's the fit/finish so far? Worth the premium?

Also, most listings are for inferior units, asking far more than what they paid for them. I'm not going to reward that foolishness.

[jlousa]

Fit and Finish are on the upper end, but I'm not the best person to ask...
The only amenity is a small gym, that and extensive landscaping.

[s211]

Fit and Finish are on the upper end, but I'm not the best person to ask...
The only amenity is a small gym, that and extensive landscaping.

Thanks for the into. Only a small gym... there's so much poor space at/near grade with the Holiday Inn that one would think that would be a good place to round out this mid/upper end project with some respectable amenities.

[s211]

Wow... went by this project, and I am appalled at the tiny appliances! High-end European is nice and all, but when I've seen larger freezers inside bar fridges, this project earns a full WTF from me. I think the Sub Zero fridges at the Westin in Whistler are larger than at this project.

And for the marketing team, "this is the same even in the penthouses" isn't a marketing feature. It says we cheaped out equally on all the units.

And so what if the developer is using the same sized appliances in its other projects! Repeating the same mistakes isn't a marketing feature in my books.

Would be interesting to see how many people tear these things out (with their custom millwork, by the way) and put in practical appliances.

Oddly enough, the dishwashers are full-sized, and the kitchen sinks are the size of utility sinks. You could wash a full size dog in the kitchen sink.

[wrenegade]

24" fridges and ovens are unfortunately very common these days. They call them "european". The fridges don't bother me as much as the ovens do. They look pretty useless to me.

[s211]

24" fridges and ovens are unfortunately very common these days. They call them "european". The fridges don't bother me as much as the ovens do. They look pretty useless to me.

I seriously think I've seen larger microwave ovens than these Euro ovens they put in.

They could have done right, and put in regular sized upper-end products and ditched the Euro pretention. Instead, a great bid heaping bowl of not-good.

[jlousa]

Don't knock it you can fit a lot of stuff in the freezer and a 28lb turkey fits in the oven just fine. ;)

[red_lantern]

I have to agree about the Fridges they aren't that great, I mean the handles on the fridges are so thin they are meant for small lady hands to open. Fridge is a bit small but hey, your not going to need a huge fridge for a body or anything so it should be adequate enough for small meats and veggies....and even a few cans of beer.

The big problem is the crows. They have put up some pathetic greenery on the sides of the buildings that have attracted crows that are extremely annoying and loud. Also what's up with the common area gym is tiny and there's some land in their courtyard that looks like wasted space (social housing must be on the 3rd level but if there's kids playing it could get noisy from the echo). There's a few units for sale (guessing that a few owners are trying to sell) although it looks like major price reductions are in the works as nobody is buying right now and the market is in a downward spiral.



I seriously think I've seen larger microwave ovens than these Euro ovens they put in.

They could have done right, and put in regular sized upper-end products and ditched the Euro pretention. Instead, a great bid heaping bowl of not-good.

[phesto]

There are 6 units listed for sale on MLS. Pricing is around $750 / SF.

I would love to live in this location, but there are some pretty awful floorplans in this building - and these are the units that are or will likely be available at a reasonable price.

[s211]

I have to agree about the Fridges they aren't that great, I mean the handles on the fridges are so thin they are meant for small lady hands to open. Fridge is a bit small but hey, your not going to need a huge fridge for a body or anything so it should be adequate enough for small meats and veggies....and even a few cans of beer.

The big problem is the crows. They have put up some pathetic greenery on the sides of the buildings that have attracted crows that are extremely annoying and loud. Also what's up with the common area gym is tiny and there's some land in their courtyard that looks like wasted space (social housing must be on the 3rd level but if there's kids playing it could get noisy from the echo). There's a few units for sale (guessing that a few owners are trying to sell) although it looks like major price reductions are in the works as nobody is buying right now and the market is in a downward spiral.

Crow problem? Wow... had no idea. That's gonna be messy. Do you live in the building or in the area, perhaps?

And sorry, but in an "upper end" project like this, a fridge only big enough to serve the needs of a first year college student is beyond belief.