[Burnaby] Sovereign | 155.9m | 45fl | Completed

[Nites]

It still looks completely empty even though it looks like they have put all of the finishing touches on the exterior. Not even a single blind. Strange considering it topped out in August.

[red-paladin]

Any word on what is going into the retail units on Kingsway?
I've been out of the city for a few weeks, it seems the sidewalk on the Willingdon side is open too?

[AudiA3]

Any word on what is going into the retail units on Kingsway?
I've been out of the city for a few weeks, it seems the sidewalk on the Willingdon side is open too?

Trattoria Italian Kitchen will be one of the tenants there... They will open in early 2015.
http://www.glowbalgroup.com/grg_newsletter/trattoria-job-fair/

[officedweller]

It still looks completely empty even though it looks like they have put all of the finishing touches on the exterior. Not even a single blind. Strange considering it topped out in August.

Maybe they are focussing on the hotel for their February opening.

Hotels would typically have sheer curtains and blackout curtains, so maybe those will be hung last minute if the tracks are already installed.

[officedweller]

Webcam pic seems to show the rooftop sign in place:

http://bosaproperties.com/webcams/?cam=sovereign&w=2000&ext=.jpg
http://bosaproperties.com/sovereign/index.php

[red-paladin]

The building looks to be complete for our purposes pretty soon.
25 points for having a sky sign!!

[officedweller]

That's probably the only TALL hotel/condo tower in the lower mainland that has a sign at the top.
One Wall Centre, Shangri-La and Trump do/will not (i.e. none in CoV).
That's probably the highest hotel logo in the lower mainland.
WRT hotels, Empire Landmark, Sheraton Wall, Westin Grand and Hyatt Regency are the only other tall ones that come to mind.

[Cypherus]

Nice picture. Not many lights on in the upper tower yet. In the end, that spandrel mess in the podium didn't really detract much from the tower and it gets a B+ in my books.

[VBC]

My picture from another side + Station Square

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zi-qhGMscQA/VLiVmDMKxoI/AAAAAAAACyo/_U2GWkHKrYw/s2560/IMG_6166.jpg

[VarBreStr18]

The building looks to be complete for our purposes pretty soon.
25 points for having a sky sign!!

that signage looks very cool, adds a touch of sophistication!!
BTW...what hotel is that?

[Xerx]

Element by Westin

[rofina]

Have to say, the tower looks great. Podium would be okay too save for the awful random spandrel mess.

Quite like this overall though. More than I first thought.

Has anyone had a chance to check out the view from upper units?

Must be insanely impressive looking North. Likely won't be blocked for year too.

[East Van]

Is the tower the only 'tall' building in metro Van to have beacon lights ?

[Klazu]

Either the logo is now turned off or one just cannot distinguish it from Downtown. What do mean by beacon lights (not sure based on those two photos)?

It's taking very long to finish the interior and have people move in. I thought I had already seen rental ads for this building, but I must be incorrect. Tempted to consider one of the taller towers in Metrotown, but it's not Downtown... :rolleyes:

[red-paladin]

Must be insanely impressive looking North. Likely won't be blocked for year too.

I don't expect any lots to the north to be redeveloped.

[Klazu]

I don't expect any lots to the north to be redeveloped.

I think the only worry is going to be the mall in front of the building with Marketplace IGA etc. That parking place and lot might get re-developed.

[VBC]

What do mean by beacon lights (not sure based on those two photos)?

Probably these red lights on the top of Sovereign:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aQlZHSM0LsQ/VLnYoGHymDI/AAAAAAAACzg/_UrLhJmakOs/w640-h590-no/IMG_6170_1.jpg

[Klazu]

Thanks. I was expecting something like those, but didn't see them in the two photos provided. Interesting that Sovereign has those, but Metroplace doesn't (am I right?).

[VBC]

I see something red on the top of Metroplace but I'm not sure are these beacon lights or not:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OcdFj3S_Cow/VLni3Zrp_PI/AAAAAAAACz0/GnGPWYpzGWI/w640-h425-no/IMG_6172.jpg

[urbancanadian]

Can't remember where I saw it exactly (one of the Burnaby newspapers?), but Glowbal Group is opening a trattoria restaurant in the building. I think it's the third trattoria location, after Kits and West Van.

[Metro-One]

Its refreshing to see a tall tower in Metro Vancouver having a logo and beacon lights at the top, adds a nice urban feel that is seriously lacking from the Shangri-La downtown.

[officedweller]

Thanks. I was expecting something like those, but didn't see them in the two photos provided. Interesting that Sovereign has those, but Metroplace doesn't (am I right?).

Yeah, the red lights don't show in that webcam shot - which is odd.

[East Van]

At the time there was a single light but in the last week the current lights have gone up.

The building brings big city presence to a suburban intersection. It's refreshing to see this after looking at 30 something story buildings on that hill for decades.

[rofina]

Indeed. Let Metrotown build out and fill in, ditto for Brentwood, another 10-15 years, it will be tough to call those town centres suburban.

For many there is already little reason to enter Vancouver.

[Jimbo604]

Pretty awesome.

Nice views of the surface level parking lot used for truck parking kitty-corner to it though:
Google Street View... (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.230184,-123.004979,3a,86.7y,249.82h,84.45t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sOn8zF0iWHQOBavqOA_Kqeg!2e0)

[officedweller]

In a way, it's good to see that parcel remain - and hopefully it will be consolidated with the ESSO lot , rather than be developed with something small.

[red-paladin]

Minor update:

The outside is finally 99% finished.
The concrete portions of tower walls are all painted and the wraps are off the grey clad sections.
On the Willingdon side the sidewalk is all open, and the below grade drop in / drop off area for the hotel actually looks great. There are flag poles on the wall and everything.
I didn't know this but there is a small bar in a glassed in section with a patio on the Willingdon side also! You can see it right to the left of the taller green banner.
As I live so close I'm glad to see there will be a bar around besides the horrible one that was in Station Square and Cactus Club.
The Trattoria bakery (http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria-burnaby/) is opening in a matter of weeks it appears. I don't know what will be in the other commercial units on the Kingsway side.

http://bosaproperties.com/webcams/?cam=sovereign&w=2000&ext=.jpg
http://bosaproperties.com/sovereign/index.php

[VarBreStr18]

Minor update:

The outside is finally 99% finished.
The concrete portions of tower walls are all painted and the wraps are off the grey clad sections.
On the Willingdon side the sidewalk is all open, and the below grade drop in / drop off area for the hotel actually looks great. There are flag poles on the wall and everything.
I didn't know this but there is a small bar in a glassed in section with a patio on the Willingdon side also! You can see it right to the left of the taller green banner.
As I live so close I'm glad to see there will be a bar around besides the horrible one that was in Station Square and Cactus Club.
The Trattoria bakery (http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria-burnaby/) is opening in a matter of weeks it appears. I don't know what will be in the other commercial units on the Kingsway side.

http://bosaproperties.com/webcams/?cam=sovereign&w=2000&ext=.jpg
http://bosaproperties.com/sovereign/index.php

A really massive, and classy looking building, dwarfed all surroundings including the Crystal Mall. Can't help but imagine the small shopping center on north west corner just waiting to be developed

[Sheba]

A really massive, and classy looking building, dwarfed all surroundings including the Crystal Mall. Can't help but imagine the small shopping center on north west corner just waiting to be developed

Old Orchard Shopping Centre. I haven't seen anything about it, but I think it's safe to say that it's pretty much a given that that lot will be redeveloped - the only question is 'how long will it take?'.

[red-paladin]

I can't wait for Old Orchard to go. Some of the shops are convenient, but it so old, scuzzy and suburban.

[red-paladin]

Does anyone know if an occupancy permit has been issued? It appeared as though a lot of people were going in and out of the building when I walked by.

[VBC]

Does anyone know if an occupancy permit has been issued? It appeared as though a lot of people were going in and out of the building when I walked by.

Trattoria in the podium will be open from March 3. I think so the permit issued already.

[Klazu]

Must be pretty devastating to have a whole tower move in at once. I wonder how many days it will take. :)

[red-paladin]

I'm calling it completed.

[Cypherus]

I think it is safe to say this tower is now completed. Some rental ads are already posted on Craiglist (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/hhh?sort=rel&query=sovereign) for a March 1 move in. 1 bedroom going for $1700 a month rent. 1 studio going for $1500 a month. Crazy.

[Homeowner]

I think it is safe to say this tower is now completed. Some rental ads are already posted on Craiglist (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/hhh?sort=rel&query=sovereign) for a March 1 move in. 1 bedroom going for $1700 a month rent. 1 studio going for $1500 a month. Crazy.

New buildings do tend to have a higher demand cause people like new.
It'll be interesting how much those units are selling for.

[Sheba]

New buildings do tend to have a higher demand cause people like new.
It'll be interesting how much those units are selling for.

It sold out on the first day of presale with "units ranged from 388 to 1,800 square feet with prices ranging from $259,000 to more than $2 million for a penthouse unit."

[Sheba]

Burnaby’s tallest tower to house a Starwood Element hotel
The Element Vancouver Metrotown will have the same wide corridors and room shapes as the residential units that share the upper floors of the recently built, 45-storey tower.

The hotel will occupy the lower 18 floors, with the 19th being a mechanical floor, Boyd said. The rest of the structure is condominiums.

...

Glowbal Group plans to open its 7,000-square-foot, 250-seat Trattoria restaurant the week after the Element hotel opens.

The restaurant group will also open a cocktail bar called The Mini-Bar.

Glowbal’s third establishment in the Bosa Properties-developed Sovereign complex will be a small take-out counter, which it calls Nosh. That eatery will sell sandwiches, pizza, salads, muffins and other items.

“We’re not marketing the Nosh in Burnaby much because it will be a much smaller Nosh than the one that will open in Telus Garden,” Glowbal Group owner Emad Yacoub told BIV.

http://www.biv.com/article/2015/2/burnabys-tallest-tower-house-starwood-element-hote/

[Klazu]

Both Sovereign and Metroplace seem to have lots of small units, at least on the rental market. Metroplace is also having some crazy floor numbers. I saw an ad for an unit on the "56th" floor.

[red-paladin]

Great to hear about the mini-bar and Nosh.
I hope the bar prices aren't terrible.

[VarBreStr18]

I think it is safe to say this tower is now completed. Some rental ads are already posted on Craiglist (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/hhh?sort=rel&query=sovereign) for a March 1 move in. 1 bedroom going for $1700 a month rent. 1 studio going for $1500 a month. Crazy.
Crazy expensive. Interesting to find out how easily they got rented. those are downtown prices.

[Chadillaccc]

This one actually turned out quite lovely. The podium is shit unfortunately, but the tower turned out great. I miss my days in beautiful Burnaby living right up next to Central Park. So jealous of you guys! Can't wait to be back in May!

[officedweller]

So I guess the hotel is already open!

[red-paladin]

Tratorria (http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria/) is now open!
I walked by and found out that it opened 2 days ago.
Looks nice, on the expensive side but I'll certainly go to check it out.
Going to be great to have a place to get a drink near my house after work finally.

[officedweller]

Tratorria (http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria/) is now open!
I walked by and found out that it opened 2 days ago.
Looks nice, on the expensive side but I'll certainly go to check it out.
Going to be great to have a place to get a drink near my house after work finally.

$10 pizza on Sundays:

http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria-promotions/

You should probably double check - but it's been on their website since 2013.

[Klazu]

From Brentwood Station.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_brentwoodista1.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_brentwoodista_panoraama1.jpg

[Locked In]

Great pano!

[giallo]

Indeed. Great stuff, Klazu. You've been on a visual tear these past few days.

[Klazu]

Indeed. Great stuff, Klazu. You've been on a visual tear these past few days.

Thanks, guys. We have people providing great regular updates and I just try to provide something slightly different with my occasional updates. Glad you are enjoying. More Brentwood still coming later this week. :)

[officedweller]

That's a nice shot because it actually shows Sovereign as being the tallest in Metrotown

[Klazu]

I was in the area today and here is part 1 of 2 of my photoset. This is likely my last contribution for this tower, as it is now completed. I really like how it turned out to look like. :yes:

Enjoy!

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign20.jpg

Standing tall. Such a sleek form.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign18.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign19.jpg

Tower of balconies
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign22.jpg

The podium with Elements hotel.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign16.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign15.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign24.jpg

From north
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign17.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign27.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign26.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign25.jpg

With the first Station Square tower.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/station_square_panoraama2.jpg

[red-paladin]

Thanks for such a great set of shots Klazu!

[Infrequent Poster]

You captured the building from some angles I've never seen before. Nice job!

[Klazu]

Thanks guys! :) The reason why I was in Metrotown yesterday was to check out a sub-penthouse suite on the 42nd floor. I am keeping an open mind with the next place for us to live in and considering even Metrotown if the views are amazing and oh boy, they can surely be! Shame about the hazy weather and the direction of the Sun, but I am sure you will still enjoy! ;)

The suite itself turned out to be too small for us and the bedrooms could not fit a king size bed. The building did look very nice otherwise and the finishings are nice. Balconies are huge and brand new is very appealing.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign21.jpg

Here we go! The tallest building in Burnaby. Notice that there is no monkey business with the floor numbering in Sovereign. Even floor 13 is there and only 4 is missing. Interesting how the condo elevators can stop at the hotel floors. They have a different lobby, but I am not sure if they use the same elevators. :???:

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign23.jpg

The suite was facing southeast, but Burnaby Mountain was visible from the balcony. Mount Baker could not be seen in this hazy weather.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/burnaby_mountain_sovereignista.jpg

Deer and Burnaby lakes. Lougheed town center in the distance.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/deer_lake_sovereignista.jpg

Next is Station Square complex. Imagine five towers going up here!
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/station_square_sovereignista2.jpg

Metropolis, the largest shopping center in all B.C.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metropolis_sovereignista.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/station_square_sovereignista1.jpg

Burnaby's second tallest tower is Metroplace. Silver next to it.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metroplace_silver_sovereignista.jpg

Woops, Crystal Mall looks small from over 130 meters above. :)
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/crystal_mall_ylhaalta.jpg

Modello will be going up in this view. Central Park in the background and hazy Richmond in the distance.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign_maisema1.jpg

Check out the size of these balconies! This is the standard size in Sovereign with some units having double the size! There are smaller suites than these balconies!!
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign_maisema2.jpg

Metrotown panorama. Tower by tower Metrotown is starting to look like a city. :yes:
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign_panoraama.jpg

[officedweller]

Great shots!

[Cypherus]

Truly amazing pics with commanding views. Though I wouldn't want to be facing south during the summer months as the upper floors will be cooking.

[TheShadow]

To clarify:

-All suites at Sovereign are air conditioned.
-There are separate elevators for both hotel and residences.
-Residential elevators do not stop at hotel floors, access for firefighters only.

[Spork]

Sweet balconies. That's the one thing that I miss from living in Plaza 88. The balconies are a similar size, which lets you put down a full size patio table, many chairs, a BBQ, and bring out 8-10 people for BBQs/parties.

[Klazu]

Thank you, guys. The views are literally something else and you feel like being alone in the sky. The best view to be facing would be northeast, as the 180-degree views would span from Downtown to Mt. Baker.

Units are very bright inside and 10' ceilings on upper floors definitely give a feeling of openness. Too bad the floor plan wasn't so spacious and a master bed room in a 1,070 sqf unit cannot fit a king size bed. Second bedroom could barely fit a queen bed and this is a sub-penthouse we are talking about. :(

But for these views I could consider moving to Metrotown. Let's hope another slightly larger unit might become available. I would be interested to see also Metroplace and the legendary "we skip all 40-something floors", but that building seems to have only very few larger units and nothing on the rental market.

[red-paladin]

The minibar at the Element at the Sovereign was so jam packed for a small bar it was like a commercial.

I am definitely going to eat at Tratorria tomorrow after work for the first time.

[Klazu]

Blanketed in fog before the sunrise.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa1.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa2.jpg

Fog vanishes quickly after sunrise and the view is like a painting.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa3.jpg

[mcminsen]

Wow… spectacular, breathtaking, surreal. Thank you! :tup:

[osirisboy]

That's amazing

[Klazu]

I love the morning fog in Vancouver.

[idunno]

Incredible photos Klazu! You somehow outdo yourself each week.

[Klazu]

Thanks! Knowing that we will lose this view in six weeks is a motivator to take as many photos as possible while we are still here. :rolleyes:

[Klazu]

Damn it! I forgot to mention that last Friday I had scheduled a viewing for a 41. floor suite facing west, so Downtown and North Shore Mountains. Boy, was I eager to see the view from there and the suite in question was also slightly larger than the one we saw on the 42. floor. Interestingly enough just two hours before we were supposed to show up for the viewing, I was called by the landlord and informed that the unit had been sold.

Based on our recent apartment hunt this kind of ordeals seem quite common. Suites are both for sale and for rent at the same time, and which ever comes first, will take it. Not sure what the logic there is, considering that for example Sovereign was completed only a month ago. Could the difference between pre-sale price and current price already be worth liquidating the investment?

Vancouver real estate and rental market are just so crazy... :uhh:

[VarBreStr18]

Blanketed in fog before the sunrise.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa1.jpg

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa2.jpg

Fog vanishes quickly after sunrise and the view is like a painting.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/metrotown_usvassa3.jpg

Mystical... But I like the one you did for
Solo district the best. You really should make that one into
A poster. It would be so cool to hang it in the living room of Solo condos.
Thanks again for entertaining us with your superb artwork

[TourOdeon]

Deer and Burnaby lakes. Lougheed town center in the distance.
http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/deer_lake_sovereignista.jpg

OMG I am really admiring your photos :slob:...
I'd love to live there with this kind of views.. But the rent is similar to Downtown in this building

[trofirhen]

Coolest photo series to date of Metrotown. Amazing. Thank you

{The bottom photo, somehow has a 'Seattle / Portland' feel to it. For me anyway, for me, any. Don't know what I'm projecting onto it, but it does anyway; :???:}

[Klazu]

OMG I am really admiring your photos :slob:...
I'd love to live there with this kind of views.. But the rent is similar to Downtown in this building

Thank you! Actually, Sovereign is not that expensive building to get into (I might be deluded by my own budget, though), especially when considering that the condos start above the hotel.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/bnc/apa?query=sovereign

[Klazu]

Unfortunately my last Metrotown panorama ever from this angle. Too bad I won't be able to see all Station Square towers go up, as they will re-shape this skyline. :(

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/viimeinen_metrotown_panoraama.jpg

[Locked In]

Fantastic pic - crystal clear. Thanks!

[giallo]

Awesome shot. The end of an era.

Where did you end up, Klazu?

[Klazu]

Just for fun, a compasion from June 2013 and March 2015.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/sovereign_kesken.jpg http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign19.jpg

Also, I always love providing a high-resolution version once the building is completed.

http://vuosiamaailmalla.fi/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/sovereign_hi-res.jpg

[Waders]

GoodLife Fitness will open a location at the 2nd floor.

[red-paladin]

This Taiwanese bank, CTBC is opening in the easternmost commercial space:
Canadian site:http://www.ctbcbank.ca/Locations/En_BranchLocations.html
The appear to be moving to this location from Metropolis.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CTBC_Bank

Living 2 blocks away, I love what the development has done for foot traffic at night. Even at 10:45pm, there are lots of people at the Trattoria and the hotel bar, and there seem to be a lot of people going in and out of the hotel/residences all the time. I work late sometimes and walk home around 11pm, it used to be really dead and your only option was to buy something at the gas station. Now you can have a beer in a decent place.

[officedweller]

Interesting - they said they had a name change.

Seems confusingly similar to CTC Bank Canada

[Nites]

Anything above the 20th floor (2 bedroom) runs at around $2200-$3000 a month.

[rofina]

This building has been a pleasant surprise to the upside. Its quite elegant. and despite the spandrel mess the podium has become, the tower looks luxurious.

Like it.

[Homeowner]

Anything above the 20th floor (2 bedroom) runs at around $2200-$3000 a month.

That's equivalent to downtown prices. Must be the view that's commanding the premium.

[red-paladin]

This building has been a pleasant surprise to the upside. Its quite elegant. and despite the spandrel mess the podium has become, the tower looks luxurious.

Like it.

I don't like the spandrel aspect, but the ground level, way it meets the street on both sides, and the lower level hotel drop off entrance is great. Everything about the podium levels is screaming 'you are downtown', especially the Trattoria and mini-bar patios open at 11pm.

[rofina]

I don't like the spandrel aspect, but the ground level, way it meets the street on both sides, and the lower level hotel drop off entrance is great. Everything about the podium levels is screaming 'you are downtown', especially the Trattoria and mini-bar patios open at 11pm.

Agree on all points, I think is a great addition and a step in the right direction for development in Burnaby, particularly with the hotel/residential/restaurant mix.

As you say - one step closer towards creating a downtown vibe.

:cheers:

[red-paladin]

Agree on all points, I think is a great addition and a step in the right direction for development in Burnaby, particularly with the hotel/residential/restaurant mix.

As you say - one step closer towards creating a downtown vibe.

:cheers:

Hopefully the city encourages the same characteristics when redevelopment takes place on the Old Orchard Mall property and the mixed sites on the south west corner.

Did I mention earlier that some public art is being set up in the new pedestrian walkway between Sovereign and the office building next door?
Essentially two circular concrete culvert sections are mounted to stand on their round edges, and coloured panels with (presumably) lights inside are being constructed.
Will have to see what they look like completed.

[Vin]

This building has been a pleasant surprise to the upside. Its quite elegant. and despite the spandrel mess the podium has become, the tower looks luxurious.

Like it.

Being really tall and having a hotel lobby/retail/commercial podium help. If it were just half the height and possess only townhomes in the podium (a'hem, Vancouver) but with a similar tower design, then I'm sure it would be rather nondescript.

[Nites]

Wait. What hotel occupies the tower?

[Spork]

Wait. What hotel occupies the tower?

Element/Westin/Starwood

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/index.html?language=en_US

[TourOdeon]

One of the best Chinese restaurants, Dynesty, is opening at Sovereign
http://i.imgur.com/JbQaAeh.jpg

[Nites]

One of the best Chinese restaurants, Dynesty, is opening at Sovereign
http://i.imgur.com/JbQaAeh.jpg

Is it fine dinning?

[TourOdeon]

Is it fine dinning?

Not at all, it's only like $15-$20 per dish. Pretty average, but the cleanliness and service quality level will be much better than those Chinese restaurants you normally find along Kingsway in East Vancouver. They already have two locations, Robson street and Aberdeen mall, and theyre always so packed during dinner time.

[trofirhen]

I think someone once mentioned that "Sovereign" building and podium give a real "downtown" feeling. Do they?

[giallo]

Not at all, it's only like $15-$20 per dish.

I sometimes forget how expensive decent Chinese food is outside of China. $20/100RMB for a dish would cause riots outside of michelin star restaurants in China (even in pricey SH, BJ and HK). Well ok, maybe not riots, but no one would go, and the restaurant would shut down.

It really is one of the best things about living out here. The best and most diverse Chinese food on the planet, for cheap.

[VarBreStr18]

One of the best Chinese restaurants, Dynesty, is opening at Sovereign
http://i.imgur.com/JbQaAeh.jpg

Nice addition to the culinary scenes in Metrotown. The only more upscale Chinese restaurant in Metrotown is the Fortune house which is often very crowded. This Dynasty features northern Chinese cuisine as well.

[Spork]

Dinesty appears to be modeled after Din Tai Fung (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Din_Tai_Fung), and I believe is also Taiwanese-owned. They have 3 locations - the aforementioned Aberdeen and Robson, as well as No. 3 Rd (original location). Dishes are $10-$20 depending on what you are getting. Service is fast and friendly, and the food is consistently delicious (excluding tea smoked duck, which is terrible for some reason). Their XLB is the best in the city, as far as I've seen.

[giallo]

^Ah cool. I love Din Tai Fung. I've got one two blocks away from me here in Shanghai, and go as often as I can. DTF's xiao long bao is what put them on the map, so I'd definitely be interested in trying out Dinesty's version.

And yeah, tea-smoked duck sounds gross.

sidenote: I wonder why DTF hasn't entered the Vancouver market. It seems like a perfect fit. I know they have successful restaurants in Seattle and Los Angeles.

[TourOdeon]

^Ah cool. I love Din Tai Fung. I've got one two blocks away from me here in Shanghai, and go as often as I can. DTF's xiao long bao is what put them on the map, so I'd definitely be interested in trying out Dinesty's version.

And yeah, tea-smoked duck sounds gross.

sidenote: I wonder why DTF hasn't entered the Vancouver market. It seems like a perfect fit. I know they have successful restaurants in Seattle and Los Angeles.

No doubt DTF will be a big hit here, particularly in Richmond...
Lucky those who live in Sovereign, can just call to order food, and pick it up from Dynesty right under their condo

[Pinion]

edit: nm answered my own question

[red-paladin]

I love being able to get craft beer, absinthe, and tiramisu at midnight :)

[Nites]

Goodlife Fitness is opening up every where. Wouldn't be surprised to see one at the the Hub by King George Station.

[Klazu]

Someone is trying to get $4750 for a furnished 1374 sqft 3BR on 42nd floor. It looks like a lovely unit and has the best direction of the view in the whole building, but come on. This is Metrotown and not Downtown. I could see $3750 being reasonable for furnished and $3000 unfurnished. Greedy landlords everywhere... :hell:

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/apa/5235588622.html