Urban planners at the City of Vancouver have been focused on creating a liveable and sustainable environment where people can work, play and shop while minimizing our dependence on cars. This mandate has shaped dozens of neighbourhoods over the past three decades especially in the downtown core where home builders are challenged to meet the demands for high density living and community improvements. Both well-known and developing neighbourhoods such as Yaletown, Gastown, Robson Village, Coal Harbour, Downtown South and Chinatown have seen dramatic changes as new high rises and lofts shape the area and attract new residents, restaurants, and retailers.
This Fall, Trump International Hotel & Tower opened its doors to a mix of wealthy international buyers and local empty nesters to purchase at Arthur Erickson’s last high rise design featuring a champagne lounge, spa, pool-side nightclub, car service, and other exclusive amenities. Its sleek twisting tower design will be one of downtown’s most luxurious and iconic towers along with two other dramatically-designed high rises: Vancouver House at 1400 Howe Street by Bjarke Ingels Group and Burrard Gateway by IBI Architects.
In Downtown South, Tate on Howe released its 40-storey LEED Gold tower in October uniquely positioning themselves by offering business amenities such as conference rooms and meeting lounges. Across the street, Maddox by Cressey is a few months away from completion featuring thermal regulating clay panels outside and high-end ‘Armony Cucine’ kitchens inside. These two towers along with the recent completion of Rolston by Rize Alliance and The Mark by Onni show how Vancouver is truly a world-class city and has continued to combined sustainability and innovative architecture in every neighbourhood possible.
Just south of the new BC Place Stadium is One Pacific, Concord’s first development within a $1.3 billion master plan community that will link the eastern end of False Creek to downtown. Since their opening in mid-2013, over 300 homes have sold, indicating a healthy appetite for new urban condos and buyer confidence in the downtown new home market.
In Chinatown, Solterra launched Keefer Block in early 2013 boldly taking part in Chinatown’s revitalization plan by showcasing innovative furniture solutions and the first rooftop movie theatre. In the summer, Westbank launched 188 Keefer encouraging first time home buyers and young professionals to become part of Chinatown’s unique heritage.
Another area that will see big change is Richards Street just off Yaletown. This past July, Wall Financial Corp had its 258-unit development approved which will likely begin sales in early 2014. On the same block, Onni has been undergoing the urban design process for its 43-storey and podium development located at 1396 Richards Street.
With over 25 new properties now selling, 7 under construction, and 15 under development application, downtown Vancouver will continue to become more vibrant and diverse. Established neighbourhoods like Yaletown and Coal Harbour will continue to expand while emerging communities such as Downtown South and BC Stadium-False Creek Central will see dramatic changes as new large scale projects complete in tandem with roadwork improvements and new public amenities.
