I grew up in the Lower Mainland and have seen the downtown core change dramatically from 3 and 4 level walk ups to the residential high rises we see today. It is a necessary change to support the growth of our city but, as a young city I would love for all of us to look for more opportunities to create architectural landmarks, ones that can stand the tests of time even in residential real estate.

Many Government Buildings in the Downtown Core are easily Vancouver landmarks, the Robson Square complex and Library Square come to mind. Designed by the late Arthur Erickson and Boston-based architect Moshe Safdie respectably each draw upon inspirations that are very different from one another yet both bring a unique look to our city. Commercial Buildings such as Hotel Vancouver and Hotel Europe, and religious centre’s such as Christ Church Cathedral add to the mix of buildings we can proudly call landmarks.

But what about residential real estate? With population growth spurts through the mid 60s to 80s we’ve come to know the “Vancouver Special”. Glass towers found throughout the city have brought what some call bland design; however amongst the common facades we can look to pockets of our city for inspirations. To the Westend, stone-brick buildings from our past with natural beauty and soft landscaping (Gabriola Mansion). To Georgia Street where we’ve begun to push the limits of our skyline (Living Shangri-La), to our original ‘downtown’ (Gastown) where we’ve preserved our cities past all the while trending to the future (Woodwards), and in even newer buildings where design features are becoming more and more unique (Central). Vancouver, like its residences is quickly becoming diverse in design (and in a very short period of time).

Michael Connolly