Potential Downtown Development Plots

[Hed Kandi]

The Vancouver 'Potential Downtown Development Plots' map has been completed in conjunction with data supplied by the Vancouver view cones and higher building policies data. Each plot has an adjacent number which represents the potential height limit in feet for the location.

As seen from the map below, there are numerous parcels which will allow for buildings in excess of > 450'.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1125/93901959.png

[easy as pie]

well, it seems to me that the west end just isn't pulling its weight, and that vancouver would be a lot better served with 3-5 story buildings along robson, davie, granville, and denman instead of the 1-2 stories currently (aside from granville, which is getting better). so you could probably dig up dozens of potential sites in that quadrant.

[logan5]

The pink area between Homer and Beatty is such a dead zone. Nothing but parking lot and blank wall. I know the performing arts are important to the culture of our city, but that theatre building is atrocious. Maybe we should start from scratch with a new QE Theatre. For that area I would love to see at least three 600 - 800 foot office towers. That would give the DT core some badly needed modulation in the urban landscape as well as some vastly improved aesthetic qualities. Our office towers - and by far our nicest looking towers - are being drowned out by a strong current of sea foam green.

Maybe the map should include the Central Broadway area as well, as our definition of Downtown Vancouver expands to include the Metro Core, and there are plenty of sites ripe for redevelopment.

And I know mid-rise buildings are the new fashion in Vancouver, and especially in the neighborhoods that flank Central Broadway, but enough already. We've got so many mid-rise condos built or being built, that a 19 story "monstrosity" will be a welcome addition. I thought this new form was suppose to bring with it more colour and a better variety of building materials; better architecture. Instead we are creating truncated versions of Yaletown in the neighborhoods south of False Creek. So I propose a balanced influx of point towers to compliment the growing number of mid-rise.

The Kingsgate Mall site is a good candidate for towers, as stated in MP Community Plan, but imo the most important piece of property in Mt. Pleasant, and one of my candidates for redevelopment, is the northern portion of the triangle block. This property bounded by Kingsway/Broadway/Main is a showcase location and would be perfect for a flat iron type building, with its unobstructed view dividing Main St. and Kingsway. If there's one spot for a signature building outside the downtown core, this is it.

I'm only dreaming of course.

[trofirhen]

The pink area between Homer and Beatty is such a dead zone. Nothing but parking lot and blank wall. I know the performing arts are important to the culture of our city, but that theatre building is atrocious. Maybe we should start from scratch with a new QE Theatre. For that area I would love to see at least three 600 - 800 foot office towers. That would give the DT core some badly needed modulation in the urban landscape as well as some vastly improved aesthetic qualities. Our office towers - and by far our nicest looking towers - are being drowned out by a strong current of sea foam green.

Maybe the map should include the Central Broadway area as well, as our definition of Downtown Vancouver expands to include the Metro Core, and there are plenty of sites ripe for redevelopment.

And I know mid-rise buildings are the new fashion in Vancouver, and especially in the neighborhoods that flank Central Broadway, but enough already. We've got so many mid-rise condos built or being built, that a 19 story "monstrosity" will be a welcome addition. I thought this new form was suppose to bring with it more colour and a better variety of building materials; better architecture. Instead we are creating truncated versions of Yaletown in the neighborhoods south of False Creek. So I propose a balanced influx of point towers to compliment the growing number of mid-rise.

The Kingsgate Mall site is a good candidate for towers, as stated in MP Community Plan, but imo the most important piece of property in Mt. Pleasant, and one of my candidates for redevelopment, is the northern portion of the triangle block. This property bounded by Kingsway/Broadway/Main is a showcase location and would be perfect for a flat iron type building, with its unobstructed view dividing Main St. and Kingsway. If there's one spot for a signature building outside the downtown core, this is it.

I'm only dreaming of course.
:previous:

Everything starts with an idea or a dream. I agree with you totally on this "dead zone" and would like to see it have some real signature towers, too. On the "'designs to inspire Vancouver thread," Hed posted a picture with three stunning buildings on the right of the picture. I could see something like that in the area. Also, regarding targeting a focal point outside the CBD or West End for some signature buildings, Kingsway and Main could use it for sure. Good post (IMO) :tup:

[Hed Kandi]

Added a couple more plots along Beatty to the map.

[LeftCoaster]

You're missing the entire waterfront station development area, which although a few years off, is a very real potential site.

There are a few more underbuilt sites in the eastern core you could add too.

[Hed Kandi]

You're missing the entire waterfront station development area, which although a few years off, is a very real potential site.

There are a few more underbuilt sites in the eastern core you could add too.

I've just added the parkade along W. Cordova.

If you provide me with a list of addresses I'll try to add them.

[jlousa]

Not a bad start I'd remove the QE site though it will not be redeveloped although I agree it could handle a modest 14storey office building on the SE corner where the media club/dead restaurant currently sit.
There is the parkade at Pender and Richards that is a sizeable plot, there is another also on Richards just south of Pender that could see something modest. The half block on the SE corner of Pender and Richards is owned by Onni and will see something. Theres the block east of the BIG proposal that could see something quite large. Obviously the Plaza of Nations site should be included as well as the still undeveloped BCPlace and NEFC lands. As mentioned above the waterfront transit site, plus the parkade across the street. I wouldn't worry about us running out of plots anytime soon. Plots are constantly found.

[Hed Kandi]

Not a bad start I'd remove the QE site though it will not be redeveloped although I agree it could handle a modest 14storey office building on the SE corner where the media club/dead restaurant currently sit.
There is the parkade at Pender and Richards that is a sizeable plot, there is another also on Richards just south of Pender that could see something modest. The half block on the SE corner of Pender and Richards is owned by Onni and will see something. Theres the block east of the BIG proposal that could see something quite large. Obviously the Plaza of Nations site should be included as well as the still undeveloped BCPlace and NEFC lands. As mentioned above the waterfront transit site, plus the parkade across the street. I wouldn't worry about us running out of plots anytime soon. Plots are constantly found.

Added 3 parcels along Pender. Remind me again, what is the Waterfront transit site development?

I'm also wondering if I should add the entire land of the Granville loops area. Is their removal imminent?

[LeftCoaster]

Here I've included the waterfront site where development will likely begin some time in the next office cycle.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7547/49606642.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/59/49606642.png/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Also I have outlined a part of downtown that has too many sites to really box out that are available to develop. Here's a screenshot of the birdseye of the general area. I expect to see much of Vancouver's future office space developed here over the coming decades.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9706/eastdt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/eastdt.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[s211]

Also I have outlined a part of downtown that has too many sites to really box out that are available to develop. Here's a screenshot of the birdseye of the general area. I expect to see much of Vancouver's future office space developed here over the coming decades.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9706/eastdt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/eastdt.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

With the exception of some parkades that are likely not required, that area is littered with SROs and other heritage buildings that will make meaningful assembly difficult.

[Hed Kandi]

Also I have outlined a part of downtown that has too many sites to really box out that are available to develop. Here's a screenshot of the birdseye of the general area. I expect to see much of Vancouver's future office space developed here over the coming decades.




Thanks, but aren't the majority of those buildings protected under heritage status?

[LeftCoaster]

With the exception of some parkades that are likely not required, that area is littered with SROs and other heritage buildings that will make meaningful assembly difficult.

Hmm well as far as i know the majority of the SROs are further east. The only ones I can think of in the highlighted area are the Marble Arch and St Clair Hotel.

And as far as heritage buildings go it is fairly simple to make economic sense of saving the facade or more of a 2-3 storey heritage building when developing a large office project. Especially the way the rent curve is looking and the continuing scarcity of downtown peninsula land.

[easy as pie]

the vcc building at the head of victory square could definitely use a tripling in height, as could the huge parking lot next to it. and what about that large parking structure on richards between pender and dunsmuir?

[Hed Kandi]

Added the Granville loops to the map as well as a couple of above ground parkades in Coal Harbour.

[yogiderek]

So, there is several blank west end properties.

you have

Comox and Broughton
Robson and Nicola
Robson and Guilford
Pendrel just off Denman
parking lot on Burnaby behind Celebreties
Small parking lot, Thurlow Haro laneway
small parking lot, Nelson at Bute.
Georgia street at Cardero.

hopefully if the parking lot infill is done on the Beach towers site, it would be cool to see several other buildings with large parking areas developed. Like Panorama towers or El cid, even though those two buildings are privately owned apartments.

[Locked In]

Remind me again, what is the Waterfront transit site development?

Lots more info about it on the Waterfront Station Transportation Hub thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146079&highlight=%22waterfront%22).
--------
You could add the SW corner of Georgia and Burrard as the City is willing to allow a tall building there, thought it sounds like it will be at least a couple of cycles until we see that site developed.

[officedweller]

Here's my vague recollection of the social housing in the Victory Square area (plus BC Hydro is a new building that's part of the complex, but not sure if it can be built on):

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/8302/eastdt.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/eastdt.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Also I tend to think the site I've marked in red here could be developed:

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/1125/93901959.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/860/93901959.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Hed Kandi]

So, there is several blank west end properties.

you have

Comox and Broughton
Robson and Nicola
Robson and Guilford
Pendrel just off Denman
parking lot on Burnaby behind Celebreties
Small parking lot, Thurlow Haro laneway
small parking lot, Nelson at Bute.
Georgia street at Cardero.

hopefully if the parking lot infill is done on the Beach towers site, it would be cool to see several other buildings with large parking areas developed. Like Panorama towers or El cid, even though those two buildings are privately owned apartments.


I'm going to leave the West End for now. The area is overrun with NIMBY's, so I can't see anything major happening there in the near future.

Anyhow, I've added two more plots to the map. One along Melville and Thurlow and another along Beach and Hornby.

[Hed Kandi]

Also I tend to think the site I've marked in red here could be developed:

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/1125/93901959.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/860/93901959.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks, I had almost forgot about that parkade. I think the entire site could be redeveloped but for now, I've just edited in the parcel for the parking lot.

[Porfiry]

What about the half-block on the north side of Homer & Drake (across the alley from Grace)? There are a couple scruffy buildings there that could be consolidated into a nice site.

[LeftCoaster]

Here's my vague recollection of the social housing in the Victory Square area (plus BC Hydro is a new building that's part of the complex, but not sure if it can be built on):

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/8302/eastdt.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/eastdt.png/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


Well to me that looks like there are a lot of developable sites left in that part of town, which will only become more developable as land values increase due to lack of remaining large sites.

[officedweller]

What about the half-block on the north side of Homer & Drake (across the alley from Grace)? There are a couple scruffy buildings there that could be consolidated into a nice site.

I think James Schouw (developer of Grace) was supposed to develop those parcels too.

[Hed Kandi]

Added 99 West Pender.

[ckkelley]

Added the Granville loops to the map as well as a couple of above ground parkades in Coal Harbour.

Hed, which parkades in Coal Harbour? Coal Harbour Community Center?

[BodomReaper]

I would imagine that the Showman Building, which occupies the entire parcel bounded by Smithe, Cambie, Mainland, and Nelson, could be a candidate for future redevelopment. It was built in the 50's as a warehouse (now converted into office space), and has an FSR of 2.74 compared to the standard 5.00 zoning of all parcels around it.

[Hed Kandi]

Hed, which parkades in Coal Harbour? Coal Harbour Community Center?

Check out the map on my first post. There's one on Melville and another on Pender.

Also added another plot on W Cordova.

[Klazu]

Nice map! There are still surprisingly many plots around that could be developed in the Downtown area. Does anyone have an idea if the parking lots around Cambie Bridge ramps are going to be developed anytime soon? I remember seeing a picture that suggested that there would be several towers planned for that area. Currently it's a huge dead asphalt area and waste of space.

Another question not precisely in Downtown; I was reading an article about "Density Wars" (http://www.straight.com/article-702636/vancouver/sullivanism-vs-jane-jacobs) on The Georgia Straight. Quite interesting read and they mentioned that the Squamish First Nation would be developing 35- and 28-storey towers rights next to Burrard Bridge in Kits Point. I hadn't heard about this project before, but building should begin already next year?

[ckkelley]

Check out the map on my first post. There's one on Melville and another on Pender.

Also added another plot on W Cordova.

Got it!

Thank you.

[Hed Kandi]

Added a couple of plots in the West End.

[officedweller]

I would imagine that the Showman Building, which occupies the entire parcel bounded by Smithe, Cambie, Mainland, and Nelson, could be a candidate for future redevelopment. It was built in the 50's as a warehouse (now converted into office space), and has an FSR of 2.74 compared to the standard 5.00 zoning of all parcels around it.

Yeah, the ShowMart building was the Eaton's warehouse, then used by wholesalers who have since moved to space east of the terminal Ave. Home Depot. It was renovated maybe 10 years ago - so it may depend on how long SAP (formerly Crystal Decisions, then Business Objects) wants to stay in there. I'm not sure who owns the building.

Come to think of it - you can add the site of Thalia at Cambie & Smithe (NE corner)

[Hed Kandi]

Yeah, the ShowMart building was the Eaton's warehouse, then used by wholesalers who have since moved to space east of the terminal Ave. Home Depot. It was renovated maybe 10 years ago - so it may depend on how long SAP (formerly Crystal Decisions, then Business Objects) wants to stay in there. I'm not sure who owns the building.

Come to think of it - you can add the site of Thalia at Cambie & Smithe (NE corner)

Added Thalia location. Thanks!

[yogiderek]

I'm going to leave the West End for now. The area is overrun with NIMBY's, so I can't see anything major happening there in the near future.

Anyhow, I've added two more plots to the map. One along Melville and Thurlow and another along Beach and Hornby.

yeah was just arguing with an idiot in my building, calling 1401 comox ground zero for the fight against more density. Why does he care he lives five blocks away. There was like seven hours of fools at the meeting the other night. oh just noticed another small laneway property on Nicola st, between Nelson and comox. plus, Beach avenue at Bute.

[wrenegade]

Yeah, the ShowMart building was the Eaton's warehouse, then used by wholesalers who have since moved to space east of the terminal Ave. Home Depot. It was renovated maybe 10 years ago - so it may depend on how long SAP (formerly Crystal Decisions, then Business Objects) wants to stay in there. I'm not sure who owns the building.

Joe Segal owns the building. Pretty sure $10s of millions were poured into the building over the last decade or so, I'm not sure it's going anywhere for a while.

[SFUVancouver]

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1573/devsitesdowntown.jpg

I've added a few vacant sites in the Seymour, Smithe, Richards area.

[officedweller]

The one at Richards & Smithe is the future park site.

[SpongeG]

That outlined area in the burdseye view on page one is my fave part if towm I would hate to see any of that replaced

[yogiderek]

yeah was just arguing with an idiot in my building, calling 1401 comox ground zero for the fight against more density. Why does he care he lives five blocks away. There was like seven hours of fools at the meeting the other night. oh just noticed another small laneway property on Nicola st, between Nelson and comox. plus, Beach avenue at Bute.

forgot, two on denman. Nelson and denman and Pendrell on Denman.

[whatnext]

Something to file under the Law of Unintended Consequences: I'd heard the film industry is finding it increasingly hard to film downtown, because of the lack of sports to park their "circus" when they shoot. The few remaining lots that can accommodate them are apparently charging outrageous prices.

[hollywoodnorth]

Something to file under the Law of Unintended Consequences: I'd heard the film industry is finding it increasingly hard to film downtown, because of the lack of sports to park their "circus" when they shoot. The few remaining lots that can accommodate them are apparently charging outrageous prices.

yup its been an ongoing issue. they will have to rent more alleys from the city to shut down and use as a circus.

OR

just off the top of my head the CANADA POST building on georgia would be a great building to convert to a DOWNTOWN PRODUCTION & SUPPORT FACILITY as the building is designed and able to take semi trucks and has very high ceilings. could be a perfect shooting and circus/staging facilty right in the heart of downtown! plus the parking lot side could still be developed with some commercial and retail space to make it all work.

[Hed Kandi]

Edit

[Hed Kandi]

Edit

[Hed Kandi]

Edit

[hollywoodnorth]

there are a few sites around main and powell.

also don't forget all the empty land around BC Place and Plaza of Nations that will be developed

and the empty lot at robson and broughton.

also the London Drugs and Parking lot on Davie

[jlousa]

There is the block next to 1400 Howe (1400 Seymour)that could be highlighted.

[Hed Kandi]

Edit

[Klazu]

Another question not precisely in Downtown; I was reading an article about "Density Wars" (http://www.straight.com/article-702636/vancouver/sullivanism-vs-jane-jacobs) on The Georgia Straight. Quite interesting read and they mentioned that the Squamish First Nation would be developing 35- and 28-storey towers rights next to Burrard Bridge in Kits Point. I hadn't heard about this project before, but building should begin already next year?

I asked this question earlier in this thread, but nobody took the bite. As I am really curious about this plan, I ask again if someone has any further information on it? These towers would seriously alter the area around southern end of Burrard Bridge...

[Hed Kandi]

I asked this question earlier in this thread, but nobody took the bite. As I am really curious about this plan, I ask again if someone has any further information on it? These towers would seriously alter the area around southern end of Burrard Bridge...

We haven't heard anything new about these towers for awhile now. Maybe JLo has some new info??

IMO, buildings of this height should be reserved for the downtown core.

[SpongeG]

there is a thread about them isn't there? last article (a blog) i read says its a go and construction starts fall 2012

[jlousa]

On have no comment at this time on any development south of the Burrard St bridge.

[jsbertram]

Make google your friend.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=181907

and

http://www.kitsilano.ca/2010/05/22/squamish-nation-shows-off-plans-for-a-35-storey-tower-at-burrard-bridge/

[Hed Kandi]

Updated map on first page.

[hollywoodnorth]

do not forget my most hated greyfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfield_land) lot in the city ... Broughton & Robson.

http://binged.it/MyKwiN

realllllllly hate that lot. anything even a 1 story buidling with CRU's would be better than this. I dare even say a parking lot like the new one at Abbott & Hastings would be better.

[Hed Kandi]

do not forget my most hated greyfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfield_land) lot in the city ... Broughton & Robson.

http://binged.it/MyKwiN

realllllllly hate that lot. anything even a 1 story buidling with CRU's would be better than this. I dare even say a parking lot like the new one at Abbott & Hastings would be better.

Thanks. It's now been updated.

[SpongeG]

that lot has been that way for decades - the owner lives in hong kong apparently and doesn't seem to care about it - years ago christmas tree lot would get set up but i haven't seen one there for many years

[hollywoodnorth]

that lot has been that way for decades - the owner lives in hong kong apparently and doesn't seem to care about it - years ago christmas tree lot would get set up but i haven't seen one there for many years

yes I have heard a similar story

hopefully they die soon so something happens ;) ;)

[Klazu]

If it has already been decades, I hope someone at the City Hall does checkback calls at least once in a decade to see if the person is even alive anymore... :D

If this person is still alive, I wonder how greedy he/she must be to neglet developing such precious property. The lot is just horrible waste in its current state. :(

[osirisboy]

how much would the property tax be every year?

[Klazu]

I can see the intersection around Burrard Bridge and Pacific avenue being on the map, but I wonder if there has ever been any proposals for that area? I think there is place for several towers in that area and perhaps it will be the next area to be built up after Downtown South around Granville Bridge is built?

The idea comes to my mind every time I cross Burrard Bridge and see the vast emptiness around it. 3/4 corners of that intersection could be built with towers to make for a real 'Burrard Gateway'. :rolleyes:

[red-paladin]

This is getting into fantasy territory, but these are the lots I would most love to see developed with a large office / mixed use tower:

1) The Budget car lot on Georgia (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2822179,-123.1159786,201a,20y,180h,41.74t/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
2) The Parkade at Beatty/Pender (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2810393,-123.1097327,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
3) Richards/Pender scuzzy buildings and empty lot (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2845415,-123.1127394,203a,20y,180h,41.74t/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)

[trofirhen]

This is getting into fantasy territory, but these are the lots I would most love to see developed with a large office / mixed use tower:

1) The Budget car lot on Georgia (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2822179,-123.1159786,201a,20y,180h,41.74t/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
2) The Parkade at Beatty/Pender (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2810393,-123.1097327,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
3) Richards/Pender scuzzy buildings and empty lot (https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2845415,-123.1127394,203a,20y,180h,41.74t/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)

Please, somebody, build something (hopefully attractive) on that Budget car lot on Georgia!!
It's got to be one of the ugliest plots of land downtown !!:yuck:

[osirisboy]

It's really not that large though. I mean it's ugly but it doesn't take up a huge front on georgia. What does is the white spot with its surrounding parking lots plus the gas station. One huge block of ugliness!

[djmk]

What about the huge lot just west of Crab Park?

I drive past this often and it amazes me this massive open space still exists in Vancouver

https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2852336,-123.1060569,3a,75y,1.96h,62.53t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sPXa8un7xCoxlT6qZam0xUA!2e0?hl=en

[PaperTiger]

What about the huge lot just west of Crab Park?

I drive past this often and it amazes me this massive open space still exists in Vancouver

https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2852336,-123.1060569,3a,75y,1.96h,62.53t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sPXa8un7xCoxlT6qZam0xUA!2e0?hl=en
That property is under the port authority jurisdiction. There are federal regulations that define the uses that are permitted. It was once explored as a possible site for the Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium but proved to be nonviable due to these restrictions.

[red-paladin]

Eventually everything in between Canada Place and Crab Park will be developed over top of the tracks: This is the thead about the part being considered: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=146079