Vancouver Infill & Lowrise Updates Discussion

[GenWhy?]

I just don't recall ABC mayor and councillors being involved in approving a development permit for a zoning-complaint application

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by whatnext

https://morehousing.substack.com/p/senakw-repost

I guess Russil was wrong about the building "reaching the end of its useful life" though.

And I guess ABC which pushed through the Broadway plan and the new ODP just couldn't bring themselves to rezone this?

I assume it "reached the end of its life" because the guy's post was written in 2023 when the intent was to demolish it, and the application was withdrawn in 2024.

The Broadway Plan was approved by the previous Council.

The new ODP is rolling out segments piecemeal for new areas of development with the "Villages" up next this summer for approval. Kits Point is within the Neighbourhood Centre area

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

I assume it "reached the end of its life" because the guy's post was written in 2023 when the intent was to demolish it, and the application was withdrawn in 2024.

The Broadway Plan was approved by the previous Council.

The new ODP is rolling out segments piecemeal for new areas of development with the "Villages" up next this summer for approval. Kits Point is within the Neighbourhood Centre area

I’m sure the original developer was anxious to use phrases like “reached the end of its life” in an attempt to justify demolishing a perfectly good multi family building in favour of expensive houses for the rich. Funny that now the new developer has discovered the building apparently has more than a few years left.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by whatnext

I’m sure the original developer was anxious to use phrases like “reached the end of its life” in an attempt to justify demolishing a perfectly good multi family building in favour of expensive houses for the rich. Funny that now the new developer has discovered the building apparently has more than a few years left.

If the market improved for expensive single family homes on the west side, it would likely get torn down, including the coat of dark stain to hide the state of the siding. If it's 50+ years old, it may be past its prime - it certainly isn't to current code. In the meantime it's presumably worth hanging on and seeing if the city change the zoning in future when the area gets the ODP treatment.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by whatnext

I’m sure the original developer was anxious to use phrases like “reached the end of its life” in an attempt to justify demolishing a perfectly good multi family building in favour of expensive houses for the rich. Funny that now the new developer has discovered the building apparently has more than a few years left.

I think just the blogger used that "justification" because they only reason to tear it down would be "I don't want this building here, I want detached homes", which is permitted.

IF the Director of Planning refused the original application they could've torn it down anyway and built a single mansion, which is an outright use.

[GenWhy?]

I think if one could build something like the Raphael (10th & Alma) it would do really well there - sales would have been better too (unless I'm thinking of Chloe)

[whatnext]

Construction is thankfully well underway on West 70th and Montcalm in Marpole on a [purpose built six storey rental. This was approved way back in 2020 and I believe the previous apartment building had sat vacant since 2015 (?) after a fire.

[IMG]IMG_2298 by bcborn, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]IMG_2299 by bcborn, on Flickr[/IMG]
my photos

[officedweller]

1780 Fir St

By me yesterday.
Light beige brick being laid.

[Feathered Friend]

68 market rental homes, & ground level retail, including Darby's Liquor Store
Complied with existing C-2 Zone
Development application submitted October 4, 2024
Building Permit Issued - December 23, 2025
Photos taken - July 11, 2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbmIN3jD3KT/?igsh=eGN2cTF1amJpMThv

[jollyburger]

Modern looking low-rise

5687 Maple St - formerly 2021 W 41st Ave (DP-2026-00099) development application

Gradual Architecture has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to develop on this site a new six-storey, mixed-use building, consisting of:

A total of 58 secured market rental dwelling units on Levels 2-6
One retail unit at ground level with mezzanine
A proposed height of 22.8 m (74.9 ft.)
A floor area of approximately 53,531 sq. ft. (3.50 Floor Space Ratio)
All over two levels of underground parking, having vehicular access from the lane.

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/5687-maple-st

[seamusmcduff]

It looks like there are a ton of AI artifacts in that render...

[madog222]

^Definitely AI. Since you brought it up I also checked the text in the design rationale, it's all AI as well.

[jollyburger]

In the PDFs that huge black section is supposedly going to be orange. And the rest of their portfolio for multi-family is pretty horrific.

2001 proposal:



Credit: https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/2001-2037-west-41st-avenue-vancouver

[SFUVancouver]

Originally Posted by madog222

^Definitely AI. Since you brought it up I also checked the text in the design rationale, it's all AI as well.

Sounds like they're high on AI.