This project over in the Grandview Woodlands had it's second date with the UDP and it faired better. this time around The project has implemented more than a few changes, as can be seen in a comparison with older city renderings (one of the few open houses/UDP meetings I didn't make it down to). It has moved it's massing around to better relate to the heritage home ,with that area now at 5 stories, and the taller portion at 11. It's western neighbour is a co-op building, and will never be able to match up to this project. The colour scheme is far from locked in, but they've talked to Heritage Vancouver and will likely be taking advantage of the True Colours program, contrasting with a light brick material on the new building.
The UDP believed this version was much improved over the previous submission, though they felt it did have some more room to improve. While the panel only came to consensus on two recommendations, there were a few other comments voiced by individual members. Still, it was these two issues that united them. The first was a desire to provide a bit more space between the heritage house and the new building, which I agree with. The other was to try and make the building relate more to the neighbourhood. The panel acknowledged that this was an impossible task to accomplish with massing, and didn't want the concept of the project to be watered down. Rather, they felt it would be best accomplished with the choice of materials.
The design of this project strikes me differently each time I look at it. Sometimes I don't think much of it, other times it strikes me as a charming little building. Again, it feels like one of those projects were materials could make or break the building, though I do like the massing of the upside down L. Plus its good density for the area.
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