General Vancouver Development Updates II

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by csbvan

A lot of non-special buildings see their facades retained in this city, and if you're seeking 36 storeys here, I would expect the City asks for it.

My assumption on the SROs is that they will seek the buy out. It's underutilized, but I have been in discussions with Staff where they are open to it. There isn't necessarily a knee jerk reaction to say no.

Now height and density are generally OK to pursue (to 36 storeys in a location like this) there's no bonus incentive the City can offer, and I would think replacement social housing would be more important than an old, but not heritage, building.

Things were different years ago with the heritage bank and bonuses for retention. In areas like Chinatown or Gastown retention of the facade might be important, but not here. The Balmoral was just demolished, by the City, and that had far more architectural presence.

[csbvan]

But it seems like Staff have moved from specific policies of heritage bonusing to a simple expectation of facade retention, in my experience. And you see this in action in places like E Pender, where modest rental buildings are retaining the facades of modest 2 story non-designated heritage buildings.

Zoning is discretionary, it's a back and forth discussion. Much is 'volunteered'.

[jollyburger]

I think it's RBI Group (construction), Jayen (property marketing) and PHI (hotel)

https://www.biv.com/news/sukhi-rai-8241692

They are thinking big it seems.



https://www.jayenproperties.com/about/

Higher res version of that image



https://www.jayenproperties.com/wp-c...e-jul_2024.png

Obviously the floor count doesn't match but in the high res version I don't know it seems like there is a retained facade. No clue where those towers on the right are supposed to be.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by csbvan

But it seems like Staff have moved from specific policies of heritage bonusing to a simple expectation of facade retention, in my experience. And you see this in action in places like E Pender, where modest rental buildings are retaining the facades of modest 2 story non-designated heritage buildings.

Zoning is discretionary, it's a back and forth discussion. Much is 'volunteered'.

You could be right. Certainly some of the DTES projects are starting to demolish old hotels, but you're correct, others are keeping the facades. The Cobalt appears to have been patched up at some point in the past, so it'll be tricky to support it securely while they dig the parade (assuming there will be one).

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Higher res version of that image



https://www.jayenproperties.com/wp-c...e-jul_2024.png

That looks like Broadway to me. There's no straight main arterial downtown with a concrete median like that
(and it's not a bike lane divider)

[csbvan]

Originally Posted by Changing City

You could be right. Certainly some of the DTES projects are starting to demolish old hotels, but you're correct, others are keeping the facades. The Cobalt appears to have been patched up at some point in the past, so it'll be tricky to support it securely while they dig the parade (assuming there will be one).

Yes, I think it's a mix. If a building is in too rough a shape, they may be OK with letting them go. I also think the type of development matters - lots in the DTES are social housing, many with substantial public investment. I assume there, the cost for facade retention is seen as an impediment. With private-sector, market developments the calculus from Staff may be quite different.

[GenWhy?]

I just hope the can retain the fire escape and the sign.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by officedweller

That looks like Broadway to me. There's no straight main arterial downtown with a concrete median like that
(and it's not a bike lane divider)

But doesn't the bottom left of the new building look like The Source's storefront?

[madog222]

Yes, that certainly looks to match the Main St site existing facades. They also show 901 Main just beside.

[csbvan]

I think it's just a poor rendering of the surrounding context. Looks like the right project.

[gaviscon]

What happened to 989 Main that we were promised?

[csbvan]

DP was issued in July. Seems to be on track?

[gaviscon]

2060 E Hastings St

DP issued back in June 2024
https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/2060-e-hastings-st

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

But doesn't the bottom left of the new building look like The Source's storefront?

Ah, yeah, that does look like Main St.
I didn't realize that the pic was posted in reference to the 927 Main St. application.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by csbvan

I think it's just a poor rendering of the surrounding context. Looks like the right project.

Though that's described as a 46 storey condo tower, and the application is for a 36 floor mixed use building - Hotel and Residential building, so it's been revised from the render.

[jollyburger]

Or it's a typo? It's hard to tell how many floors that rendering is showing but using the Cobalt Hotel facade as a base the tower can fit around 7 Cobalt Hotels with a tiny bit at the top. I have no clue what is happening with those balconies and what constitutes a floor level.

EDIT: On another page they actually just say "A 30+ storey of long-term residential rental and hotel with downtown skyline views and an indoor amenity and courtyard space."

https://www.jayenproperties.com/wp-c...vancouver.webp

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by csbvan

DP was issued in July. Seems to be on track?

Nov 5, 2024 building permit went in

6 storey building with no underground vehicle parking that includes Market Rental, commercial uses and 1 whole floor dedicated to art studios.

https://plposweb.vancouver.ca/Public...ctId=244844876

[hollywoodnorth]

the site at Clark and 1st is now fenced for the upcoming project (whole block is done up) >>

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by hollywoodnorth

the site at Clark and 1st is now fenced for the upcoming project (whole block is done up) >>

Not really Downtown, but good that it's finally happening.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Better late than never, I guess? Good to finally start moving ahead on addiction treatment.