Downtown Vancouver Updates II

[Vin]

Originally Posted by csbvan

We don't even try anymore.

Like, why bother.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by csbvan

We don't even try anymore.

To be fair the only thing remaining of the original building is the facade and the interior columns. It's a giant shell space inside.

[jollyburger]

I wonder how the tax revenue would compare with this kind of development versus the same facility in a land based building.

750 Pacific Blvd (DP-2024-01151) development application

HAVN Saunas Inc., has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to permanently secure a vessel to the dock (150 ft. in length and 34 ft. in width), to be used as a floating spa, providing beauty and wellness services, at this existing address.

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/750-pacific-blvd-4

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I wonder how the tax revenue would compare with this kind of development versus the same facility in a land based building.

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/750-pacific-blvd-4

New barge alert: Vancouver could soon have a huge floating sauna
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/lifestyle/huge-new-floating-sauna-barge-vancouver-2025-10053998

[jollyburger]

Gastown Pedestrian Zone Pilot Update

Option (A) would implement a Summer 2025 Pilot to test public realm design approaches on Water St in scenarios with minimal to moderate reductions in through motor vehicle traffic on typical days and with full Water St road closures during Pedestrian Zone periods. The pilot would also test how two-way traffic on Cordova St could support neighbourhood access while reducing vehicle volumes on Water St. In addition, staff would continue to progress the Gastown Public Spaces Plan and near-term investments.

Option (B) would focus resources on the process to develop a conceptual design for Water St and Maple Tree Square that could enable more significant infrastructure renewal in the neighbourhood in the next Capital Plan. In this Option, staff would also continue design work and engagement towards a trial of an extended two-way Cordova St from the Powell St Overpass to Richards St in 2026. Finally, staff would continue to support public realm improvements through existing programs and advance near-term investments.

https://council.vancouver.ca/20250225/documents/r2.pdf

[djmk]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Gastown Pedestrian Zone Pilot Update



https://council.vancouver.ca/20250225/documents/r2.pdf

last year's pedestrian friendly Gastown was not friendly to the Gastown businesses.

Much of the tourists come from those tourist busses that park several blocks east of the steam clock. They get off the bus and spread out and go in different directions. With the pedestrian zone, the tourists walk from the west, get to the steam clock, take a picture and walk back.

Also, with no cars, the unhoused had more freedom to reclaim public space.

[mcj]

Originally Posted by djmk

last year's pedestrian friendly Gastown was not friendly to the Gastown businesses.

Much of the tourists come from those tourist busses that park several blocks east of the steam clock. They get off the bus and spread out and go in different directions. With the pedestrian zone, the tourists walk from the west, get to the steam clock, take a picture and walk back.

Also, with no cars, the unhoused had more freedom to reclaim public space.

What a weird take.

Do you have any data to support that claim?

[csbvan]

I've never seen Gastown as busy as it was last year. Not even close.

[djmk]

Originally Posted by mcj

What a weird take.

Do you have any data to support that claim?

yes but nothing i can share. However, i know first hand the effects of the city fixing the road in the beginning of the summer and later the car free zone.

Gastown BIA has been quite vocal about it. they even put up that "GASTOWN" art piece of the west of of Gastown to get people to move through the neighbourhood. Google "Gastown business" and lots of articles will pop up

[bb1510]

Looks like there will be another new hotel and residential rental tower in DT at 888 Cambie. The developer says they submitted their rezoning application to the city and signed a 25 year franchise agreement with the city:

https://nonni.com/nonni-property-group-r...esidential-tower-in-vancouvers-yaletown/

https://nonni.com/properties/888-cambie-hotel/

[bb1510]

Not sure why the images are so big, could a mod help resize?

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by bb1510

Not sure why the images are so big, could a mod help resize?

Here's a handy little tip I always use:

https://api.imgur.com/models/image#thumbs

Typically I use the "l" size 640x640 which feels appropriate for the forum, and then I make the image a link to the original photo.

For instance:



But if you want to stand out a bit more:

[madog222]

There is no native image resizing feature on the forum.
Resized images should be uploaded to your image hosting site of choice though imgur does have a resizing function.

I forget what the time limit is for you to edit posts. If it has passed feel free to message me new image links if you want them changed.

----

In regards to that proposal, I'm pleasantly surprised to see it progressing.
I think we were all very skeptical here when the initial renders came out for that site a few years ago.

[jollyburger]

The previous 2023 proposal



https://renx.ca/nonni-group-27-storey-vancouver-tower-cautious-market

[GenWhy?]

I thought the address was familiar. Thanks!

[bb1510]

Thanks for all the info and help.

I agree, the project definitely progressed a lot and in the right direction.

Given that a franchise agreement has been signed with Marriott, it's safe to say there's a high likelihood this will get built

Article from Urbanized:

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/888-896-cambie-street-vancouver-marriott-yaletown-hotel-npg

[jollyburger]

I was looking around Hotel Equities site and they have a Moxy Element Vancouver (in development). Another Marriot brand.



848-850 Seymour the Paul Y Construction hotel site.

https://www.hotelequities.com/portfolio.htm

The building permit went in Sep 13, 2024 but the excavation/shoring stage is still in review.

https://plposweb.vancouver.ca/Public/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=Guest&PosseObjectId=241004433

[bb1510]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I was looking around Hotel Equities site and they have a Moxy Element Vancouver (in development). Another Marriot brand.



848-850 Seymour the Paul Y Construction hotel site.

https://www.hotelequities.com/portfolio.htm

The building permit went in Sep 13, 2024 but the excavation/shoring stage is still in review.

https://plposweb.vancouver.ca/Public/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=Guest&PosseObjectId=241004433

Yeah, that'll be a dual branded property. Moxy will occupy the lower portion of the tower with Element occupying the upper portion. That project is going ahead too

[officedweller]

Interesting that Marriott is bullish enough to have an Autograph hotel just up the street from another - The Douglas at The Parq.

This looks much better than the last proposal, but the narrow windows look like the podium of the original Smithe podium that the UDP didn't like. That podium was redesigned with windows that blended better with surrounding warehouse buildings.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Interesting that Marriott is bullish enough to have an Autograph hotel just up the street from another - The Douglas at The Parq.

This looks much better than the last proposal, but the narrow windows look like the podium of the original Smithe podium that the UDP didn't like. That podium was redesigned with windows that blended better with surrounding warehouse buildings.

It's a much bigger site now, and they're proposing to demolish the 1928 896 Cambie so there's less warehouse context to worry about. It's interesting how those factory/warehouse buildings are being allowed to disappear - the same sort of thing happened at The Smithe.