601 W Cordova | 114m | 22fl | Proposed - Page 26

Changing City · #**501** Posted **Mar 15, 2026, 12:54 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

The UDP shoots down anything remotely unique that crosses their desks... but this dumpster fire gets the green light? What happened to the Ice Pick?

It still exists in the parallel universe of the architect's website. (The virtual tour is still available).

jollyburger · #**502** Posted **Mar 15, 2026, 1:05 AM**

Interview with James Cheng and CF on DH

Quote:

The timing of the project — amid a still-recovering office sector — raises obvious questions. Cavanaugh argued that long development timelines make present conditions less relevant than future demand.

“We see a lot of strength in the Vancouver office market kind of emerging out of the turbulence of the last several years. We do see renewed interest in the office sector,” added Cavanaugh, who has been leading this project for 12 years. He pointed to signs that leased office vacancy rates may have peaked, with downtown Vancouver’s vacancy rates — while currently elevated — being the lowest among major city centres in Canada and the United States.

Moreover, there is currently no new major office supply in the development pipeline in Vancouver’s market, with other projects proposed and approved years earlier now stalled or cancelled entirely.

He noted that construction on CF Waterfront Tower would take roughly four years following development permit approval and tenant pre-leasing. But all of this hinges on finding a lead tenant for the building, as they would not be building it on speculation. He says the squarish-shaped floor plates are attractive and efficient for tenants to occupy, with some protrusions o multiple levels that enable unique offices, meeting rooms, and amenity spaces.

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/601-west...ion-tower-james-cheng-architects-concept

trofirhen · #**503** Posted **Mar 15, 2026, 3:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnext

This is hideous. It’s like architectural vomit on the doorstep of the beautiful CPR station.

You got it, Whatnext !!

A perfect metaphor for this "Miss Ugly" contestant.

jollyburger · #**504** Posted **Mar 15, 2026, 6:00 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

The UDP shoots down anything remotely unique that crosses their desks... but this dumpster fire gets the green light? What happened to the Ice Pick?

UDP members change so it's not surprising to see attitudes shift.

The 555 West Cordova was 5-2 non-support and the PFS Studio/RJC engineering members were excused I assume for some conflict of interest.

Feathered Friend · #**505** Posted **May 10, 2026, 11:21 PM**

Quote:

A last minute hatchet job will eliminate 20% of the job space in the tree inspired Waterfront Station office tower. Its actually suggested that after 12 years of review, the proposal wait until a future city council eases Downtown Vancouver’s height restrictions.

This comes only days before the Development Permit Board is set to decide its fate on Monday at city hall, where just those attending in-person can speak. The only other proposal to receive this treatment was 105 Keefer, meaning this meeting is expected to be quite controversial.

https://www.instagram.com/city_duo_yvr/p/DYLR1YXGaCF/

jollyburger · #**506** Posted **May 11, 2026, 12:58 AM**

Where's the section where they analyze how slashing the overhang affects the marketability of the office space?

Minutes/appendixes here:

https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/development-permit-board.aspx

GenWhy? · #**507** Posted **May 11, 2026, 4:34 PM**

I like how it took this long to bake in "don't build over the SRW".

"Oh sorry we should have told you that years ago and hundreds of thousands of dollars ago"

Spr0ckets · #**508** Posted **May 11, 2026, 4:39 PM**

Would eliminating that overhang be enough to kill this monstrosit.....er..... I mean......this project?

Or quite possibly, .....force a complete re-think?

Asking for a friend.

(**asking..... hopefully**)

jollyburger · #**509** Posted **May 11, 2026, 4:47 PM**

Or they just come back with the Ice Pick design?

madog222 · #**510** Posted **May 11, 2026, 6:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spr0ckets

Would eliminating that overhang be enough to kill this monstrosit.....er..... I mean......this project?

Or quite possibly, .....force a complete re-think?

Asking for a friend.

(**asking..... hopefully**)

https://www.instagram.com/city_duo_yvr/p/DYLR1YXGaCF/

“Intent is … to create a tall slender form…”

Spr0ckets · #**511** Posted **May 11, 2026, 7:23 PM**

On the issue of the overhang over the SRW, didn't the previous iteration and version (the ice pick) not also overhang and cantilever over the SRW (and over Waterfront station) by a similar amount?

(....only.....less garsihly so?)

I'm not opposed to a tower at this location, and much less so an office tower - especially if they can swing it in this current office market.
Any more than I think that if they can build one that they should be limited in height to the degree that's been previously suggested.

Just not.......this.

Changing City · #**512** Posted **May 11, 2026, 8:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spr0ckets

On the issue of the overhang over the SRW, didn't the previous iteration and version (the ice pick) not also overhang and cantilever over the SRW (and over Waterfront station) by a similar amount?

That design wasn't approved - the developers withdrew the application in 2022.

Migrant_Coconut · #**513** Posted **May 11, 2026, 8:24 PM**

I too would prefer the Icepick. This one looks like one stiff breeze will knock it over.

LeftCoaster · #**514** Posted **May 12, 2026, 8:08 PM**

This was approved unanimously at DP Board last night.

Probably a result most on this forum will be happy with; confirmation that a building of generally the size and height proposed can be built here, but it will be redesigned to fit the new massings as prescribed by the City.

officedweller · #**515** Posted **May 13, 2026, 1:21 AM**

So they want a tree that's been pruned back by BC Hydro??

Feathered Friend · #**516** Posted **May 13, 2026, 1:53 AM**

Quote:

As the opposition to the Waterfront Station Office Tower never really materialized, & with firms outside Vancouver expressing interest in leasing space here, it shouldn’t be surprise this concept easily won the DP Boards approval, even if it will never be built.

Instead, the applicant revealed the more detailed proposal to come has seen serious revisions, & with some slight relaxations it could comply with the draft conditions of approval. This in-person meeting with senior staff led to a negotiated compromise that left both sides happy.

https://www.instagram.com/city_duo_yvr/p/DYQtSQzlPi5/

Repthe250 · #**517** Posted **May 13, 2026, 3:40 AM**

What is Vancouvers obsession with stacking box towers? Is this the most unique design they could come up with? Vancouver loves to take one design concept and run with it for years.

jollyburger · #**518** Posted **May 13, 2026, 4:12 AM**

(deleted)

Migrant_Coconut · #**519** Posted **May 13, 2026, 6:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Repthe250

What is Vancouvers obsession with stacking box towers? Is this the most unique design they could come up with?

One specific Vancouverite. Whichever other box you're thinking of, it was probably also James Cheng's idea.

Glow Fun City · #**520** Posted **May 13, 2026, 4:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

One specific Vancouverite. Whichever other box you're thinking of, it was probably also James Cheng's idea.

It's not just him! Deloitte Summit on Georgia was designed by OSO Tokyo and Merrick Architecture:

Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography / Merrick Architecture

Vancouver: City of Jenga