Chinatown Updates Discussion

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by csbvan

Between this conversion, the ongoing conversion of 610 Main Street to 30 hotel rooms, and the new Keefer House, this a big shift in land use in Chinatown (some 140 new hotel rooms). If we get some of the Gastown hotel projects moving forward, we will hopefully finally be seeing the change over of our two most historically important neighbourhoods into vibrant tourist destinations.

There's no obvious sign of the 610 Main hotel conversion being built yet. It was approved in July 2024.

[csbvan]

Originally Posted by Changing City

There's no obvious sign of the 610 Main hotel conversion being built yet. It was approved in July 2024.

It looks like changes to the DP were approved summer 2025, and the Building Permit and associated permits (Sewer and Water Connection and Street Use Permits) were approved in late 2025. I expect construction will start soon.

[logan5]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Even with loosening height restrictions there's almost zero chance there will be anything allowed taller than those Main/Keefer projects in the core of Chinatown.

Why not? The Main/Keefer projects are already way taller than anything else in Chinatown. Studies indicate that structures or portions of buildings above 120 feet (approximately 36–40 meters) generally have negligible visual impact on the street-level experience, so putting a 60 story tower in Chinatown has no more impact than what is already there at Main and Keefer.

It is pure foolishness to let our most historic areas rot away because of politics.

Our research indicates that buildings (or the portion thereof) that reach up to 120ft. are what define the pedestrian's visual experience-- any area above that height has very little visual impact at the ground.

https://ui.kpf.com/blog/2017/12/20/xim-s...od,aren't%20visible%20to%20passersby.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by logan5

Why not? The Main/Keefer projects are already way taller than anything else in Chinatown.

Because the City put a stop to similar projects in the area after the locals complained about the ones that were built.
The one on the Jimi Hendrix shrine site was already in the works at the time.

[logan5]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Because the City put a stop to similar projects in the area after the locals complained about the ones that were built.
The one on the Jimi Hendrix shrine site was already in the works at the time.

Like I said, letting our historic areas get run down because of politics is extremely foolish. At some point you have to have the intestinal fortitude to do what’s right for Chinatown, and the rest of the dtes.

And isn’t there a new policy coming in that prohibits public hearings for rezoning applications that are consistent with the Vancouver ODP. That should ease public pressure in areas like Chinatown

[csbvan]

Keefer Rooms (222 Keefer St) being restored and rehabilitated following the fire from the other year:

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/222-keefer-st

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by csbvan

Keefer Rooms (222 Keefer St) being restored and rehabilitated following the fire from the other year:

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/222-keefer-st

Bought by BC Housing after the 2022 fire in the restaurant. They are surprisingly keeping it as rooms, with shared bathrooms, rather than creating self-contained suites. It is getting seismic upgrades and better safety systems, the full replacement of mechanical, electrical, fire protection and security systems and removal of all interior finishes including Hazardous Materials.

The interior layout is being changed, and the interior finishes on the residential floors are being upgraded, and they plan to provide as many private washrooms and shower rooms as possible, increasing from the
existing number.

[jollyburger]

The new look



https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/222-keefer-st

Tosi over on Main passed away at 93

https://vancouversun.com/news/chinatowns-legendary-italian-retailer-dies-at-93

[jollyburger]

Like many recent developments that have gone up for rezoning in city council, PACK Buildings & Technology’s Powerhouse X, a six-storey social housing building meant to provide 55 affordable units, faced opposition.

At its public hearing last month, a handful of residents showed up to voice their concerns about the development, citing that it was yet another building meant for low-income residents in an area that is bearing the brunt of that work compared to the rest of the city.

The project also had its supporters, though, who pointed out that affordable housing is still so needed in every corner of Vancouver.

Among those supporters was councillor Sean Orr, who hasn’t been in favour of every development application that has come to council but has prioritized lower-income housing. Orr moved the unanimous motion to approve the project.

“I had a friend that was an architect for this project a year and a half ago,” recalls Kevin Liu, CEO of PACK. “There was a non-profit organization that was proposing to purchase the site. They couldn’t close the transaction, so we came in, believing in the affordable housing vision, and took on the risk.”

That risk is mitigated somewhat with the “technology” part of PACK’s name. The company uses prefab and steel construction to build homes at a much faster rate and a lower cost than traditional construction.

According to PACK, the homes at 441 East Pender are intended for low- to moderate-income residents, including local workers, modest-income households, and seniors. Eligibility will reportedly be income-based and consistent with city guidelines and government housing programs.

“I definitely hear the concerns and opinions from the neighborhood," says Liu about the concerns voiced by residents. “At the same time, we believe we’re adding a valuable asset and affordable housing to the neighbourhood. We’re hoping that it’s a good fit for the long-term growth of the community.”

Liu also points out that social housing and supportive housing, though often conflated, are very different things. Supportive housing is permanent, subsidized rental housing paired with on-site support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with mental health, addiction, or physical challenges. Last year, the ruling ABC party voted to pause supportive housing in the city of Vancouver until other jurisdictions carry their weight on the matter.

“Most of the time, social housing is focused on affordability,” says Liu. “There’s no particular program associated with it. The residents are mostly independent, working, or senior people. All they need is affordability to make sure they have a great place to live and they can afford it. All the stakeholders have a clear understanding of it. It’s an important piece to align.”

https://www.straight.com/city-culture/te...sing-development-gets-through-opposition

[seamusmcduff]

People getting upset because they don't know the difference between supportive housing and affordable/social housing, a tale as old as time. The people here will be just regular people trying to make it in an unaffordable city,

It'll look quite good if built as shown

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by seamusmcduff

People getting upset because they don't know the difference between supportive housing and affordable/social housing, a tale as old as time. The people here will be just regular people trying to make it in an unaffordable city,

It'll look quite good if built as shown

In this case the non-profit organization that's mentioned in the article were proposing a supportive housing project in the initial application. It was effectively an SRO replacement for one of the East Hastings properties. Subsequently it's been changed to social housing, with a new developer, and fewer units including some that are for families. Some of the people objecting weren't aware of the changes. Others no doubt objected to a six storey social housing building, but there was some justification for confusion.

[logan5]

I would want some written guarantees that there would be no shelter rate, or any tenants on welfare receiving a rent supplement.

The core neighbourhoods have way too much supportive housing compared to the rest of the Metro, so I don't blame people for pushing back on any kind of social housing. Who knows what will happen down the road.

[jollyburger]

Doesn't seem like they have a building permit but Beedie had someone taking down the parking signs/putting up construction fencing around their lot.

The new hotel on the block Keefer House wants to convert the ground floor retail space into a bar. And a rooftop patio as a "premium guest amenity"

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/123-keefer-st

[Glow Fun City]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Doesn't seem like they have a building permit but Beedie had someone taking down the parking signs/putting up construction fencing around their lot.

The new hotel on the block Keefer House wants to convert the ground floor retail space into a bar. And a rooftop patio as a "premium guest amenity"

https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/123-keefer-st

Woohoo, 4am!

[RedArbutus]

Oh that's cool. More power to Kalido, then.

[csbvan]

Rival for The Keefer! Between Keefer, Meo, Laowai, Bagheera, Chickadee Room and now this, there will be quite the bar scene growing in Chinatown.

[GenWhy?]

This is niiiice:

"The Level 10 rooftop patio will be directly tied to the hotel bar and operate as an extension of the same establishment. Beverage service to the rooftop patio will be managed through the bar, with operations staff providing full supervision and control. The rooftop patio will serve as a premium guest amenity offering food and drink service with seating areas designed for maximizing view corridors and ensuring an inviting, well-managed space. The level 10 patio furniture will not be affixed and will operate seasonally. All furniture and seating will be removable. Patron access to the rooftop patio will occur through the hotel interior via controlled elevator access from the main level, with staff circulation between levels to support service and supervision "

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Doesn't seem like they have a building permit but Beedie had someone taking down the parking signs/putting up construction fencing around their lot.

It looked like they were sorting out the new parking arrangements rather than anything connected to construction. The parking lot has only just been reinstated, (having been a construction compound for the hotel), but they might be adding some sort of fencing?

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by Changing City

It looked like they were sorting out the new parking arrangements rather than anything connected to construction. The parking lot has only just been reinstated, (having been a construction compound for the hotel), but they might be adding some sort of fencing?

They must have been removing the fencing/installing the signage for the parking lot.

[Changing City]

The proposed hotel conversion of the Vancouver Film School building at 88 E Pender may not be happening. CBRE have a listing for the entire building.