Downtown Vancouver Updates

[Skook]

The fancy new entranceway to the Flack building on Hastings is finished. Looks fantastic.

[204]

Originally Posted by raggedy13

Ok, the Vancouver Museum isn't quite downtown but since this article is about it possibly moving downtown I thought I'd put it in here. From the Globe and Mail:

This is the NY Times magazine article:

http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/03/30/style/t/index.html#pageName=30placegrid

You have to click on the icons....

[Delirium]

any chance that 3 Harbour Green increased its floor count?
it's going to design panel next week and it's listed as 38 floors... i thought it was 32 or something?

2. 5:15 pm : 277 Thurlow Street
DE: 411944
Use: 38-storey residential building adjadcent to the Convention Centre and park. Third of the Harbour Green towers.
Zoning: CD-1
Application Status: Complete
Review: First
Architect: IBI/HB Architects
Staff: Ralph Segal

[jlousa]

As far as I know it is 32 storyies, even states that on the DPB. Maybe Leftcoaster can confrim this.

Just added to the DPB today

1669 East Broadway
To develop the site with a four storey mixed-use building consisting of:
1st story - retail/small scale pharmacy/health care office/general; 2nd storey - general office/health care office; 3rd storey - general office/health care office; 4th storey - health care office; with 2.5 levels of underground parking having vehicular from the lane.

Also the Jameson was granted an additional floor as they had requested; a few of the SEFC properties (2-88 W 1ST AV, 27-99 W 2ND AV & 2-26 E 1ST AV) have had their height limit raised from 106.9ft to 116.9ft so they can accomadate an additional floor in each building.

And another industrial property in the area has been granted premission to go residential. 236 W 1ST AV rezone from M-2 to CD-1 to permit development of 12-storey residential tower at Crowe Street and West 1st Avenue and a 4-storey podium along West 1st Avenue.

[officedweller]

WRT Pantages - one of the other papers - G&M? - said there would be a breezeway from West Pender St. so patrons don't need to access from Hastings.

[LeftCoaster]

Originally Posted by Delirium

any chance that 3 Harbour Green increased its floor count?
it's going to design panel next week and it's listed as 38 floors... i thought it was 32 or something?

I am quite confident it is still 32 stories, although something could have changed easily as the 32 story tower had huge ceilings... so they could have squeezed in a few more stories without changing the DP I believe... although 6 seems like alot... not impossible though given the building is 400ft to the top of the mech penthouse.

[jlousa]

More details about the social housing at Main and 1st.

Introduction: Mary Beth Rondeau, Development Planner, introduced the proposal for a social housing project at the corner of Main Street and East 1st Avenue. The proposal is both a rezoning and a concurrent development application. The program for the building includes retail on Main Street, in accordance with the Official Development Plan (ODP) for SEFC, and 97 residential units. The ODP for SEFC showed a 12 storey massing on the site. In order to keep the historic character along Main Street, heights of the buildings will be kept between eighty and ninety feet. The proposed height of the building is 90 feet on Main Street and 100 feet on the westerly partial top floor. Generally the density in SEFC is 3.5 FSR with this proposal being at 4.5 FSR. Staff have no concerns regarding the increase in density as the proposal fits well within the intent of the ODP. The form of development works well and has a strong massing with a gap between the end massing and the future development next door. The gap is to be used for an outdoor amenity space with an art feature proposed to embellish the enclosure in the form of a gate or glass fence at each end. Urban agriculture is planned for one of the roof decks and the top floor will have another amenity deck attached to the indoor amenity. The building is to be LEED™ Gold with solar panels proposed as well as passive solar shading on the south and west facades.
Advice from the Panel on this application is sought on the following:
Does the Panel support the use, form and density for this site;
Does the Panel support the variation from the ODP from 12 storeys down to 10 storeys; and Does the Panel support the increase in density from 3.5 to 4.51 FSR.
Applicant’s Introductory Comments: Tom Bell, Architect, further described the proposal. He noted that they have had a great working relationship with the Lookout Emergency Aid Society. The building has been designed as a series of cubic forms. Mr. Bell noted that the colour of the building had been chosen with the help of the Society and the residents.
Pawel Gradowski, Landscape Architect, described the landscape plans for the project. Mr. Gradowski noted that there were three requirements for the landscaping. The first requirement was for the residents and needed to be low maintenance. The SEFC requirement is for 50% of the site in urban agriculture and this project has 51%. The last landscaping requirement was for achieving LEED™ Gold and the site is to have a green roof. Also, rain water will be collected in a cistern in the underground parking area and then recycled in the water feature.
Panel’s Consensus on Key Aspects Needing Improvement:
The Panel had no substantial concerns with this proposal.
Related Commentary: The Panel unanimously supported the project and acknowledged it as an exemplary project.
The Panel supported the use, form and density increase and hoped the project would stand for a new standard for Social Housing. They particularly liked that there are four distinct facades that respond to their solar orientation and that they are well integrated to the overall design of the building. Most of the Panel supported the applicant to go to the full height under the zoning for the building.
Most of the Panel were impressed by the building materials and the colour palette and thought it would relate well to the SEFC context. They also thought the applicant had chosen quality materials and hoped that value engineering would not diminish the project.
The Panel liked the lobby stating that it would be a wonderful experience for people that don’t usually get enough attention for their architectural needs.
The Panel liked the higher ceiling heights for the retail and liked the way the retail was integrated into the design of the building as it addresses Main Street in an appropriate way.
The Panel thought the outdoor spaces were well handled and liked the way they were integrated with the indoor amenity space. Several Panel members suggested making the usable outdoor amenity space larger by deleting some of the planting areas from the landscaping plan and moving the common space away from the private units. One Panel member suggested turning the benches so they face the view. Another Panel member suggested having a covered area on one of the outdoor amenity spaces for rainy weather. A couple of Panel members thought the trellis on the lower roof had no relationship to the architecture and suggested some further design development be given to these elements. They also thought the solar panels on the roof were a great idea and thought affordable market housing projects could take cues from this development.
The Panel thought that combining the rezoning with the DP had produced an excellent result. They also commended BC Housing for seeking a LEED™ Gold development with a 60 year mandate for durable buildings.
The Panel took a separate vote to acknowledge that this proposal is an exemplary project.
Applicant’s Response: Mr. Bell was very appreciative of the comments from the Panel and thanked the members of the Lookout Emergency Aid Society for their help and support.

EVALUATION: SUPPORT WITH NOTED DISTINCTION OF ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE (8-0)

[excel]

lots of positive announcements today. thanks for all the info.

[Hed Kandi]

Originally Posted by jlousa

As far as I know it is 32 storyies, even states that on the DPB. Maybe Leftcoaster can confrim this.

Just added to the DPB today

1669 East Broadway
To develop the site with a four storey mixed-use building consisting of:
1st story - retail/small scale pharmacy/health care office/general; 2nd storey - general office/health care office; 3rd storey - general office/health care office; 4th storey - health care office; with 2.5 levels of underground parking having vehicular from the lane.

Also the Jameson was granted an additional floor as they had requested; a few of the SEFC properties (2-88 W 1ST AV, 27-99 W 2ND AV & 2-26 E 1ST AV) have had their height limit raised from 106.9ft to 116.9ft so they can accomadate an additional floor in each building.

And another industrial property in the area has been granted premission to go residential. 236 W 1ST AV rezone from M-2 to CD-1 to permit development of 12-storey residential tower at Crowe Street and West 1st Avenue and a 4-storey podium along West 1st Avenue.

Does the Jameson House additional floor equate to an increase of height?

[LeftCoaster]

No, it was just like shangri-la... squeezing an additional floor into the existing height.

Unless the man in the orange vest has something to say?

[jlousa]

No Jameson will remain the same height, they'll just shave a couple inches off each floor to squeeze a new one in.

I see Leftcoaster beat me to it.

[Delirium]

Originally Posted by LeftCoaster

I am quite confident it is still 32 stories, although something could have changed easily as the 32 story tower had huge ceilings... so they could have squeezed in a few more stories without changing the DP I believe... although 6 seems like alot... not impossible though given the building is 400ft to the top of the mech penthouse.

thanks. you mentioned a while ago that you had additional renderings of
3HG.. any chance you can share them?

here;s a shot of Donovan taken yesterday. i think there's two penthouse floors to go.

[flight_from_kamakura]

didn't see this posted. emery barnes park is a pet curiosity of mine, and i'm thrilled silly that it looks set to go. also, imo, spencer herbert is vancouver's best politician.

Barnes park to finally expand
Flower beds and water features in first phase

Sandra Thomas
Vancouver Courier

Friday, April 18, 2008

After years of waiting, Beverli Barnes will witness the expansion of the park named after her father, Emery Barnes.

When the parks board approved the design of Emery Barnes Park in 2001, the proposal included a plan to eventually double the size of the tiny downtown urban oasis.

Seven years later, it looks like that's finally going to happen, says parks board commissioner Spencer Herbert.

"I've been hearing from residents saying, 'I seem to remember this park was supposed to be twice the size,'" said Herbert. "They want to know what's happening."

Herbert wants to reassure residents living near the park, located at the corner of Davie and Richards streets, that the expansion phase should be completed next year. The park was to be completed in 2007.

Herbert explains a big part of the delay was the logistics of acquiring the final properties between the 1100 block of Richards Street and the 1100 block of Seymour Street between Davie and Helmcken, including a nail salon and dry cleaner. He adds once the final leases on several businesses run out and the tenants move, construction of the expansion will begin.

"It's late, but it's good to go and the public should know that," said Herbert.

The park, which officially opened in September 2003, is named for long-time community activist and MLA Emery Barnes. Barnes and fellow NDP MLA Rosemary Brown were the first two black members elected to the legislative assembly in the riding of Vancouver Centre. Barnes was re-elected four times and the park is located within his former riding.

Barnes first served as deputy speaker and then speaker of the B.C. legislature. Barnes was also an exceptional athlete who was drafted to the NFL's Green Bay Packers in 1956, but left to pursue a football career with the CFL's B.C. Lions, where he played from 1962 to 1964.

Barnes's daughter Beverli Barnes was pleased to hear the expansion of the park will finally begin.

"I had heard the park was to be extended, but when it didn't happen I figured some developer had scooped it," Barnes told the Courier in an email. "I am thrilled to know the park will expand. The green spaces that make Vancouver so beautiful are disappearing or being turned into condos."

Barnes credits her sister, Constance Barnes, with leading the charge to have the park named after their father. When a new park needs a name, the parks board takes suggestions and makes a decision based on certain criteria.

Barnes adds this year marks the 10th year anniversary of their father's death, so the timing of the news is ideal.

"Honestly, I haven't spoken to my family about the expansion because it's news to me," she wrote. "I do know that when they hear about it and actually see it for their own eyes, there will be a celebration. It would be fantastic if it were done for July 1, the 10th anniversary of dad's death, but I know these things take time."

Barnes said it was a great honour to have the park named for their dad. "He worked and sacrificed so much of his personal life for the constituents of Vancouver Centre, and so many others, that he deserves to be remembered and honoured with something 'live' such as the park," said Barnes. "Dad loved nature and he would have spent time in the park--probably napping on a park bench."

The first phase of the park is .39 hectares and includes flower beds, water features, grass, trees, shrubs and classic stonework. According to a parks staff report, the initial cost to purchase the property was $16 million, funded primarily through an area-specific development cost levy. The development cost for the first phase was $1.4 million.

Herbert adds the rapid construction of residential buildings in the area caught a lot of people off guard. "And that's led to a big chunk of residents without enough green space," he said. "That's meant real pressure on Emery Barnes Park and Nelson Park. The expansion will double the amount of green space for downtown residents who really need it. And that can't happen soon enough."

[Hed Kandi]

Walked past that park 2 days ago.

When will it be completed?

[SpongeG]

article says next year - so 2009 it should be complete

Herbert wants to reassure residents living near the park, located at the corner of Davie and Richards streets, that the expansion phase should be completed next year.

will be nice to see

i am sure more people will use it - nice place to have lunch or wait for or after a film at that theatre across the street

any idea what the second phase will look like? more of the same or just a grassy expanse?

[Teddy888]

Anyone have any idea when this will be finished? Seems like one guy is working on the building and taking his time! Did people buy presales in this building? Anyone know the reason for the hold up?

[jlousa]

The developer behind Grace, is a perfectionist, I don't beleive a deadline was ever given, something along the lines of it'll be finished when they are complete and no sooner. I know there were some sales before constuction, but they chose to hold onto most of the units until completion. Their other building was the same thing. Shouldn't be much longer now.

[jlousa]

Surprised no one has posted this yet, it's from todays Province, on the parks board site you are able to see the 3 proposed renders of the restaurant, looks pretty good.

Board wants another restaurant on water
Concession stand would be replaced with an upscale eatery
Ian Austin, The Province
Published: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Vancouver parks board plan to build a 75-seat bistro in the heart of English Bay received a variety of restaurant reviews from passersby yesterday.
The board is considering razing a concession stand just west of the English Bay bath house and replacing it with a full-service restaurant, in the same way the Watermark Restaurant at Kitsilano Beach replaced a previous concession stand.
"I think that makes the beach less affordable," said West End resident Thea Jardine. "I know a lot of people who come down here with their kids.
Part of the experience is having something reasonable for the kids to eat. It's one of the few non-expensive places to hang out in Vancouver."
The restaurant, tentatively named the English Bay Bistro, would be directly across Beach Avenue from two restaurants on the other side of the street -- the Boathouse and Milestone's.
"We eat either at Milestone's or the Boathouse because we like the view," said downtown Vancouver resident Dianne Schindel. "This is one of the best corners around anywhere.
"I think it would be a good idea -- we've got concession stands at Second Beach and Sunset Beach."
The report to the parks board lists the Watermark and Mill Marine Bistro in Coal Harbour as successful waterfront restaurants.
"The Mill Marine Bistro . . . has been noted as the summer afternoon place to go in a number of entertainment surveys," reads the report.
"The Watermark Restaurant at Kitsilano Beach has been well received by both the local and broader community. It also garnered a number of design accolades."
The report, complete with artists' renderings, downplays the effect the restaurant will have on seawall walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers.
Vancouver's Jeff Miller said the restaurant's success will be a matter of execution, with a profound impact for one of Vancouver's most-visited locales.
"If it's done the right way, it could be nice," said Miller.
"If it's done the wrong way, it could be an eyesore and ruin the beach."
[email protected]

[djh]

One of the smartest things they did with Watermark was to put the restaurant on the above-ground floor, and put basically a nice consession stand/cafe & public facilities on the ground level. The net result is that the public has the same facilities they had before, PLUS a wicked restaurant with a spectacular view above.
If the same is done for the new restaurant at English Bay (i.e., they build the high-end restaurant, but also provide some concession facilities and provide public toilets), then nobody can complain about the development. Nothing will be lost, and there will be more options.

[jlousa]

The plan is there would still be the concession stands at the 2nd and 3rd beach, I wouldn't be surprised if you see some hotdog/ice cream vendors given access to the beach to appease people as well.