CF Pacific Centre Developments

[mcminsen]

Here's how the sidewalk and car lane turned out on the corner of Howe and Robson.




Sept.17 '15, my pics

[mcminsen]

Bistro Verde entrance on Howe Street.




Sept.17 '15, my pics

[mcminsen]

Nice to see the windows now.



Sept.17 '15, my pics

[Hourglass]

Nice pictures, thx for sharing.

I like the Robson entrance. At street level, the windows are certainly an improvement on the old building, but is it me, or are there few / no display windows? IMO, this limits interaction with the street. In its own way, the set-up seems rather insular -- almost like a suburban mall; I think of the display windows, for example, at Harrods in London which almost always draw a crowd -- especially the special holiday displays. Likely this is a specification from the client (Nordstrom's), but something like that could really have livened up the Granville St side.

[retro_orange]

Originally Posted by Hourglass

Nice pictures, thx for sharing.

I like the Robson entrance. At street level, the windows are certainly an improvement on the old building, but is it me, or are there few / no display windows? IMO, this limits interaction with the street. In its own way, the set-up seems rather insular -- almost like a suburban mall; I think of the display windows, for example, at Harrods in London which almost always draw a crowd -- especially the special holiday displays. Likely this is a specification from the client (Nordstrom's), but something like that could really have livened up the Granville St side.

Agreed. However I feel this will be one of those buildings that will continue to see many alterations and renovations, both inside and out. A never fully complete building, which I guess is a good thing considering it's location and use.

Who else thinks they should have used the white patterned material on the entire facade instead of the stone? I think it would look awesome.

[mcminsen]

Originally Posted by retro_orange

Who else thinks they should have used the white patterned material on the entire facade instead of the stone? I think it would look awesome.

Just go see the new Simons department store in West Vancouver to get an idea of what a big store would look like with a predominantly textured white exterior.




Sept.6 '15, my pics

[trofirhen]

The potted plants and exterior menu outside the "Bistro Verde" give a (slightly) New Yorkish - or at least big city - feeling to it.

[connect2source]

Attention EATON'S fans!! Eaton's merchandise will be available this morning from 8:00 - 10:30am outside the Granville and Georgia entrance to Nordstrom. T-Shirts, hats, totes and more!

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/09/eatons-returns-to-downtown-vancouver-on-friday/

[osirisboy]

That's weird.

[Klazu]

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Can you believe that over two years has passed?

[osirisboy]

2? More like 3 years!

[nickbeaulieu]

I see they've changed the small square blue PC logo signs to match the new branding. Interesting that they changed the branding midway during this project after having already put up signs.

[WarrenC12]

Nordstrom was out handing out some pretty nice flowers at the Yaletown Canada Line station. The hype is in full effect. Finally somebody who knows how to launch a brand in Canada.

[vanlaw]

Originally Posted by mcminsen

Bistro Verde entrance on Howe Street.

Interesting they went with the US style menu with calories listed (required in some states, but not all I think). Always wondered why that isn't required up here.

[Prometheus]

Some video and photos from Nordstrom's big gala fashion show at Robson Square. A few supermodels, celebrities and taste makers in attendace: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainmen...g+downtown+vancouver/11369339/story.html

[red-paladin]

Originally Posted by mcminsen

I didn't want to say too much about this project until it was completed.
I.. don't really understand the motivation to have twelve and a half different design elements all together. My main concern was always how the building would interact with the street and secondly how it would look from Robson Square and from along Granville. It's an improvement, but I'm confused by the choice to make it so busy.

[Prometheus]

Originally Posted by red-paladin

I didn't want to say too much about this project until it was completed.

I.. don't really understand the motivation to have twelve and a half different design elements all together. My main concern was always how the building would interact with the street and secondly how it would look from Robson Square and from along Granville. It's an improvement, but I'm confused by the choice to make it so busy.

Apologists for the design would often repeat that good design costs money. But it is now clear that a much simpler, cleaner, more timeless (i.e., superior) design would have saved money, not cost more.

And I cannot believe how badly they bungled the Pacific Centre sign on the corner of Granville & Robson with their seemingly last minute changes, where style and aesthetics were trumped by the landlord's corporate branding targets.

[connect2source]

Some phone snaps from inside about noon today.

Store was packed, love the bar, Habitant, on the second floor, a first for Vancouver!

All merchandise was full priced so I'll likely wait for the sales. Men's shoe section is the best in Vancouver by far, blows Holts away! Mens casual, a mix between Hudson's Bay and Holts, jeans were the same brands, Nudie, Diesel, Naked and Famous and so on. I found the selection overall, far smaller than the Hudson's Bay 6th floor. The store had an awesome vibe, loud music and felt like being in a busy department store in the UK or Germany!

Two hour wait for Bistro Verde!


Photos By : connect2source

[LeftCoaster]

I was lucky enough to get to come to Van for the opening gala on Wednesday. A few thoughts:

1. It was apparently Nordstrom's strongest opening gala ever
2. Being nordstrom's first "flagship" level store in Canada it really is next level both in size and high end brands. It is a clear cut above the Calgary and Ottawa stores that have opened so far.
3. The level of service is simply astounding. This is going to fundamentally change the way retailers do business in the cities in which Norstrom operates
4. Boy does Nordstrom know how to open a store and make a scene. Top notch all around.

[connect2source]

Completely agree LeftCoaster, I've been to department stores all over the world, Nordstrom has managed to capture a vibe and energy I've never before experienced here, not sure how exactly they do it but it works!! I felt a bit like I was in Selfridges on Oxford St. on a busy Saturday.

In the shoe dept. alone, I was introduced, by name, but three sales associates in the first five minutes.

This Nordstrom is light-years ahead of most of their 'beige and brown' U.S. stores.