Downtown Vancouver Updates

[rofina]

I'm confused - whats happening on the Georgia end at 401?

I know Dunsmuir is getting amazon building.

[officedweller]

Sounds like the bigger/taller frame structure shown here will be demolished,
leaving the shorter canopy structure and former BMO building remaining and reclad in dark materials to match the Dunsmuir Amazon side.
Hopefully the glazing on the former BMO will be replaced, too, if it is to match the Amazon side.

Originally Posted by mcminsen

July 18 '18, my pics

[Feathered Friend]

Respectful Yaletown Heritage Restoration Meets 1950s Medical Building – Warm Reception Follows

1290 Homer Street
When I learned Vancouver’s Heritage Commission was set to review an unpublished proposal to double the size of the 3 story Macpherson & Teetzel heritage building, I knew I had to be there to learn more. Though the meeting had started before I arrived, I was still in time to hear the applicant explain part of their design rational before the commission posed its questions.

I quickly realized that this would be a full heritage retention, as steel trusses will be integrated into the old building’s heavy timber supports to seismically stabilize it and to support the new addition. The applicant’s great respect for the heritage building was clear from their presentation, as they explained it will remain in its original footprint, and old photos will be used to rebuild a lost cornice, to make it as true to the original as possible.

https://cityduo.wordpress.com/2018/0...ption-follows/

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Vanville

A tower just went up in front of me blocking a large portion of my favourite view of the mountains up Howe Sound. There was a time I was able to watch the SeaBus cross Burrard Inlet on its way to Lonsdale Quay & also portions of the Stanley Park seawall but those views are also gone. Something I've noticed is how much sunlight is reflected into my apartment by the newer towers. The latest tower is so bad I can't look out the window at certain times of the day as it's quite blinding; turns the place into a greenhouse.

There are two sides to a coin. Conversely, your unit would be more brightly lit and warmer in the dank dark winter months.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Feathered Friend

https://cityduo.wordpress.com/2018/0...ption-follows/

I wish they can design a nicer looking building on top. This one is way too ugly and contrasts really badly with the heritage building below.

[logan5]

At least they are using a different material besides glass. I can’t read the materials list, but I presume that is Hardi board with wood veneer. But yeah, these heritage buildings with office space added on top look odd.

[logan5]

The architect presentation board says the addition must be distinguishable from the heritage structure. Why?

[GenWhy?]

That heritage retention is not even close to being a Beatty Street. The Beatty Street is how you do it right. This is not done right. I won't be surprised to hear the feedback come back telling them to ask Carscadden for how it's done right.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by logan5

The architect presentation board says the addition must be distinguishable from the heritage structure. Why?

It's a part of the national standards rules.

[officedweller]

I think the addition looks awful.
There needs to be more contrast between old and new.

The reason it looks odd is because the two almost blend in warm colour tones,
so you wonder if the top is original.

Then you wonder if it's an old 1970s addition (because of the banding).

In addition to the setback, the transition floor (on the roof of the old building) could be taller to separate the old and new.

I think the issue here may be the Yaletown Historic/Heritrage District facade restrictions, which require warm tones and natural materials and
maybe regular window spacing, preventing a unique design, with, say, angled facades or triangular windows, etc.

The worst example of "matchy-matchy" colour selection between old and new is the addition behnd the old CIBC facade on Granville & Robson (Old Navy).
The seafoam spandrel and the similarly coloured terracotta tiles are too close in colour.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Sounds like the bigger/taller frame structure shown here will be demolished,
leaving the shorter canopy structure and former BMO building remaining and reclad in dark materials to match the Dunsmuir Amazon side.
Hopefully the glazing on the former BMO will be replaced, too, if it is to match the Amazon side.

I wished they would do something similar to what they are doing on the Dunsmuir side on the Georgia side with maybe some height and look variation. Also, it would be nice to have retail continue and really add to the urban fabric of the area.

[mcminsen]

Originally Posted by christmas

DailyHive article:
Downtown Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre laneway is getting a 'psychedelic' makeover

http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vanco...re-awesome-now





So happy that this is happening. It would be better should some of the markets be facing the alley, but a step towards the right direction nonetheless.

Look at how much of a dump it is now:

https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.28101...7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.27999...7i13312!8i6656

Originally Posted by mcminsen

Looks like the transformation has started.



Sept.23 '17, my pics

About ten months later...


"ACKERY’S ALLEY

THIS LANE REPRESENTS
THE NEW VANCOUVER
ALL ALLEYS ARE A STAGE - STEP ON!
BEAUTY LURKS BACK HERE

DRIVERS: WATCH PEDESTRIANS
PEDESTRIANS: WATCH DRIVERS

NOT A PARKING LOT
NOT A URINAL

MORE AWESOME NOW"



July 20 '18, my pic

[osirisboy]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

It's a part of the national standards rules.

Is it a rule or guide? Like if someone doesn't follow it do they get kicked out of the archeticts club or something?

It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. This is why we get the shit we get like Ottawa chateau Laurier

[Vin]

That City initiated alley/lane behind the Orpheum; just one short word I need to say:

FAIL!!!

[mcminsen]

Originally Posted by x32ace

The south plaza is getting a refresh as part of the new building on the north plaza (which they've designated 402 Dunsmuir in communications to tenants).

Based on the renderings, the larger outer wall will be demolished. The pyramid skylights in the remaining podium will be replaced with clear glass and given a new dark paint job around the top to match the new building. There will be new paving, seating and plants installed. They're also hoping to attract a restaurant into the old BMO space.

Thanks. I'll refer to it as 402 Dunsmuir from now on.

Originally Posted by mcminsen

June 17 '18, my pics

July 21 '18

[bc2mb]

some clearer pics of the Yaletown addition:

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

it basically completely ignores the historic base, it looks like an addition to the building without the detailing. ruins the historic building.

if they are going to literally plop a box on top, they should just match the building like what the addition to the HBC building did. can barely tell it is 2 buildings, built years apart.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by osirisboy

Is it a rule or guide? Like if someone doesn't follow it do they get kicked out of the archeticts club or something?

It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. This is why we get the shit we get like Ottawa chateau Laurier

It's more of a guide: Parks Canada's "Standards & Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada".

As I've interacted with it, and understand, it depends of who designates what as "historic" or of importance and that branch and level of government sets the Rules and practice, standards of retention, preservation, and restoration.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by Vin

That City initiated alley/lane behind the Orpheum; just one short word I need to say:

FAIL!!!

Fail in what way?

[GenWhy?]

Here's the original building retention with modern office addition above by Carscadden at 564 Beatty.


Some more detail on their process here: https://www.carscadden.ca/564-beatty/