[Burnaby] Gilmore Place | 214.8m | 64fl | Phase 1 Completed

[SFUVancouver]

I think that this proposal illustrates well the regional economic impact of the SkyTrain Millennium Line Broadway Extension. I can't imagine that it would be coming forward as-proposed were the Broadway Extension not approved, funded, and proceeding apace.

[csbvan]

Wow. A large office development in a suburb. It feels like it has been a while since we last saw one...

[Vin]

Having such a large office tower in the suburb is an anomaly in North America, especially for an urban area the size of Metro Vancouver. However, I'm not at all surprised. Bodes well for Burnaby though, and I hope they keep it up. Having financial districts in Brentwood, Metrotown and Surrey Central in 10 years' time would be something to look forward to.

The City of Burnaby should try to rebuild that substation near Gilmore and house all the electrical structures in a building (like the Dal Grauer substation in downtown Vancouver) or even underground (convert the land into an urban park). This should be the long-term plan if they are serious to convert that area into a new financial/commercial/retail district.

[csbvan]

Originally Posted by Vin

Having such a large office tower in the suburb is an anomaly in North America, especially for an urban area the size of Metro Vancouver. However, I'm not at all surprised. Bodes well for Burnaby though, and I hope they keep it up. Having financial districts in Brentwood, Metrotown and Surrey Central in 10 years' time would be something to look forward to.

The City of Burnaby should try to rebuild that substation near Gilmore and house all the electrical structures in a building (like the Dal Grauer substation in downtown Vancouver) or even underground (convert the land into an urban park). This should be the long-term plan if they are serious to convert that area into a new financial/commercial/retail district.

Suburban office development was the norm in North America for quite a while. Vancouver's suburbs have actually been at risk of being completely overshadowed by the city core, including downtown and Broadway. Metro Van's suburbs have been hurting on the office front, even though the plan has always been that they would host more employment space than in the past.

[officedweller]

Metrotower III was probably the last tall tower in the suburbs.
Brewery District (TransLink office was big but not tall).
Before that would have been Metrotower II and Central City.

Looking forward to Phase III at Amazing Brentwood as it will also have an office tower.
Not sure of the height though, but not likely as tall as 36 storeys
(based on the single elevator bank (of 6 elevators) on the mall floorplans).

[Vin]

Originally Posted by csbvan

Suburban office development was the norm in North America for quite a while. Vancouver's suburbs have actually been at risk of being completely overshadowed by the city core, including downtown and Broadway. Metro Van's suburbs have been hurting on the office front, even though the plan has always been that they would host more employment space than in the past.

I am talking about high-density large office towers such as the ones at Metrotown. Where in this country, other than Greater Toronto with its huge population, is this a common phenomenon?

Norm also means more than 50%, FYI.

Originally Posted by officedweller

Metrotower III was probably the last tall tower in the suburbs.
Brewery District (TransLink office was big but not tall).
Before that would have been Metrotower II and Central City.

Looking forward to Phase III at Amazing Brentwood as it will also have an office tower.
Not sure of the height though, but not likely as tall as 36 storeys
(based on the single elevator bank (of 6 elevators) on the mall floorplans).

If only these projects could all be consolidated into one area, we would have a pretty decent secondary financial district by now.

[GilmoreStation]

[officedweller]

Different office rendering showing same design from UrbanYVR:


https://urbanyvr.com/gilmore-place-office-tower-onni

[Metro-One]

It does look better in this rendering.

Nothing ground breaking, but it does look clean and has presence.

Also like what looks to be a lighting feature along the side.

[Vin]

Those horizontal LED strips........

[osirisboy]

Hoping it's reflective glass

[GilmoreStation]

Very much looking forward to the Burnaby City Council's approval on Monday for this office project. This will put Solo District's to shame and the more reason to be living in the Gilmore-Brentwood area.

[owenhujb]

How is having an office tower a sufficient reason to be living in the area, unless you work in it? Not to mention that the Metrotown area has three office towers and another proposed one in the Concord Sears project.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by owenhujb

How is having an office tower a sufficient reason to be living in the area, unless you work in it? Not to mention that the Metrotown area has three office towers and another proposed one in the Concord Sears project.

Ignore GilmoreStation. He was just out for his morning sTroll. Although if Onni actually have tenants lined up, and build this, it'll be a great addition to Burnaby's office market (as it's on a transit station, and so much of Burnaby's office space is entirely car dependent). It ought to help make retail here a bit more viable, as well.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Are we sure they're not a bot? I give it about six months before the suspension turns into a ban.

[e-clam9]

Concord Sears project will take forever because of the lawsuit.

[Hmoob]

Originally Posted by owenhujb

How is having an office tower a sufficient reason to be living in the area, unless you work in it? Not to mention that the Metrotown area has three office towers and another proposed one in the Concord Sears project.

Not to support any individuals here, but in an attempt to provide some perspective -

Commingled zoning definitely provides benefits to local residents, even if they commute to work in a different neighbourhood. Actively utilized office buildings mean increased daytime pedestrian traffic. More pedestrians means more eyes/less crime. It also means more customers for local shops and restaurants, enabling a more vibrant retail scene. With more customers throughout the day, retail spaces don't need to be as dependent on their evening and weekend business, so can afford to be a little less busy in those times. The result is more options for local residents than would otherwise be supportable.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by Hmoob

Not to support any individuals here, but in an attempt to provide some perspective -

Commingled zoning definitely provides benefits to local residents, even if they commute to work in a different neighbourhood. Actively utilized office buildings mean increased daytime pedestrian traffic. More pedestrians means more eyes/less crime. It also means more customers for local shops and restaurants, enabling a more vibrant retail scene. With more customers throughout the day, retail spaces don't need to be as dependent on their evening and weekend business, so can afford to be a little less busy in those times. The result is more options for local residents than would otherwise be supportable.

Totally agreed. One of the reasons for the success of Metrotown is also because of the office towers located there. There is not a "dull" moment throughout the whole day, especially on the weekdays.

[SpongeG]

The site includes those two low rise office buildings just to the east. Isn't the plan to build the new office building than demolish the two short ones in a future phase?

[GilmoreStation]

Approved for public hearing on June 25th at Burnaby City Hall, has anyone attended one of these?