3333 Main Street | 18m | 5 fl | Completed

[SFUVancouver]

This has turned into the strangest thread in the Vancouver section.

[raggedy13]

^Indeed. What's with all the new posters posting exclusively in this thread? What makes this project so special?

[wrenegade]

There is nothing terribly special about this project. My guess is there are a number of people who are buyers (or prospective buyers) here and have been trying to find out more information about the project. It's a fairly straight forward 5 storey, wood-frame-on-concrete-podium building. Because it takes up an entire city block and there is a grade change from south to north, there are an extra half floor of units on the 1st floor. Just take a look at the website (here). A second floor unit on the north side doesn't really have the same "vantage point" as a 3rd floor unit on the south side because they are on opposite sides of the building and look different directions.

It is a nice project that will provide a good anchor (Shoppers) at the south end of the Mt. Pleasant project and add a good bit of density to the area. It is good news to hear that it is 60-65% sold, hopefully encouraging more development of the same type in the area. Nothing really more special about it that that, apart from its a floor higher than most projects in the area, which hopefully should be a sign of things to come as Mt. Pleasant's new ODP was just passed in November of last year.

[fuschia_yvr]

In my case, your guess is right on! I am very interested in this building/Main and while I have always read through many parts of this forum, it made me finally sign up.

I also understand your points about the vantage points. How strange that they are relaying this information. Their version made sense at the time while in the seductive showroom environment but is probably some misinformed nonscientific information!

I don't pretend to be neutral about this building or area as I have been interested in both for quite some time but I do believe it is more special than many other developments I have followed. Perhaps in location rather than architecture or features. I have always loved the curve and topography of Main between 17th and 18th. The eyesore of a Ford dealership wasn't doing it any justice. When I read up on the history of the curve I learned that, "this is where Vancouver and South Vancouver came together in 1929, and had to somehow have their non-aligned grids connected."

Something about this area, that curve, Heritage Hall and all of the history feels special. Like I said, I don't pretend to neutral and my love for Vancouver is probably causing some sentimental affection for the project

This intriguing article also described the potential for 3333 Main to become piazza-like and to transform this part of the city. It is an interesting read about what could make the project more special than most.
http://regardingplace.com/?p=3100

[logan5]

Originally Posted by awvan

There is nothing terribly special about this project.

I hope the storefronts are more creative than the generic large windows with the usual mullions.

Just looked at the website picture. The storefronts aren't special.
I guess you're right.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by awvan

There is nothing terribly special about this project. My guess is there are a number of people who are buyers (or prospective buyers) here and have been trying to find out more information about the project. It's a fairly straight forward 5 storey, wood-frame-on-concrete-podium building. Because it takes up an entire city block and there is a grade change from south to north, there are an extra half floor of units on the 1st floor. Just take a look at the website (here). A second floor unit on the north side doesn't really have the same "vantage point" as a 3rd floor unit on the south side because they are on opposite sides of the building and look different directions..

Is this the first large scale wood frame project in Vancouver to go over 4 storeys?

[westcoaster1]

Originally Posted by logan5

I hope the storefronts are more creative than the generic large windows with the usual mullions.

Just looked at the website picture. The storefronts aren't special.
I guess you're right.

There is space for 4 retail type stores at the south end of the building. Last I heard nothing was set for those 4 spaces, there was talk of an old school coffee shop (not Starbucks thank god), a health food type store similar to one at Main and 27th, and a bank. The north end is going to be Shoppers. I've also been told the slip street which cuts off from Main and runs parallel to the building is coming out and that whole triangle is going to be a park. The sales center is moving from its current location to one of the new town homes on 17th so they can build the park.

[westcoaster1]

The sales centre is moving into the northern most (on 17th) townhome in the development. Not the "Mix" townhomes across the street.

[westcoaster1]

On another topic altogether for those that are not aware, Bastion is developing and new site on the hundred year old Opsal Steel building at the corner of Quebec and 2nd. I thought that people that are interested in this forum might be interested in that one too, as I am.

[wrenegade]

^That info should probably go into the Opsal Steel thread (think it's back on the 2nd page by now).

With regards to 3333 Main, they are framing the 5th floor on the eastern half of the building and the 3rd floor on the west. Moving along pretty quickly.

[whatnext]

Some pictures I took a week or so ago. The homeowners on 18th must be pissed, there goes their backyard privacy.

[fuschia_yvr]

Wow. That has really moved along quickly since I visited the sales office a month ago.

Based on the wisdom here, any estimates of when it might be done should this speed of progress continue? The sales office is quite vague...

[wrenegade]

Late fall, maybe early next year? They appear to be about 2 months behind 33 & Main which is aiming for October-ish occupancy.

[agrant]

Wood frame buildings often seem to sprout up quickly. If you have a good framing team, they can do a house in a matter of weeks, but every so often there will be speed bumps. Like maybe the owner runs out of money... If there are no hold-ups, I'm pretty sure it will be completed well before next year, just based on my experience in construction. October looks very doable.

[SpongeG]

imagine how much faster they could be if ty pennington and his blowhorn were there

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

imagine how much faster they could be if ty pennington and his blowhorn were there

“Hello, citizens of Vancouver!”

[westcoaster1]

Originally Posted by awvan

Late fall, maybe early next year? They appear to be about 2 months behind 33 & Main which is aiming for October-ish occupancy.

The disclosure statement claims a January 15th completion date, I think that is pretty padded and the sales people tell those who ask, January/February completion date and that's because they don't want anyone saying to them "but you told me it was going to be......." dates are always padded.

The first 10 or so units from the south end (18th) have been built 2 deep from east to west, and they are working on the top floor now. The 10 or so from the north end (17th) were only built one deep and that's because the concrete had not been poured yet on the back side. That was poured yesterday so those back side units will go up pretty quickly now.

The construction manager told me that he wants to get the roof on and start putting the glass in so they can start working on the inside, out of the elements. He also told me they were "a little" ahead of schedule.

I can see it being done by the end of this year.

[whatnext]

Keep in mind that I only captured the South end of the site, which was farther along. This is a long building, and the middle and North end were nowhere near as advanced.

[fuschia_yvr]

Took a few quick photos of the progress on Thursday.. From the East side/on Main street. The South end is very far along and up to the fifth floor but the North end is finally catching up!

[SFUVancouver]

Fantastic update. Thank you very much for the photos.