Cambie Corridor Updates

[osirisboy]

Omg. Finally. Hope this proposal actually starts

[Vin]

Originally Posted by BaddieB

Counterpoint: People would be more supportive of new development if the new development was pretty and not ugly. People would be much more supportive of new buildings across the street if it was a nice, ornate, thoughtful building than a glass and steel mess. The argument that we shouldn't build pretty neighbourhoods because people will defend from demolition is not the argument you think it is. People are against development like you say because people fear beautiful buildings being replaced with ugly ones. Nothing is stopping us from continuing to build the nice old buildings people like.



Tokyo is a very ugly city in its built form. It's clean, but ugly (don't post pictures of a nighttime alley or cherry blossoms, that's nothing I haven't already seen before). My argument isn't about livability from a walkability standpoint, but from an aesthetic standpoint. And Montreal? Montreal's older city areas like Plateau are very architecturally thoughtful, and the architecture is quite uniform.

Agree that Cambie did have many missed opportunities, but then this is just Vancouver's story, isn't it? Even if there were guidelines to the type of architecture, the design and zoning need to be extended to parallel streets for the area to feel close to anything European classic.

I totally detest bland and ugly buildings in Vancouver because they tend to stick around forever. The numerous walkups all over BC's town centres are just eyesores that are hard to get rid of.

One area that has some potential is East/West Boulevard area in Kerrisdale (Between W41st & W49th Ave). Some of the buildings have classic styles that new constructs should emulate for the area:
Example:
https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2301829,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2328476,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2282462,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

However, these types of buildings are too few and far apart to make an impact on the aesthetics of the area. The neighbourhood is still filled with way too many ugly walkups and other newer but bland constructs. Fingers crossed for more beautiful classic-style developments in the future here.


Even though the majority of Tokyo's newer buildings are ugly, I had the opportunity to walk some back streets there a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at some of the architecture there.
Your atypical Tokyo streetscape:
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.6859083,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

WW2 destroyed many beautiful structures all over the world, and this includes Tokyo's. What saddens me about Canadian cities is that even though the world wars never affected urban landscapes here, folks here fail to treasure what we have had.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by Vin

One area that has some potential is East/West Boulevard area in Kerrisdale (Between W41st & W49th Ave). Some of the buildings have classic styles that new constructs should emulate for the area:
Example:
https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2301829,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2328476,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2282462,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

However, these types of buildings are too few and far apart to make an impact on the aesthetics of the area. The neighbourhood is still filled with way too many ugly walkups and other newer but bland constructs. Fingers crossed for more beautiful classic-style developments in the future here.

At $2,062/psf for a unit you can build a lot of "pretty on the outside" buildings if the price is right.

This is a similar example in Cambie Corridor what while "unique" in that it is a new "older looking building" is quite kitsch to many. It's going for $1,437/psf. Most townhomes are a mix and look like the townhomes down the street.

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2166621,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by Vin

Agree that Cambie did have many missed opportunities, but then this is just Vancouver's story, isn't it? Even if there were guidelines to the type of architecture, the design and zoning need to be extended to parallel streets for the area to feel close to anything European classic.

I totally detest bland and ugly buildings in Vancouver because they tend to stick around forever. The numerous walkups all over BC's town centres are just eyesores that are hard to get rid of.

One area that has some potential is East/West Boulevard area in Kerrisdale (Between W41st & W49th Ave). Some of the buildings have classic styles that new constructs should emulate for the area:
Example:
https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2301829,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2328476,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

https://www.google.com/maps/@49.2282462,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

However, these types of buildings are too few and far apart to make an impact on the aesthetics of the area. The neighbourhood is still filled with way too many ugly walkups and other newer but bland constructs. Fingers crossed for more beautiful classic-style developments in the future here.


Even though the majority of Tokyo's newer buildings are ugly, I had the opportunity to walk some back streets there a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at some of the architecture there.
Your atypical Tokyo streetscape:
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.6859083,..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

WW2 destroyed many beautiful structures all over the world, and this includes Tokyo's. What saddens me about Canadian cities is that even though the world wars never affected urban landscapes here, folks here fail to treasure what we have had.

Barf. Historicist schlock reminiscent of those abandoned developments dotting China. Not surprising given the buyers they targeted.

[GenWhy?]

Vin, case and point, you can't please the masses and I think it's best to have buyer's individual tastes dictate the market. Whether that be pricier facades or easier-to-maintain facades.

I personally love the Boulevard exteriors. It's the interiors that I loath, for these prices, but that's a City policy item.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Barf. Historicist schlock reminiscent of those abandoned developments dotting China. Not surprising given the buyers they targeted.

Can't even compare. We are talking about new developments smack in the city of Vancouver, not like those outlying new towns in China.

Kerrisdale and Oakridhge are both middle-class to wealthy neighbourhoods and considered existing town centres here.

One good example of a local success is how the town centre in the city of Chilliwack is brought back to life by putting in classic architecture for a city-centre development:
https://district1881.com/
https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.1708913,-..._ep=EgoyMDI1MDIxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
You can barf all you want on this, but it brings in the tourist dollars for Chilliwack.

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

Vin, case and point, you can't please the masses and I think it's best to have buyer's individual tastes dictate the market. Whether that be pricier facades or easier-to-maintain facades.

I personally love the Boulevard exteriors. It's the interiors that I loath, for these prices, but that's a City policy item.

Just replying to BaddieB on the possibility of creating a beautiful and uniform street in classic form, that's all. If we could rezone larger areas around the streets, perhaps one day we can bring down the land costs to make creating more affordable but beautiful buildings possible. Lower land cost = more money to create better-looking structures inccluding nicer interiors.

[GenWhy?]

Agreed on both points, Vin.

[jollyburger]

A proposal to turn Vancouver’s Langara Family YMCA into mixed-use towers will go before city council on Tuesday.

Under the plan the YMCA, located at 282 West 49th Ave., would be redeveloped into three buildings at heights of eight, 33, and 37 storeys.

A staff report says the development would include 88 social housing units, 308 rental units, and 269 strata condos. It would also house a community centre with a 49-space child care centre, and a ground floor commercial space.

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/vancouver-vote-rezoning-langara-ymca-towers

[jollyburger]

I haven't been following this project but MST posted an update in January, not sure if anything is new.

It is anticipated that the presentation centre will be opened on the site in 2025. This will allow people to learn more about the opportunity to live at x̌ eẃs/Xawś/The New Village in the future.

https://thenewvillage.ca/


https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/wp-content/up...er-Lands-Project-Update-January-2025.pdf

[jollyburger]

(moved to General)

[Lexus]

2025, Mar 2

41 Ave. Intersection already feels drastically different from a year ago.

Untitled by Lexus LX, on Flickr

Untitled by Lexus LX, on Flickr

[officedweller]

Claridge House looks pretty bad - but it's true to the model:


https://www.nestpresales.com/listings/bl...ie-Condo-Presale-Vancouver#&gid=1&pid=10

[osirisboy]

I actually like it. I thought it looked good from Cambie

[Changing City]

The City have initiated the proposal to pre-zone the Cambie (and Broadway) transit corridors to allow between 4 and 22 storeys without requiring a rezoning, or public inquiry. This will presumably cut down expense and time for developers.

No doubt there will be a long Public Hearing to approve this, but then far fewe, (for the exceptional projects that want to go higher where the respective plans allow that).

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by osirisboy

I actually like it. I thought it looked good from Cambie

The south tower looks better than the north tower (on the corner).

[officedweller]

Copied from the general thread.

Claridge House is the first one.

Why do I think that the cubby hole surrounds on the TD branch building have been value engineered out of the design?

Originally Posted by SpongeG

I'm not sure of the name, its across the street from Oakridge at 41st/Cambie.

PXL_20250330_234550398 by snub_you, on Flickr

PXL_20250330_234331403 by snub_you, on Flickr

And this is the one with the TD in it across.
PXL_20250330_234321912 by snub_you, on Flickr

[officedweller]

Topping Out pics of the TD Building from last month:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHtksmxz8OA/...%EF%BC%9AWS99.ORG%E3%80%91.jtqy&hl=zh-cn

Yup, the cubby holes are gone:


https://vancouverdev.ca/profiles/vancouver/oakridge/41stcambie

Before:


https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/495-west-41st-vancouver-rental-housing-approved-pci-developments

[logan5]

Oakridge town center should be designated "Midtown". It will be significant enough, and makes geographic sense, and it sounds more sophisticated. We're Manhattan on the Pacific!

[Vin]

These are pretty ugly buildings I have to say: not dis-similar to those in the burbs being heavily criticized by many forumers, but are surprisingly silent here.

Only consolation is that the Oak Ridge project is just across the street, but what a contrast!

[vanman]

Originally Posted by Vin

These are pretty ugly buildings I have to say: not dis-similar to those in the burbs being heavily criticized by many forumers, but are surprisingly silent here.

Bland and uninspired for sure and a lost oppurtunity for a prominent intersection.