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47-storey tower proposed for downtown Vancouver

Redevelopment would replace existing West End community garden
Concept view from Burrard Street looking north. Sketch Merrick Architecture
Concept view from Burrard Street looking north. Sketch Merrick Architecture

A 47-storey mixed-use tower is proposed for the corner of Burrard and Davie streets —    a site that’s served various uses over the decades, including housing a Safeway at one point, a Shell station at another, and currently a community garden.

The history of the property at 1157 Burrard St., which is located close to St. Paul’s Hospital, is highlighted in a section of the rezoning application.

The application notes that before the First World War, single family homes and a mixed-use residential and commercial building existed on the property. In 1928, Strand Fish & Chips opened, while a produce stand and drug store also operated during this period.

The site was redeveloped in 1940 when a Safeway grocery store was built, which was in business until the late 1960s.

The property was then redeveloped and a Shell service station operated on the property from 1971 until the late 1980s.

As that point, a mixed-use commercial development, which included a service station, was built. The building and station were demolished in 2007. In recent years, the site has been home to a community garden while awaiting redevelopment.

 

Location and context of site at 1157 Burrard St.
Location and context of site at 1157 Burrard St.

 

The latest proposal for the 47-storey tower includes 236 market residential units, 50 hotel units or 50 more residential units, ground-level commercial space and a 37-space daycare.

The application is being considered under the West End Community Plan and the Rezoning Policy for the West End.

Prima Properties and Merrick Architecture are involved in the redevelopment. The building’s design is inspired by the Westcoast environment.

An open house about the project runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Holiday Inn’s Columbia Ballroom at 1110 Howe St., April 25. The application is currently scheduled to go before the City of Vancouver's Urban Design Panel on May 15.

RENDERINGS

Concept view from Davie Street looking east. Sketch Merrick Architecture
Concept view from Davie Street looking east. Sketch: Merrick Architecture

 

Detail concept view from Davie Street looking east towards corner plaza. Sketch Merrick Architecture
Detail concept view from Davie Street looking east towards corner plaza. Sketch: Merrick Architecture

 

Building heights.
Building heights.

 

The context for the proposed development at 1157 Burrard St.
The context for the proposed development at 1157 Burrard St.

 

The context for the proposed development at 1157 Burrard St.
The context for the proposed development at 1157 Burrard St.

 

1157 Burrard
A view of the model from the southwest.