A New Anchor for Kitsilano Retail
Exciting changes are transforming the intersection of West 4th Avenue and Macdonald Street in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. Fresh St. Market will become the first anchor retailer in this area. The market is opening on the ground level of Kitsilano Block, a mixed-use residential and retail building. This new development is currently under construction at 1981 Macdonald Street (2803 West 4th Avenue). New Retail Hub in Kitsilano.
Kitsilano Block: A Modern Addition
Kitsilano Block will be a four-storey building featuring 67 strata market condominium homes on the upper levels and commercial spaces on the ground level. Initially, the ground level was intended for a new London Drugs store. However, plans changed in 2022, shifting the space to accommodate a grocery store.
Fresh St. Market’s New Home
The city approved tenant improvements for Fresh St. Market this past spring. The store will cover approximately 20,000 sq ft and offer diverse services. Shoppers can anticipate Peak Donuts & Cafe, a hot meal self-service bar, grab-and-go sushi, and an extensive cheese counter. Additionally, there will be a full-service deli and meat seafood area. Furthermore, customers will benefit from ample underground parking.
Construction and Opening Timeline
Construction for Fresh St. Market’s tenant improvements will begin in early 2025, with a targeted opening in Summer 2025. The condominium homes in the levels above are also scheduled for completion in early 2025.
A Project by the Louie Family
The Kitsilano Block is developed by Richmond-based Hathstauwk, owned by BC’s storied Louie family. The family also owns London Drugs and Georgia Main Food Group, the parent company of Fresh St. Market and IGA grocery stores. Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership is the architectural design firm behind this project.
Fresh St. Market’s Growing Presence
This new Kitsilano location will be Fresh St. Market’s eighth store. Another location at 150 West Esplanade Avenue in Lonsdale, North Vancouver, is set to open in Fall 2024, converting an existing IGA store. The Kitsilano Block store will be their second in Vancouver, following the 2020 opening within the Vancouver House Tower in downtown Vancouver.
Revitalizing the Neighborhood
Adjacent to Kitsilano Block, construction is progressing on Third Space Properties’ redevelopment of the former Chevron gas station at 2783 West 4th Avenue. This six-storey building will feature 99 secured purpose-built rental homes and 15,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space on the ground level, expected to be ready in Fall 2025.
Enhancing the Retail Cluster
Both projects will significantly enhance the local retail cluster by replacing a vacant lot and gas station with vibrant new businesses. Fresh St. Market, in particular, will anchor this small retail village along West 4th Avenue between Bayswater and Trafalgar Streets. This will attract locals and increase foot traffic to neighboring businesses.
Improved Accessibility
The area’s accessibility has recently been enhanced by TransLink’s conversion of the No. 2 Macdonald/Burrard Station bus route into a fully articulated bus service, providing more capacity for the busy route.
Long-term Potential
The nearby Safeway grocery store at 2315 West 4th Avenue also has potential for long-term redevelopment, further expanding the retail strip. Consequently, this area could evolve into a continuous West 4th Avenue retail corridor from Bayswater Street to the Granville Street Bridge. Over time, this transformation would turn the neighbourhood into a bustling commercial hub. New Retail Hub in Kitsilano.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash