New 22-Storey Tower Proposal
Kitsilano North is poised for significant transformation with a new 22-storey tower proposal. This latest development plan aligns with the City of Vancouver’s Broadway Plan, calling for a 242-ft-tall, mixed-use tower at 2267-2275 West 7th Avenue. Major Changes on the Horizon.
Strategic Location
Situated just a six-minute walk northwest from the future Arbutus Station and the 99 B-Line bus exchange, the proposal envisions replacing a 1910-built, three-storey building with five units and a 1966-built, three-storey building with 20 units.
Modern Housing Solution
Designed by Acton Ostry Architects, the new tower will offer 190 secured purpose-built rental homes. These include 152 market rental units and 38 below-market rental units, featuring a mix of 90 studio units, 30 one-bedroom units, 50 two-bedroom units, and 20 three-bedroom units.
Extensive Amenities
Residents will enjoy shared amenities on the ground level and rooftop. The rooftop on level 22 will feature various outdoor zones, extending indoor amenities. Activities may include urban agriculture, outdoor cooking, dining, sunbathing, and open-air fitness. These spaces will offer panoramic views and varying solar exposure throughout the day.
Childcare Facility
The ground level will house a 3,000 sq ft childcare facility, accommodating up to 25 children. This indoor facility will open to an enclosed outdoor play area, ensuring a safe and fun environment for kids.
Architectural Design and Setbacks
Following the Broadway Plan, the project adopts a “tower in the park” form with landscaped setbacks and gardens. A three-metre setback on the north side will reserve space for a potential future laneway through the block.
Building Specifications
The proposed building will have a floor area of over 122,000 sq ft, establishing a floor area ratio (FAR) of 6.8. This includes the Broadway Plan’s base allowance of 6.5 FAR, plus an additional 0.3 FAR for childcare or retail space. The building height slightly exceeds the area plan’s prescriptions.
Parking and Bike Storage
Four underground levels will provide 42 vehicle parking stalls, a significant reduction from the typical 103 stalls required for such density. Additionally, there will be 427 secure bike parking spaces, promoting sustainable transportation options for residents.
Kitsilano North is set for exciting changes, bringing modern living spaces, extensive amenities, and enhanced community facilities to this vibrant neighbourhood. Major Changes on the Horizon.
Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash