Kitsilano rezoning applications

Major Changes on the Horizon for Kitsilano

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

New Residential Towers Proposed in Kitsilano

Transforming Kitsilano’s Skyline

Two new residential towers have been proposed in Kitsilano, set to reshape the neighborhood’s skyline. These projects, now in the city’s rezoning application process following the Broadway Plan approval in 2022, promise to bring modern living to this vibrant area.

2226 W 8th Ave: A Blend of Old and New

The first tower, a 23-storey building at 2226 W 8th Ave and 2415-2421 Yew St., aims to replace a 35-unit apartment building. This ambitious project also plans to integrate two historic homes built in 1912 into the new development, using them as amenity spaces connected to the tower. These preserved facades and newly finished interiors will provide unique communal areas for residents.

The proposal highlights various amenities, including a rooftop social lounge, basement fitness space, and a games room. The tower will feature 224 rental units, with 20% designated as below-market rentals for households earning under $80,000 annually. The mix includes 63 studio apartments, 73 one-bedroom units, 66 two-bedroom units, and 22 three-bedroom units. Additionally, there will be 90 parking spots for residents.

Proximity to Key Locations

This project boasts a strategic location near West Broadway and the forthcoming Arbutus SkyTrain station, enhancing connectivity. While the Millennium Line extension to UBC remains unannounced, its potential adds value to this development.

1855 W 2nd Ave: Urban Living Redefined

The second proposed tower, standing 20 storeys tall, is located at West 2nd Avenue behind the Petro Canada station on Burrard Street. This development will replace a 36-unit building from 1972, introducing 171 rental units to the area.

This project is designed with convenience in mind, featuring retail space on the ground floor for shops or commercial ventures. The top two floors are reserved for amenities, including a gym, co-working space, and multipurpose rooms. The unit mix includes 112 one-bedroom or studio units, 42 two-bedroom units, and 17 three-bedroom homes. Residents will also have access to 61 parking stalls. New Residential Towers Proposed in Kitsilano.

Enhancing Kitsilano’s Appeal

Both towers promise to enhance Kitsilano’s appeal, offering modern amenities and increased housing options close to shopping, transit, and recreational spots like Kitsilano Beach. These developments reflect the area’s evolving landscape while preserving its historical charm, providing a perfect blend of past and future for residents. New Residential Towers Proposed in Kitsilano.

Photo by Filipe Nobre on Unsplash