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Masonry residential tower project heads to Development Permit Board

The plan to build two residential towers — one 43 and the other 48 storeys — connected by six-storey podium on Alberni Street goes before the Development Permit Board May 27.

The plan to build two residential towers — one 43 and the other 48 storeys — connected by six-storey podium on Alberni Street goes before the Development Permit Board May 27.

Landa Global Properties and Asia Standard Americas are behind the project, which was designed by architecture firm Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership (MCM).

The buildings will sit between Broughton and Nicola streets.

The development features 580 units, including 129 replacement rental units with 10 per cent secured at below-market rental rates, as well as a 56-space daycare on the seventh floor.

Rezoning for the site was approved on Sept. 18, 2018. The development permit application was submitted Dec. 21. The Urban Design Panel reviewed the application on April 3, 2019, supporting it with recommendations.

The project is seeking to become the first residential Passive House highrise in Vancouver.

Mark Thompson of Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership said one of the primary goals of the development was to create a residential feel and character.

“The last thirty years of construction in Vancouver has witnessed the rise of a thicket of glass towers. However, it is important to remember that for 100 years before then, almost all buildings, including residential buildings, in Vancouver were masonry structures with ‘punched’ windows,” Thompson wrote in a design brief for the development application.

“This 150 years of architectural history in Vancouver is equally important if not more important than the 30 year glass period. We believe the Alberni buildings are an excellent opportunity for the West End to connect to this long tradition of masonry residential buildings in Vancouver.”

City of Vancouver staff are recommending approval, describing it as “a high quality development consistent with the intent envisioned under the West End Community Plan and the Downtown Character Area Descriptions."

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1444 Alberni St. Rendering Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership
1444 Alberni St. Rendering Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership

 

1444 Alberni St.
1444 Alberni St.