Renovation & Strata Conversion Eyed for Metrotown Place

Slate Asset Management has applied to the City of Burnaby to rezone Metrotown Place in order to allow a complete renovation and expansion of the 250,000 SF office complex, as well as a strata conversion that would total 236 strata units. Slate acquired the property on behalf of their Slate Canadian Real Estate Opportunity Fund in March 2019 for $95,000,000.

The golden clad towers, previously owned and occupied by Metro Vancouver, were built in the early 80s are sited at the western gateway of the Metrotown Downtown neighbourhood on Kingsway.

The RBC building located on the northeast corner of the site is not part of this project.

The rezoning would allow for the following alterations to the property:

• 230 office strata units;
• 6 retail strata units;
• a total of 223,000 SF of saleable area;
• re-cladding of the buildings;
• alterations to the site’s public realm & landscaping;
• a 39,229 SF increase in total floor area;
• an expanded ground and second floor level connection between the two buildings;
• upgrade the building envelope to improve energy performance and meet Step 3 of the BC Building Code.
• expand the second floor area to match the ground level, and provide additional floor area on the office tower.
• strata-titling of some or all of the office and retail space.
• a total density of 4.40 FAR.

The application describes the design rationale: “The design intent to enhance the office buildings to Class AAA facilities builds on the legacy of the existing landmark Golden Towers as prime office real estate through modernization of the building’s exterior and interior. Classic, minimal, restrained and elegant are key words that influenced the form, shape, materials and colour for this gateway site. And an overarching desire to unify the three elements: podium, tower 1 and tower 3 form the foundation of the architectural language.

Currently the two towers are completely separate buildings. The project’s big move links these two towers on both the ground floor and level 2 to create a connection between the buildings allowing for efficiencies of use and access. The two main entry points off Kingsway and Kathleen are maintained.

The proposed design shifts the primary Kingsway entry closer to the property line to improve the street edge and shape a more intimate and active public space. Both entries are strengthened by framing the doors with a metal panel portal of contrasting colour, creating definition and wayfinding on site. The Kingsway entry is further enhanced through a large airy, light filled double height atrium space. Added retail program at the ground floor frames the double height space, creating increased opportunities to activate the street through small scale shops and cafes. Another, key feature of the building design is the increased amenity areas on levels 2 and 3. The level 2 amenities include: shared meeting rooms, work spaces and a lounge along with a large sub- dividable room for presentations and functions. These semi-public spaces offer business owners and employees shared facilities to meet with clients. Also on level 2 are state of the art end of trip facilities: large bicycle storage facilities offer showers, changes rooms, and lockers to promote healthy lifestyles and riding to work. Further, two transit stations are within walking distance of the site and the City of Burnaby’s street standard upgrades support this ambitious strategy. On level 3 a new club house, gym and an improved outside amenity deck offers private spaces for employees and owners to relax, work out, and have lunch.”

The architect for the project is Dialog.