Here’s an update on one of Vancouver’s most unheard of projects. It’s an 18-storey residential tower on the site of what used to be the Legg Residence, a heritage mansion that was demolished in order to protect a tulip tree on the site.

The project started construction in 2014 after years of delays, and now appears to nearing completion of the exterior build.

courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/eL1TFc via @imageshack

courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/qXukw2 via @imageshack

courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/UGXXYs via @imageshack

courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/2ekvpc via @imageshack

Conwest Residential has applied to the City of Vancouver to develop a new townhouse project on a 13,490 SF RM-7 zoned land assembly in the Norquay Village area of East Vancouver. The site is located on Ward Street, just West of Earles Street. Details of the proposal include:

• 16 townhouse units in two buildings
• a total density of 1.20 FSR (16,188 SF);
• a building height of 37.42 feet
• 12 surface parking spaces having  vehicular access from the lane;

Under the site’s existing RM-7 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.

The architect for the project is b2 architecture inc.

An interesting proposal has surfaced for a 33-foot lot on Commercial Drive at the corner of Napier Street. The site, which is improved with a 2-storey heritage commercial building built in 1908, is now being planned for heritage preservation with an infill apartment building at the rear lane.

Details of the proposal include:

• retaining the existing 2-storey Heritage B building (now occupied by Moja Coffee)
• a new 5-storey infill residential building with 8 rental apartment units at the rear of this site;
• a maximum height of 48.5 feet;
• a density of 2.70 FSR (10,108 SF);
• one-car share parking space having vehicular access from the lane;
• removal of one street tree on Napier Street.

Under the site’s existing C-2C1 zoning, the application is conditional and requires the approval of the planning department. For this project, relaxations would be required on building height and some setbacks. The application references incentives under the Rental 100 program.

View from Napier St – existing heritage building on the right

View from rear lane

The architect for the project is Cornerstone Architecture.

The property was listed for sale in 2013 and sold for $1,690,000, which equates to approx. $125 per buildable SF when the existing building is taken to account.