The Molnar Group has submitted a rezoning application for a 47,674 SF site at the corner of Hull Street and East 20th Avenue in East Vancouver.  The plan for the lots at 3560-3570 Hull Street and 2070-2090 East 20th Avenue is to rezone from the existing RS-1 to permit a 3.5-storey development containing townhouses, an apartment and a retained heritage house.

The proposal includes:

• 70 secured market rental units
• 41 3-bedroom townhouses, 28 one-bedroom apartment units, and one 2-bed heritage house);
• A total density of 1.53 FSR;
• A maximum height of approximately 50 ft.;
• Relocation and designation of an existing heritage house at 2088 East 20th Avenue; and
• 82 underground parking spaces.

This application is being considered under the Affordable Housing Choices Interim Rezoning Policy. The rezoning policy is relatively unknown even among the development community; it allows for higher densities for “affordable” rental or social housing on or near arterial streets. In this case, the large single family lots helped facilitate the proposal.

The architect for the project is Wensley Architecture.

Molnar acquired the site in July 2016 for $13,375,000, or $183 per buildable SF based on the application.

Wesgroup has acquired the Chevron at 1008 West 41st Avenue (Southwest corner of Oak and 41st) for $12,249,400. The 135′ x 130′ (17,500 SF) site is currently zoned C-1 commercial, but can be potentially rezoned to allow greater density for rental housing.

Wesgroup also acquired the adjacent building and lot to the South at 5775 Oak Street earlier this year for $16,350,000.

The two sites combined would create a consolidated lot 35,980 SF in size.

Here is a brief update on a project in the West End that is a partnership between Bosa Properties and Central Presbyterian Church. The property was rezoned in 2014 to allow a new 22-storey building that includes 168 units of market rental apartments and 45 units of non-market rental apartments, as well as retail space, a new church and a preschool.

photo courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/NealhU via @imageshack

photo courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/XqOWCP via @imageshack

photo courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/WEQhhh via @imageshack

photo courtesy mcminsen http://po.st/VAXF7t via @imageshack

A development application has been submitted to the City of Vancouver for an underutilized 58′ x 122′ C-2C zoned site at 550 East Broadway, on the south side of the street between Kingsway and Fraser. The plan is to develop the site with a 4-storey mixed-use residential/commercial building containing:

• 25 market rental apartment units on the second to fourth floors;
• 5 one-bedrooms and 20 studio units;
• 2 CRU units for retail and restaurant uses on the ground floor;
• One CRU unit below grade on P1;
• a total density of 3.00 FSR;
• an overall building height of approximately 47.2 feet; and
• 43 underground parking spaces on 3 levels, accessed from the lane.

Under the site’s existing C-2C zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.

The application describes the design rationale: “Floorplates are simply laid out, with a central corridor giving access to long, linear units which open to each frontage. Floor levels 2 & 3 are similar, each containing 9 units in a very similar arrangement. The fourth level has more variation in unit type, containing 3 one bedroom units and 4 studio units, plus an amenity room. The elevator and east exit stair also serve to provide access to the rooftop, which is generously outfitted with outdoor terraces, urban agriculture facilities, outdoor cooking & dining facilities, outdoor play area, and a green roof area (not accessible).”

The site was acquired in May 2016 for $3,880,000, or $183 per buildable SF.

The architect for the project is Gair Williamson Architects.

The preliminary master plan concept for the 38.5 acre Sapperton Green site has now been approved by the City of New Westminster, allowing the project to move forward to public consultation and eventual rezoning.

Plans to rezone and redevelop the current industrial property first came forward several years ago, with an application by Quadreal for OCP amendment approved in November 2015.

The site sits on the Eastern edge of New Westminster and is adjacent to Braid Skytrain Station. The site is currently improved with older industrial buildings currently used by Amazon.

Details of the proposed development within the preliminary master plan include:

• 13 to 14 residential towers with midrises and townhouses
• Approx. 3,700 units (half condo / half rental)
• 3,400,000 SF of residential space
• 800,000 to 1,150,000 SF of office space (mostly along Braid near the station)
• 150,000 SF of retail space
• 35,000 SF community centre facility
• a central greenway running through the site in addition to a road network
• park dedication equal to approx. 12% of the gross site area
• a CAC to be determined

The first phase of the project would occur on the South and East portions of the site, the subsequent three phases would require demolition of the existing Amazon building.

It is anticipated that the rezoning application would be sent to public hearing in the Spring of 2018.