A rezoning application is going to public hearing at the City of Burnaby next week for Phase One of Aoyuan‘s “The Grove” project in the Brentwood Town Centre area. Phase One is located at the corner of Willingdon and Dawson and extends along the North portion of the site to the corner of Alpha Avenue.
The 8-acre master plan project is located at the Southeast corner of Willingdon Avenue and Dawson Street. Aoyuan acquired the site, which consists of seven parcels currently improved with older industrial buildings. The master plan was approved in 2019.
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.
Existing complex.
Typical office floorplate.
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.”
Wave Developments has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to develop on a 19,724 SF site at East 2nd and Scotia.
The proposal is for a new 9-storey mixed residential and commercial use building, consisting of:
Manufacturing, Brewing and Distilling Use at Level 1 & 2;
Ground floor restaurant/retail space;
Gym & office space on level 2;
Market rental units on levels 3-7;
Office space on levels 8-9;
66 parking stalls on two levels of underground parking;
A building height of 102 ft.;
A total density of 4.0 FSR.
The above rendering from the architect’s website depicts what may be a previous version of the design. Credit: Studio Balcaen Kwan
The above rendering from the architect’s website depicts what may be a previous version of the design. Credit: Studio Balcaen KwanThe above rendering from the architect’s website depicts what may be a previous version of the design. Credit: Studio Balcaen Kwan
Under the site’s existing IC-3 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.
