Reliance Properties has acquired a landmark apartment and retail property in the West End for $43,000,000. The building was built in 1958 and includes a 58-unit 16-storey concrete apartment highrise and three retail units including Milestones, and is prominently located at the intersection of Denman and Davie.

The building had been listed for sale by Avison Young without an asking price and sold after receiving multiple offers.

Plan A Real Estate has applied to the City of Vancouver to develop additional rental units on an apartment building they own at 1170 Barclay Street, The “Florida Apartments”. The proposal for the site includes:

• interior and exterior alterations, including a 2-storey plus roof deck addition,
• a Heritage Revitalization Agreement, to this existing two-storey plus basement, multiple dwelling building,
• increasing the number of apartment units from 16 to 28 units
  
• 7 surface parking spaces at the rear, having vehicular access from the lane
• total overall density of 2.07 FSR. (17,909 SF).

Under the site’s existing RM-5B zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.

Existing Building

The architect for the project is Hearth Architectural Inc. The application explains the design rationale:

“The development proposal for The Florida is to preserve and restore the existing Heritage Class “B” Art Deco building that has long been in disrepair and in need of a major renovation. An addition to the restoration of The Florida will take the form of two storeys that steps back from the face of the existing building to emphasize the original heritage massing and form. With a total of 5 storeys in the new development proposal for The Florida, the floor plans will be redesigned to house more functional living spaces and provide for a good mix of studios, one bedrooms and two bedroom apartments. A total of 23 apartments will provide livability options for West End residents.”

The building was acquired in 2010 for $3,360,000, or a 3.5% cap rate.

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.

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

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

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