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Set to rise on the corner of Smithe and Cambie Streets in downtown Vancouver, Boffo Development's The Smithe will place 26 floors of mixed-use residential and commercial space on the site of a former low-rise warehouse. The location is sandwiched between Gastown to the north and Yaletown to the south, and also within a few blocks of either downtown or BC Place, which makes this an ideal address for those looking to live in the heart of the action. Designed by the Vancouver-based GBL Architects for the local firm Boffo Developments, the Smithe will very much be a homegrown project.
Previously known as 885 Cambie Street, and then as 225 Smithe Street as the site's official address changed over time, The Smithe, as it is known today, will be comprised of a mix of residential and commercial space spread over a total of 26 floors. The first four storeys will be dedicated to office space, and the rest of the tower will become home to 94 residential units, all of which will be between two and three bedrooms, ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, along with seven 4,500-square-foot penthouse suites that will be included at the top.
Separating the four-level podium, which will also house some street-level retail alongside the lobby, a double-height outdoor terrace and attached indoor amenity space will provide a good amount of visual distinction between the two uses. Notable as well, the developer will contribute more than $7 million to the City, to compensate for the demolition of the heritage warehouse building on the corner with the addition of upgraded bike lanes and an improved local streetscape.
One of several two-level warehouses in the area, which was once industrial rather than residential, the early 20th-century structure will make way for the tower. The added density will boost the neighbourhood's urban vibrancy, and the addition of nearly 100 family-sized units, along with the planned public realm improvements factored into the proposal will hopefully more than make up for the loss of heritage. Currently wending its way through the approvals process, construction is expected to progress soon after it is given the green light.
SkyriseVancouver will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
