Currently rising at the corner of Horby and Helmcken Streets in downtown Vancouver, Kenstone Properties' 20-storey 164-unit Addition condos, designed by Henriquez Partners Architects, has nearly topped off. The richly detailed facade of the adjacent 1915-built Murray Hotel is now covered in a protective shroud, while the heritage property awaits its $1 million restoration. Already sold out, Addition has been an easy sell. Its location, right at the heart of downtown, steps to transit, and surrounded by many of the city's best restaurants and shopping districts, has made it a popular choice for those looking for an urban lifestyle. 

Addition rising above the Murray Hotel, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

With a perfect Walk Score of 100, Addition will place residents at centre stage in terms of downtown living, with easy access to Robson and Granville Streets. The fully equipped fitness room, outdoor BBQ area, children's play room, and underground storage facility will all ensure that residents will be as comfortable at home as they will be out and about in the city.

Townhouse units at street level, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

While the majority of residents will reside within the tower portion, there will be a handful of townhouse units available at ground level, which will help relate the development to the street. The eventual restoration of the historic Murray Hotel, which has recently been used as a rooming house, will also enliven the streetscape. Having become synonymous with the rapid rate of change that has gripped the city over the last two decades, the redevelopment of the former surface lot upon which the tower will be built, and the full restoration of the run-down Murray Hotel have inextricably tied Addition to Vancouver's ongoing urban transformation. 

Addition, as it will appear upon completion, image via Kenstone Properties

Slated for completion by the end of 2017, Addition will be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. The heritage component alone is a sign of good things to come, and the recent trend of heritage retention within the city is a boon for all those who believe a city should grow in harmony with, not against, the grain of its architectural history. 

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.