We showed you what the corner of West Georgia and Homer Streets looked like more than 35 years ago in a recent edition of Throwback Thursday, where a surface parking lot gave rise to an office complex by Oxford Properties. Occupying a full city block, the Dunsmuir Street side of the property currently hosts a relatively modest pavilion fronted by wide sidewalks and landscaping, a spot B+H Architects has reimagined as a launchpad for a nine-storey commercial building.

The proposal for 401 West Georgia Street, image via B+H Architects

A development application submitted in March requests permission to redevelop the site with a new building that would host retail on the main level and office space on successive floors. The project would take on a clustered aesthetic, with the massing divided into three multi-level modules of 14,000 to 19,000 square feet. The second floor would contain 6,600 square feet of amenity space, including a 2,300-square-foot conference centre and a 4,300-square-foot fitness and change room facility.

Another angle of the proposed development, image via B+H Architects

The design rationale submitted with the development application draws parallels between the architecture of the proposal and the urban loft and industrial conversions common in Vancouver. Strong horizontal and vertical mullions mimic quintessential warehouse design, while polished concrete floors, open ceilings, and hanging LED fixtures carry on the theme inside.

A covered gathering place, image via B+H Architects

The gentle stepping away of the building from the existing tower increases access to daylight for tenants in both the old and new building, while also creating room for north and south-facing terraces. The uppermost box is set back along Dunsmuir to help frame views of the adjacent cathedral spire. The existing landscaping, described as "dated" in the design rationale, would be improved by consolidating greenery into a courtyard. The porcelain and stone materials would be replaced by softer and warmer elements, including wood, sand-blasted gravel, pressed concrete pavers, and brighter natural stone.

The site's existing zoning gives the application a "conditional" status, meaning approvals are required through the Development Permit Board, which is scheduled to review the application on June 12. Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated  Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.