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The intersection of Commercial and Broadway is one of the busiest in Vancouver, and is proving to be an ideal target for intensification by the City. The recently approved Grandview-Woodlands Community Plan envisions dramatic changes for the Safeway store and its open parking lot just southeast of the intersection, including the creation of a new public plaza.
On June 8th, the City of Vancouver hosted an open house to educate the public on the possible vision for the plaza, as well as an alternative proposal for a plaza location from the development team (Crombie REIT/ Safeway, Westbank and Bing Thom Architects). The alternative location would bridge over the Grandview Cut on the east side of Commercial Drive, adjacent to and under the Skytrain guideway.
Original and proposed alternative public plaza location, image via City of Vancouver
Regardless of location, the project proponents are being asked to consider a number of factors in the design of the plaza, including treatment of the edges, connectivity, safety, sunlight and shading, weather protection, street furniture, noise mitigation, and sustainable design. Several speakers presented examples of successful plazas and public spaces from around the world, and open house attendees were able to ask questions for clarification.
Another open house was hosted on June 27th by Crombie REIT, Westbank, Bing Thom Architects, Hapa Collaborative and Bunt & Associates. Attendees had the opportunity to examine a large number of presentation boards and preliminary architectural mock-ups. One of the key deviations from the Grandview-Woodlands Community Plan is the location of the public, ground-level plaza. While the current proposal features some public space, most of it will be located on the second and third floors of the podium. As initially proposed on June 8th, the ground-level plaza is to be located over the Grandview Cut, but the size and facilities will be expanded compared to the earlier plan.
The 105,682-square-foot site would give way to buildings between 11 and 24 storeys in height. 'Block A' is proposed to climb 17 storeys, while 'Block B' would rise 21 storeys. The remaining two blocks are proposed at 24 and 11 storeys. The plan calls for a mix of affordable rental and market condominiums, 649 units in total. The site would continue to host a Safeway store, encompassing 56,000 square feet of space, with an additional 11,200 square feet of retail planned. There would also be 55,000 square feet of office space and an 11,000-square-foot daycare with a capacity of 70 children.
Sketches showcase the 22,000-square-foot public space and the varied massing of the proposed buildings, which would be connected to the streetscape via a grand staircase that doubles as terraced seating. There are 524 vehicular parking spaces proposed, with 971 bicycle parking stalls also in the works.
The project proposal is expected to be submitted for city review later in the summer. In the meantime, you can check out the Database file linked below for more information, or get involved in the discussion at the associated Forum thread.
