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Westbank and Peterson Group began construction in 2006 on one of the last yet-to-be-developed sites in Coal Harbour. Bolstered by a design from James KM Cheng Architects, the landmark Fairmont Pacific Rim employed a caisson foundation that supported seven levels of below-grade parking and the 48 storeys of hotel rooms and condominiums above. Its completion just before the 2010 Winter Olympic Games marked the finalization of an initial beleaguered plan that was rejected over height concerns. After scrapping the proposal in 2005, Fairmont Hotels presented a new proposal, and was ultimately given approvals to proceed.
The property holds 367-room Fairmont Hotel and 175 luxury residences amid a swath of experiential and culinary destinations that includes an Italian cafe, lobby bar, and a champagne lounge. The condominiums surmount the first 22 storeys of the building, where the hotel is located. Though physically separated, residents enjoy access to the hotel's swanky amenities package.
The 140-metre-tall tower sports a glass curtain wall facade and balconies that integrate an art installation by British artist Liam Gillick on its southern and eastern exposures. The installation reads: "lying on top of the building the clouds look no nearer than when I was lying on the street." On the southwestern corner of the building's base, a perforated steel screen inspired by a photograph of North Vancouver's rainforest creates an impression of trees, light and shadows.
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