Since our last update on the project four months ago, construction has continued to progress as Parq Vancouver enters its last stages of development in the city’s downtown core.

Combining luxurious hotel and dining accommodations, with retail amenities and a casino and game space, Parq Vancouver’s 800,000-square-foot site will be the largest private development in British Columbia's history.

Rendering for Parq Vancouver, Vancouver, image via ARCOP + acdf

The $600 million ‘urban oasis’ has not been without controversy since the development was first announced in 2010. Following the City’s rejection of a proposed casino expansion in 2011, the project has experienced several delays after it was initially expected to open in 2013. Now, two years into construction, Parq Vancouver is expected to finally open its doors in the fall of 2017.

Designed by ARCOP + acdf and IBI Group for Paragon Development and Dundee Corporation, the anticipated LEED Gold development is comprised of two towers — the tallest of which will be 25 storeys — connected by a common base.

Parq Vancouver's glass cladding scales the tower, Vancouver, image by Forum contributor mcminsen

Parq Vancouver will be home to hotel chains JW Marriott and The Douglas, contributing 520 hotel rooms to the development's site. In addition to its casino and two hotels, Parq Vancouver will include five restaurants, three bars and lounges, spa and fitness amenities, and an additional 62,000 square feet of conference space. Located outside of BC Place, the development seeks to attract tourists and local residents alike with its range of upscale services and breathtaking design.

Side view of Parq Vancouver's glass curtain wall being built, Vancouver, image by Forum contributor mcminsen

Taking a closer look at the picture above, construction has progressed dramatically since we last reported on it in November of last year. Parq Vancouver’s two-toned copper glass curtain wall is now approaching the top of the development’s exterior, providing a beautiful copper sheen that complements BC Place’s shining sky blue veneer. As the development’s two towers draw closer to completion, construction of the site’s base continues. As seen below, the base's glass curtain wall is still undergoing installation. The development’s glass wrap, encasing the two towers and base, is starting to take shape.

Construction on Parq Vancouver's glass wrap, Vancouver, image by Forum contributor mcminsen

Parq Vancouver is the latest step in Yaletown’s regeneration following BC Place's hosting of the 86 Expo in 1986, which transformed the formerly industrial area into one of the city’s chicest neighbourhoods. Within walking distance of Rogers Arena, Parq Vancouver is expected to cement the area as the center of Vancouver’s entertainment and events industry, as well as Vancouver’s growing reputation as an international tourist destination. 

SkyriseCities 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.