Following the demolition of a row of 1950s-era low-rise apartment blocks, excavation has now begun in preparation for the construction of Imperial by Amacon. The 26-storey, 169-unit residential tower and townhome project will soon become part of the changing face of Burnaby. 

Imperial, image via Amacon

For now little more than a muddy excavation site, the development at the corner of Imperial and Dunblane in central Burnaby will rise just steps away from both the sprawling Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre and the Royal Oak SkyTrain stop in the heart of the Vancouver suburb's bustling Kingsway corridor. 

Crop of new highrises looming above the Imperial excavation site, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

Evidenced by the contrasting views of the excavation site seen above and below, Burnaby has been experiencing a rapid rate of redevelopment and intensification over the last few years, as large swaths of traditionally suburban landforms give way to modern glass highrises. The current building boom has been spurred in equal parts by the completion of the SkyTrain and skyrocketing real estate prices within Vancouver. 

Excavation site, alternate angle, with traditional low-rise structures overhead, image by Forum contributor City Of Rain

While the vast majority of units will be found within the tower portion of the development, there will be a limited number of live/work townhomes available. Beyond a modest collection of building amenities, Imperial's main draw will most likely be its proximity to the SkyTrain and shopping centre, as the ability to forego car ownership is a plus for those who prefer to get around on foot, by train, or by bicycle. 

Imperial, main entrance close-up view, image via Amacon

Slated for completion in 2020, Imperial will be a welcome addition to the area, as central Burnaby is in the midst of a significant urban transformation. 

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.