In the intervening four months since our last update, what appear to be a series of giant stone retaining walls have emerged in and around Yuanheng HoldingsW. T. Leung Architects-designed ViewStar build site in Richmond. The preparatory site work now underway has created a curious sight, as large mounds of soil have been boxed in by massive stone blocks, giving an appearance vaguely reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. 

Great Wall of Richmond, ViewStar site, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Set to eventually become the site of an expansive, multi-tower residential development, ViewStar will be built in three phases before reaching a total of 11 structures, all of which will be centred around a 130,000 square-foot amenities space equipped with greenery, sports facilities, and a pool. 

ViewStar, site plan, image via Yuanheng Holdings

For now, however, area residents have no doubt been wondering what to make of the construction site, the Great Wall of Richmond having been photographed many times on our Forum, and elsewhere. 

Stone wall, looming large over its surroundings, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Massive in comparison to nearby vehicles, containers, and heavy equipment, the stone wall stands nearly 30 feet high in some places, stretching long distances both within and along the perimeter of the build site. 

Aerial view of the wall showing its scale, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Acting in some places as overbuilt hoarding, and in others as a form of soil retention, there are also some portions of the wall that appear to be aiding in the process of preloading, in which the soil is being dried and compacted ahead of construction. 

Preloading underway at ViewStar site, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Whatever its intended use, the appearance of the giant stone walls have brought a great deal of interest to the site, the creativity on display here hopefully a good sign for the development yet to come. 

SkyriseVancouver will be sure to return to this project a 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.