812 
Long an eyesore amid the handsome brick edifices of historic Gastown, the 1889-built McConnell Block at 325 Carrall Street has caught the attention of Human Studio Architecture + Urban Design, who have submitted a proposal to the City in regards to the property's potential for restoration and a sizable redevelopment plan. Damaged during the restoration of the 1 West Hastings Street project, the plans now underway would see an important piece of Gastown's history brought back to life.
While the facade would be fully repaired and restored, the most noteworthy piece of the proposal entails the inclusion of a seven-storey addition which would straddle and rise above the original two-storey commercial structure.
A three-storey addition will sit directly atop the historic McConnell Block, the larger, seven-storey mid-rise tower to occupy the vacant lot that now sits adjacent to the existing property. Set to bring a total of 38 secure market rental homes, including 13 micro units, 23 studio units, a single one-bedroom unit, and one live-work unit, the addition will bring a mix of buyers to the area.
At ground level, the original retail space will be restored and enlarged to nearly 1,800 square feet, to be supplemented inside the lower level of the new structure with an additional 1,200 square feet of of as of yet unspecified amenity space. Originally the home of the Vancouver Drug Company, the 130-year-old structure has served the community well, its pending restoration and expansion welcome news for the city.
SkyriseVancouver will be sure to return to 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.
