Five months since our last update, and progress at the future site of PCI Developments' 601 West Hastings has reached a major milestone. Recent photos on our Forum reveal that the demolition of the former dome associated with Grant Thornton Place has now wrapped up, thereby allowing excavation and construction to commence. 

Dome-Free, site ready for excavation, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

With excavators now on site it will only be a matter of weeks until every last remnant of the dome is removed, making way for the makings of a giant hole as the project moves into the construction phase. 

Ready to Dig, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Designed by B+H Architects, the new 25-storey office tower will take up the entirety of the tight downtown lot save for the corner, which will be made accessible and airy thanks to the inclusion of an overhanging entry and and plaza thus helping to ingratiate the the tower into the local streetscape. 

601 West Hastings, as it will appear upon completion, image via PCI Developments

Set to include a mix of ground-floor retail, outdoor space, and a water feature, the main entrance, and indeed the project as a whole, will represent a much improved urban landscape, adding function to form as previously lacking. For while the dome was visually unique, its lack of public realm enhancements left this otherwise bustling downtown corner devoid of the type of foot traffic it now more than likely attract. 

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.