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Following demolition and excavation work earlier this year, significant progress has been made at the two-tower development known as 1661 Davie Street in downtown Vancouver. Developed jointly by Westbank and Crombie REIT, and with design by Henriquez Partners Architects, the 21- and 23-storey rental towers will bring a high level of density into the bustling Davie Street corridor.
The project features the construction of a 28,000 square-metre building with two towers of 21 and 23 storeys, and will inject a considerable amount of rental housing into the city, with 319 market rental units on floors 3 to 23. These will be spread across 37-studio, 178 1-bedroom, 86 2-bedroom, and 18 3-bedroom units. The towers will be connected by a 3-storey retail podium containing a new, expanded Safeway, liquor store, and additional retailers. The building will feature a 3-level underground parking garage with 117 commercial parking spaces and 177 residential parking spaces.
The project is targeting LEED Gold, and will feature a hydronic heating system. Solar shading and triple-glazing are among the components being used to more effectively heat and cool the building. Building amenities will include a large outdoor play area at the level four rooftop, an indoor amenity room with kitchenette, and a gym on level 3. The roof areas of both towers will feature urban agriculture space. Level 3 will also feature a library with enclosed study rooms. General public amenities will include landscaping with street trees, and weather-protection canopies.
The site will have access to two bus lines, and will be in close proximity to English Bay Beach, Lord Roberts Elementary School, and the West End Community Centre. Nearly a block long, the two-tower development has replaced a row of retail, including a BC Liquor Store and Safeway (to be restored), stretching from just east of Bidwell St to the corner of Cardero St.
Once complete, 1661 Davie Street will represent a massive shift for the neighbourhood, the arrival of upwards of 600 new residents to the corridor, alongside a block of new and improved retail to be of large benefit to the area.
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.
