Two months since we last checked in at the site of PCI Development's 601 West Hastings, and the former site of a much-beloved dome has since become a giant excavation site. Excavators have been hard at work, digging deep ahead of construction, the B+H Architects-designed 25-storey tower to require a solid foundation. 

601 West Hastings, heavy machinery on-site, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

The site of the former Grant Thornton Place is relatively narrow, representing something of a challenge, as crews must confine their operations to the confines of the lot. 

601 West Hastings, looking out to street, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

The 25-storey office tower will open up onto the corner of West Hastings and Seymour St. The central location will place office workers within easy walking distance to both the Granville and Waterfront SkyTrain stations, as well as the shops, restaurants, and services of Granville Street and downtown Vancouver. 

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

The star of the show will be the grand front entrance way, tucked beneath a curvaceous canopy, which will feature ground floor retail, an outdoor plaza, and a water feature. Once complete, 601 West Hastings will represent a great improvement over its predecessor, the loss of one of the city's top five domes to be more than made up for by the vibrant new public space the modern office block will bring to the core. 

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.