Demolition to make way for Westbank’s The Butterfly has finally begun. This soon-to-be iconic project designed by Revery Architecture consists of a strata residential tower, a social housing rental building, seismic upgraders, restoration and conservation of the First Baptist Church, and expanded church program space.

View off Nelson Street, image via Revery Architecture

The 57-storey residential tower will contain a mix of 136 one-, 159 two-, and 36 three-bedroom units. There will be 510 car and 435 bike parking spaces. Instead of traditional corridors, every floor will have an exterior courtyard, and there will be tree planters on every third floor. Amenities will include a fitness centre, a lounge, and rooftop terraces. The most striking amenity will be a 50-metre Olympic-length pool with a visually stunning ceiling made up of soaring arches. 

Swimming Pool, image via Revery Architecture

The eight-storey rental building will contain 15 studio, 22 one-, 19 two-, and five three-bedroom apartments. The building will have 31 car and 82 bike parking spaces. Amenities will consist of an indoor lounge with a kitchen and a landscaped rooftop terrace with a playground.

Demolition has started, image by Alissa Reed

The Community Amenity Contribution is $91,305,225; one of the city’s largest to date. It includes funds for the church’s heritage restoration, affordable housing, parks and open spaces, and community and civic facilities.  The project will also create a landscaped public plaza accessible off Nelson Street and it will replace every lost tree with two-and-a-half new trees. 

Courtyard, image via Revery Architecture

Additional information and images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.