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A community open house has been scheduled for January 22 after a rezoning application was submitted earlier this fall to permit a 29-storey commercial office tower at 443 Seymour Street. Reliance Properties is seeking approvals to demolish the multi-storey parkade at the northwest corner of West Pender and Seymour Streets and replace it with a Kohn Pedersen Fox design.
Materials submitted along with the application outline the proposal, which calls for 395,285 square feet of office space across levels two to 29. The ground level would contain 5,561 square feet of retail space, with eight levels of underground parking containing 201 spaces. The building would rise to a height of 103 metres.
A number of amenities are proposed, including a 28th floor space featuring a swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. One level up, an additional 6,300 square feet of lounge space would be topped by a roof deck. Local studio Chris Dikeakos Architects is the architect of record on the project.
The building's facade would be comprised of framed elements folded in two directions to create a weave effect, according to the design rationale submitted to the City. "The materiality is thought of as a shiny warm metal that reflects light and adds unexpected colour to its surroundings," it reads. The glass is also folded at the bottom and top of the tower, creating terraced gardens and open slots to the sky.
The existing parkade partially comprises the Alley Oop laneway, which is intended to be used for the building's loading and parking functions. Reliance owns the properties on both sides of the laneway and has considered installing a retractable roof scrim that could be deployed for temporary events in the lane.
"Reliance understands that the proposed development will significantly impact the alleyway in its current form, however the design of the building is in alignment with the values of the Alley Oop project as it intends to activate the public realm and create liveliness at the prominent downtown intersection of Seymour and Pender by providing ample street-oriented retail space along both roadways," reads the design rationale.
The community open house will be held on Wednesday, January 22 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM in Room 420 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University (580 West Hastings Street). City staff will join the applicant team to answer any questions about the development proposal.
Additional images and information 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 space provided at the bottom of this page.
