Vancouver’s West End is undergoing an amazing transformation, and nowhere is this more evident than the blocks between Broughton Street to the east, Denman Street to the west, West Hastings to the north, and Robson Street to the south. Among projects that are either already under construction or have been recently approved are 1555 Robson Street, 1500 West Georgia, 1684 Alberni Street, 1444 Alberni Street, and Alberni by Kengo Kuma. Another project, currently in the rezoning application stage, is a residential tower at 1698 West Georgia Street. On April 9th the applicant team and City of Vancouver staff hosted an open house to showcase the project and gather feedback on the application.

1698 West Georgia Rendering, image via KPF/Chris Dikeakos Architects

Designed by KPF and Chris Dikeakos Architects Inc on behalf of Anthem Properties, this 33-storey tower will replace what is now an empty lot that was formerly a Chevron Gas Station that was sold in 2017. The building will contain 127 residential strata units, with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Residential amenities will include both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Scale model presented at the open house, image by Alissa Reed

Building design is inspired by the North Shore mountains; tower massing will feature interlocking and stepping composition. Trees and cascading plants will be planted on upper terraces, balconies, podium terraces, and at street level. At the corner of West Georgia and Bidwell Streets will be a landscaped plaza and a two-storey waterfall. The waterfall will recycle stormwater runoff from the site.

Balcony Plantings, image via KPF/Chris Dikeakos Architects

Design calls for 213 car and 335 bike parking spaces over 6 levels of underground parking. The location has a Walk Score of 96, is within walking distance of the Seawall, Stanley Park, and dozens of shops and restaurants. It is also well-served by public transit.

Podium Design, image via KPF/Chris Dikeakos Architects

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.