A Vancouver developer is vying to build a 30-storey residential tower on top of the Marine Drive SkyTrain Station – the largest of its kind outside of the downtown core and the first to capitalize on the newly-constructed Canada Line.
David Dove, an architect with PCI Group, says the project, called Marine Gateway, would be the first of many that will likely be popping up at transit stations in Vancouver and Richmond.
"The site is a prime opportunity for density on transit," he says.
The piece of land, in a mainly industrial stretch at Marine Drive and Cambie Street in south Vancouver was hardly a developer's dream – until the line opened.
"Increasing density around transit stations is a proven successful model in cities around the world," Dove says.
Dove points to Burnaby, B.C., as a prime example. Its SkyTrain stations are surrounded by condo towers. Land is scarcer than along the Canada Line.
"I think this is the gateway to Vancouver and I think there's a need to take the few opportunities we have on transit and maximize the opportunity for proximity," PCI Group's CEO Andrew Grant said.
The project would include 390 condominiums and 187 rental units. It would also feature a movie theatre, daycare, office tower and huge retail space.
"There's no question the project is signifgant and it's bold," Grant said.
If approved by Vancouver city council the project will break ground next year and open in 2014.
"We don't foresee any big stumbling blocks," Dove said.
The Canada Line has proven that if you build it the people will come. But the question is -- will they want to move in?
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
