A proposed half-billion dollar development called the Burrard Gateway could dramatically change Vancouver's skyline if it is approved.
Jim Pattison Developments along with Reliance Properties are proposing a three tower residential development with the tallest tower standing at 466 feet, or 48-storeys. The whole development would feature close to 600 residential units and span 774,318 square feet on Burrard near Drake and Hornby streets.
The proposed development would include a 13-storey office building, a 5,200-square-foot daycare and a 50,000-square-foot Toyota dealership fronting Burrard Street. The project has the potential for 510 market strata residential units.
Jon Stovell, president of Reliance Properties, said that the project is in its beginning stages.
"This site has been in discussion with the city of Vancouver for some time at the inquiry stage and now we are moving ahead with the formal application where we'll be engaging the public," he said.
The city says taller towers would not be built in areas that would impact public views of the mountains.
"What we're exploring is opportunities for taller buildings across the downtown that are outside of the protecting view quotas," city planner Kevin McNaney said.
City staff are gathering input that would be presented to city council later this year.
"Some of the areas right in the heart of the central business district we're suggesting that a tower could be as high as 700 feet. The current higher building policy allows that to be 600 feet, so it's a slight increase," McNaney said.
Before the city makes its decision there will be open houses, a public hearing and a review by the city's design panel. If approved, construction will begin within a year and take over four years to complete.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
