Two more high-rise residential towers are set for the West End of Vancouver, according to a development application published by the City of Vancouver on Tuesday, adding to an area that's already a development hotspot.
The project is being undertaken by GWL Realty Advisors (GWLRA), a subsidiary of the Canada Life Assurance Company, which is itself owned by Great-West Lifeco.
The subject site of the proposal is 1525 and 1555 Robson Street, which make up about three-quarters of the block between Cardero Street and Nicola Street and shares a rear lane with Westbank's 43-storey Alberni by Kengo Kuma.
The eastern half of the site, 1525 Robson Street, is currently occupied by a six-storey office building constructed in 1965 known as the Robson Professional Building. BC Assessment values the site at $54,513,000 and GWL Realty Advisors acquired it in September 2022 for $62,800,000.
The western half of the site, 1555 Robson Street, at the corner of Robson and Cardero Street, is currently occupied by a low-rise commercial building constructed in 1949. BC Assessment values the site at $57,163,900 and, as first reported by STOREYS, GWL Realty Advisors acquired it earlier this year for $58,000,000 after it was made available via a court-ordered sale pertaining to Align Properties, which was formerly known as Vivagrand Developments.
1555 Robson Street (west) and 1525 Robson Street (east) in the West End of Vancouver. / Arcadis IBI Group, GWL Realty Advisors
For the site, GWLRA is planning a 28-storey West Tower that would reach a height of 283 ft and house 193 market rental units, consisting of 49 studio units, 89 one-bedroom units, 49 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The proposal aligns with the previous proposal for the site, which was also for a 28-storey tower.
The 29-storey East Tower would then reach a height of 293 ft and house 200 market rental units, consisting of 51 studio units, 90 one-bedroom units, 52 two-bedroom units, and seven three-bedroom units.
Combined, the two towers would deliver a total of 393 market rental units and sit atop a shared two-level commercial podium, which is expected to include a grocery store. A total of 267 vehicle parking spaces and 641 bicycle parking spaces will be provided in a four-level underground parkade.
Residential amenities are expected to include social lounges, a gym, sitting areas, kitchenettes, dining areas, barbeque, children's play area, and more, located at the top of the building podium and each tower.
The project has a total proposed floor space ratio (FSR) of 9.625, including 0.875 via a heritage density transfer sought out by a previous owner and 1.2 dedicated for commercial uses.
The commercial podium along Robson Street. / Arcadis IBI Group, GWL Realty Advisors
Aerial view of 1525-1555 Robson Street in the West End of Vancouver. / Arcadis IBI Group, GWL Realty Advisors
The proposed uses are permitted under the existing C-6 (Commercial) zoning, meaning no rezoning is required and the proposal only needs approval from the Development Permit Board, which will consider the application on Monday, February 10. The City is currently accepting public comment on the proposal until Sunday, December 1, and will be hosting a virtual public house from Monday, November 25 to December 1.
"We are excited about this site as it represents a very significant development opportunity in one of the best locations in the city," said GWLRA VP of Development in Western Canada Geoff Heu in a press release in April, after acquiring 1555 Robson Street. "This will allow us to make a positive change to the neighbourhood in an impactful manner, which will be great for the city and for our stakeholders."
In the press release, GWLRA noted that it and its investor clients are in the process of expanding their presence in Vancouver's rental market, adding that they have over 7,000 purpose-built rental units under management or in various stages of development.
