Concept Options Unveiled For 10-Acre Rupert Station Project By MST, Aquilini

On Wednesday, the City of Vancouver revealed the two concept options that are being explored for the large-scale redevelopment next to Rupert Station, ahead of a formal rezoning application submission by the developers.

The project is being led by the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil‑Waututh) nations through their joint development firm, MST Development Corporation, in partnership with Aquilini Development, which is owned and operated by the Aquilini family that also owns the Vancouver Canucks.

The site of the project is the former BC Liquor Distribution Branch adjacent to the Millennium Line SkyTrain's Rupert Station, on the southwest corner of Rupert Street and East Broadway. It consists of 3200 E Broadway (legally known as 3150 E Broadway), 3270 E Broadway, and 2625 Rupert Street, which BC Assessment values at $132,538,000, $5,873,900, and $30,513,000, respectively, for a total valuation of $168,924,900.

Acquired by the partner from the Province in July 2014, the properties are owned under 1008729 BC Ltd. According to a Musqueam Indian Band financial statement from March 2018, the nominee company is controlled by LDB Developments (AQ/MIB/SN/TWN) Limited Partnership, with LDB Land General Partner Ltd. serving as the general partner and each of the four partners holding a 1/4 stake.

3200 East Broadway, 3270 East Broadway, and 2625 East Broadway. / City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has designated the property as a "unique site" and the project is therefore going through an "enhanced" rezoning process, allowing for public engagement at an earlier stage. The redevelopment is also being planned concurrently with the City's Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, which is currently in the process of being finalized.

On Wednesday, the City of Vancouver published two concept plans for the site, both of which would generally have the same layout and see the overall site split into about 10 parcels, according to sketches. The City noted in a 2021 council report that "The rezoning enquiry received includes a mix of uses, including rental residential, light industrial, and commercial uses" and a video published alongside the new concept options notes that the project could deliver around 3,800 new homes, 1,750 new jobs, and 2.3 acres of public space.

Additionally, the video also notes that the concepts accommodate 10 towers between 23 storeys and 60 storeys, three of which would be "signature" buildings that represent each of the three First Nations — as will be the case in the ongoing Jericho Lands project.

Option A: Cedar

The Cedar Concept, the City says, "embraces foliage," with lush vegetation and water flowing throughout the site and "winding paths seamlessly guiding people from buildings to the water's edge."

"The integration of natural elements fosters a deep connection to the land, acknowledging the indigenous relationship with the environment," the City adds. "Native plants have been incorporated, and natural materials sourced from cedar trees have been utilized."

Option A, called Cedar, for the 3200 East Broadway redevelopment. / City of Vancouver.

Option B: Salmon

The Salmon Concept, meanwhile, embraces water and would feature boardwalks over the creek that runs between Broadway and the Central Valley Greenway south of the property, "fostering a sense of exploration and ecological discovery." It would also include community gardens with native and edible plants that honour MST traditions and the land's heritage.

"This approach respects the environment and embraces sustainable practices, ensuring a balanced relationship between the natural and built environments," the City adds. "The design aims to create vibrant green spaces that promote community engagement and enhance urban biodiversity."

Option B, called Salmon, for the 3200 East Broadway redevelopment. / City of Vancouver.

The City of Vancouver will be hosting public engagement for the project from Tuesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 15, with one in-person information session currently scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at Sunrise Hall (1950 Windermere Street) from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Following this public engagement period, the developers will then move forward with the preferred concept plan and then submit a formal rezoning application. Another Q&A period would then be scheduled after the submission, followed by a public hearing before consideration by Council.