While high-rise condominiums across Canada’s biggest cities continue to transform their skylines, not everyone wants to live in a castle in the sky. Whether you’re afraid of heights or just want to avoid long elevator lineups and crowded amenities, a mid-rise condominium might be more your style.
Luckily, prospective homebuyers in Vancouver have plenty of options to choose from, including these five projects that are already under construction. All of them are eight storeys or less and are within easy reach of the downtown core.
1. Sparrow
Developer(s): Rendition Developments
Address: 239 Keefer Street
Priced from: $654,900
Sparrow by Rendition Developments features a collection of boutique homes in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Designed by MGBA Architecture + Interior Design, the eight-storey building boasts a contemporary, lantern-inspired exterior designed as a nod to its location. A major design element is the use of wood slats on residential balconies to create privacy and provide a dynamic facade.
The warmth of wood is echoed indoors where suites feature custom millwork, oak accents and hardwood floors. Custom lacquer closets, recessed shower curtain rods and wall/ceiling mounted bathroom fixtures add a boutique hotel-like atmosphere, while upgraded European appliances and two-toned cabinets add style and functionally to the kitchens. All suites are also available with the latest technology including a Lutron smart home tech system, Alexa compatibility, integrated speakers and motorized black-out roller shades.
Residential amenities include a courtyard garden, car elevator, bike storage and a shared amenity room. There’s also a rooftop patio complete with views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.
2. Midtown Central
Developer(s): PortLiving
Address: 702 East Broadway
Priced from: $1,024,900
Midtown Central is a four-storey residence in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Developed by Blairmore Development Group, the project houses a total of 35 units designed by Hungerford Interior Design that range in size from 867 to 1590 square feet.
The homes offer bright and spacious layouts that are naturally-lit by large windows and appointed with upgraded features and finishes. Lavish kitchens include contemporary flat-panel cabinetry, quartz countertops and premium stainless-steel appliances, while bathrooms feature distinctive herringbone floors and oversized Carrara marble wall tiles.
Amenities include an expansive rooftop deck with city and mountain views, gas connections for outdoor cooking and plenty of seating for entertaining. At grade level, two commercial spaces will add convenience and character to the neighbourhood.
3. Monument Kitsilano
Developer(s): Epta Development Corporation
Address: 2537 Larch Street
Priced from: $1,199,900
Monument Kitsilano is a small community of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes situated on the corner of West Broadway and Larch Street. Developed by Epta Development Corporation and designed by Yamamoto Architecture Inc., the project consists of a modern four-storey building that blends into and elevates the neighborhood streetscape. Exterior design elements include a mix of concrete, metal, longboard and natural stone cladding.
Inside, the project consists of 22 units with contemporary living spaces designed by Insight Design Group. Standard features and finishes include sophisticated bathrooms with radiant in-floor heating and Kohler Awaken® Series shower fixtures, and gourmet kitchens with polished natural quartz slab countertops and a full appliance package. Each package includes an integrated Gaggenau refrigerator, five-burner gas cooktop, stainless steel electric wall oven and stacking speed oven, Energy Star dishwasher and a Wolf stainless steel chimney hood fan.
4. Marquise
Developer(s): Blairmore Development Group
Address: 469 West King Edward Avenue
Priced from: $1,289,900
Located in the heart of Cambie Village, Marquise is a 58-unit development that offers contemporary architecture, luxurious homes and an ideal location close to the SkyTrain and Queen Elizabeth Park. The six-storey mid-rise features sleek architecture by GBL Architects characterized by a soft two-tone colour palette, vertical design elements, staggered panels of glass and alternating windows.
A private courtyard acts as a bridge between the main building and a length of townhomes along the laneway, each with a rooftop deck. Other amenities include a communal rooftop terrace with garden plots, barbecue and dining area, and an outdoor play area for the kids.
Inside, the designers at Portico Design Group have created functional living spaces that blend together warmth and light. Living rooms are bathed in sunshine, while kitchens are inviting and purposeful with efficient storage solutions, integrated appliances, imported cabinets, and contemporary finishes including solid quartz countertops and backsplashes.
5. Chelsea
Developer(s): Cressey
Address: 4663 Cambie Street
Priced from: $1,359,900
Initially launched in 2018, Chelsea is a six-storey condominium scheduled for occupancy later this year. The development by Cressey has just launched the final release of suites and when complete, it will house a total of 79 flats and townhomes.
Located at Cambie Street and West 31st Avenue, residents of Chelsea will have easy access to the best amenities the area has to offer. Queen Elizabeth Park is just steps away and features sprawling greenspaces, a glass-domed aviary and a serene duck pond. The Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, Nat Bailey Stadium and the King Edward SkyTrain station are also all within walking distance.
Priced from $1,359,900, the homes at Chelsea are thoughtfully-designed and exquisitely finished. The signature CresseyKitchen™ features ample storage space, quartz countertops porcelain slab backsplashes and Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Main living spaces sport classic herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, while spa-inspired bathrooms include heated floors and oversized, black-framed showers in the ensuites.
