A surface parking lot in Vancouver’s Riley Park South Cambie neighbourhood could be transformed into a six-storey, purpose-built rental building.
A development application recently submitted by Strand Development calls for commercial space on the ground floor and 89 rental units on floors two to six. An underground parking garage would be accessed from the rear lane and provide 77 spaces for residents and commercial visitors.
As a mixed-use development, the building would house 12,208 square feet of retail space, adding new amenities to an already vibrant part of Main Street. The proposed commercial stretch could be divided into smaller spaces, while the large corner unit is envisioned for restaurant use. A vestibule would be accessible from the Main Street frontage, giving access to the public parking area of the garage.
The residential entrance would be situated along East 32nd Avenue and feature design elements like an extended canopy, custom panels, and prominent signage to mark the private entryway and differentiate it from the commercial units.
Designed by Yamamoto Architecture, the exterior would consist of three distinct sections to help reduce its massing. This includes a six-storey section on the southeast corner, a central four-storey section characterized by a series of glass balconies, and a five-storey portion that bookends the structure on the north side. The use of various materials like concrete, brick, metal and glass further minimizes the overall scale of the building and contributes to a dynamic and playful façade.
“The architectural expression along Main Street is defined by distinct volumes that incorporate variations in material, colour and pier expression,” reads the design rationale. “The result is a combination of forms that takes the place of a continuous streetwall, producing a unique and eclectic façade appropriate to Main Street.”
Inside, the unit breakdown would consist of 16 studios, 41 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom suites. Onsite amenities would include an expansive rooftop terrace with a flex space and adjacent herb garden, multiple seating/lounge areas, and a children’s play space.
In the neighbourhood, sales are pending at Main+35, while construction continues at Holborn Little Mountain.
