The property is one of three former Safeways being redeveloped around the city and the first to get a green light
Vancouver city council has approved a 571-unit rental tower development in affluent West Point Grey that includes 20 per cent below-market housing.
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The original design for the property on West 10th Avenue was criticized for a “brutal” streetscape but has been revised based on feedback during the public consultation phase.
A neighbourhood group called Friends of Point Grey Village was vocal in its opposition to the original look and feel, though members conceded the below-market suites were a plus and the new residents will support local shops and services.
The revised proposal that was approved Tuesday has a lower street-front podium, its tallest towers are pushed farther north on the lot, the sidewalks and plaza have been widened, and the commercial space is increased.
The property’s 571 rental units will include 457 at-market rates and 114 at-below market, representing 20 per cent of the residential floor area. It will be anchored by a new grocery store, with a four-storey podium fronting onto West 10th and towers of 19 and 21 storeys that have been moved back from the street front.
The developer asked to have development cost levies waived for the rental portion of the project, but is paying $8.1 million in levies for infrastructure upgrades and $1 million for public art.
The site has been empty for six years. It’s been used recently as a makeshift dog park, and has wooden containers for gardeners. It was assessed last year at $96 million.
With files from Douglas Todd
