Completion date: 2006
Budget: $50 million

Overview

Located in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour district, 1616 Bayshore Drive is the sixth phase of the highly successful Bayshore Gardens Development. Tower IJ of this multi-use project is located at the entrance to the development and is comprised of market and non-market residential units, childcare facilities, and at-grade retail spaces. The non-market housing component was designed in collaboration with Performing Arts Lodge (PAL), which provides much-needed subsidized housing for those involved in the theatre arts. A multipurpose theatre space accommodates performances by, and in support of, PAL residents.

The DA difference

The central challenge of Tower IJ was the complexity of developing a constrained site atop a five-level underground parking structure. The project had to accommodate a wide variety of uses and meet the needs of several stakeholder groups with divergent objectives. Conforming to the City of Vancouver’s design guidelines while responding to the concerns of neighbouring residents was also a challenge. Our close collaboration with the City, the client, community stakeholders, and our contractors was key to the success of this project. And, because of its complexity, the architect was seconded to the site full time during construction.