BlueSky Properties held a public sales launch event yesterday for the upcoming Phase 2 of University District. While the project is to include 2 towers above townhouses along University Drive between 104 Ave and 105 Ave, sales have so far only been opened for the shorter 28-storey north tower. It is expected that once that tower sells out, sales will then open for the taller 37-storey south tower.

Of the 322 homes released for sale in the north tower, it appears that most 1-bedroom units have already been sold out as of the public launch date – with prospective buyers asked to inquire with the sales team about availability.  What remains are:

• Junior 2-bedrooms (646 – 732 SF) priced from $569,900
• 2-bedrooms (764 – 850 SF) priced from $609,900
• Townhomes (1249 – 1636 SF) priced from $799,900

If you’re looking for a 1 bedroom, you may have to wait for the launch of tower 2.

Model seen from University Drive + 105 Avenue Model seen from University Drive Model of commercial and amenity podium at University Drive + 104 Avenue

Expected to be complete by end of 2022, the 28-storey north tower will feature air conditioning in all units, 4 elevators, enhanced bike storage facilities, and more. While it isn’t clear whether the south tower will be constructed and completed within the same time frame (pending sales), it appears the commercial / amenity building at 104 Avenue and University Drive would be. In addition to retail at ground level, this building will feature a fitness centre for residents, outdoor rooftop pool, bbq and dining terrace, lounge and entertainment areas, and more.

North-West facing corner suite Balcony facing North-West

For more on University District:

ud.blueskyproperties.ca

Concord Pacific’s Park Avenue is beginning to transform the look and feel of 100 Avenue. The East tower is now topped out with the West tower catching up. A row of townhomes that line 100 Ave between the 2 towers are beginning to form a nice streetscape with the mature tree canopy already in place. A new parking meter has also recently been installed indicating that there will be on-street parking which should help to buffer traffic from the sidewalk to create a better pedestrian environment.

Park Avenue is expected to be completed later this year / early 2017. The development features numerous amenities including rooftop lounges, tennis courts, a pool, spa, fitness centre, and golf.

https://www.parkavenueliving.ca

A 26-Storey residential tower proposed at Central Ave and 133 St in the growing West Village neighbourhood received Preliminary Approval following Public Hearing on January 13. The project, named ‘CityWalk’ and being developed by Huacheng Holdings is located directly across from the new West Village District Energy Centre and Park, as well as the recently completed Evolve tower.

Designed by Wilson Chang Architect, the project is to include 223 units within a 26-storey tower above a 4-storey podium with ground-oriented townhouse units at the base fronting along Central Ave and 133 St. The building is intended to transition height from taller towers east of the site, down to a low to mid-rise form west of the site along 132 St at the edge of City Centre.

Perspective view looking north-east with 36-storey Evolve across the street View facing south-west from 133 St & Central Ave View facing north from proposed Public Pathway View facing north west from 133 St

As part of the Landscape Plan prepared for the site by Vancouver’s ETA Landscape Architecture, a public walkway is proposed along the south side of the building, lending the project its name. This pathway will connect to an existing public walkway across the street to the east between the Evolve and Ultra towers, and eventually extend further east through to Civic Plaza as more projects develop. A green-roof is also proposed as part of the plan on top of the low-rise podium.

Additionally as part of the project, Central Avenue will see its remaining south half dedicated and constructed west of 133 St for the length of the site, inclusive of a separated bike lane to match the already constructed north side of the street.

Having now received 3rd Reading, the project can be expected to receive Final Approval within a year, and completion likely by 2024-5.

For more on the project https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0125-00.pdf

Anthem Properties has revealed a sneak peak of their upcoming Surrey City Centre project at King George Blvd and 102 Avenue. Since submitting a Development Application back in October 2016, a conceptual rendering has since been posted on the Anthem Properties project page, along with a proposed site plan. Details at this time are limited, but what is known is:

• The project is described as a 1,500,000 sq.ft. master planned community with a total of 7 residential towers above newly created retail and office spaces.
• The current parcel will broken up into 7 new sites, containing a mix of commercial retail, office, and residential uses, with a residential tower on each site.
• 2 new east-west streets will be introduced (102A Ave and 103 Ave), 1 new north-south street (136A St), and 1 new north-south ‘urban green lane’.
• The project is consistent with the City Centre Plan for this area

Conceptual Rendering of future 102A Avenue through site

Proposed site plan: https://anthemproperties.com/content/site_plans/0244_SitePlan.pdf

Existing site containing a Save-On-Foods, Canadian Tire, and A&W

From the conceptual rendering and site plan released, it’s apparent that:

• There will be a central plaza at the heart of the development with a public art installation and a full-service restaurant with patio space fronting onto the plaza.
• Townhouses will be located towards the north of the site.
• Commercial retail units will be located at ground level throughout the development.
• An office entrance is shown fronting King George Blvd indicating office uses may be concentrated on upper levels fronting KGB.

Curiously, some brand placement has been shown on the early rendering, including Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo. It is unclear at this time whether this is purely aspirational placement, or if Anthem is eyeing these particular tenants for the development. Uniqlo recently entered the Canadian market in 2016 with 2 stores in Toronto. It is expected that they will also enter the Vancouver market within the next few years, timing right with Anthem’s Surrey City Centre development.

Development Phasing

While the timeline of the project is unclear, it is clear that the project will be developed in phases, likely corresponding with the sites shown on the plan, beginning with Site 1.

Site 1, which is currently under application with the City, is located at the bottom of the property near the corner of 102 Ave and Whalley Blvd. It appears that this site will contain a 30-storey residential tower, ground-level retail, and what looks to be big-box type retail on the 2nd or 3rd floors. Details on the plan indicate the possibly of this being a grocery store, possibly a relocated Save-On-Foods from its existing location to the north on the property.

It is expected that the project could appear before council sometime later this year.

Rendering of Georgetown phase 1 and future phases

The first phase of Anthem Properties ‘Georgetown’ development at Whalley Blvd & 102 Ave is heading to Council on Monday for 1st & 2nd readings. The application is seeking Rezoning and Development Permit to allow for a single 30-storey residential tower above a 2-storey podium containing retail and townhouses. The tower will replace an existing A&W restaurant on that corner, and is the first of 7 towers to come as part of a master plan to redevelop the entire site which also contains a Save-On-Foods and Canadian Tire. In total, phase 1 will include 351 residential units, including 9 two-storey townhouses, above 15,435 sq.ft. of ground floor commercial space.

Architectural Design

The Chris Dikeakos Architects designed tower is shaped by its rounded/curved floor plate reflecting the curved nature of Whalley Blvd. Materials will include a glass curtain wall and high quality white metal panels on the podium, glass balconies wrapping the tower, and interspersed spandrel and white painted concrete. A graphic art illustration is contemplated for the glass at the street level. The rooftop mechanical enclosure will be screened by frosted glass, reflecting the rounded geometry of the tower, and be backlit – creating a lighting feature for the crown of the tower.

View from Whalley Blvd looking south-west View from future 102A Ave through site at corner of new Green Lane showing retail podium with townhouses above. View from corner of Whalley Blvd and future 102A Ave through site of retail podium with townhouses above.

Outdoor Amenity Space

A highlight of Phase 1 is the proposed outdoor amenity space to be located on the podium roof. Measuring 22,675 sq. ft., the outdoor amenity to be provided is double the minimum requirement under the sites zoning, and will feature: a sun deck, outdoor fitness and activity space, an outdoor theatre with covered seating area, a great lawn with outdoor lounge area, an outdoor dining room, a dog play area, and a walking/running circuit.

Phase 1 site plan showing expansive outdoor amenity space above the buildings podium

Road Dedications

In addition to the tower and retail podium, phase 1 will also dedicate and construct a new section of 102A Ave through the site, as well as a new north-south green lane to the west of the building. Additional road dedications will be taken along Whalley Blvd and 102 Ave for the widening of each of those streets to a full municipal collector road standard. New grade separated bike lanes will also be created along 102 Ave, Whalley Blvd, and 102A Ave.

Georgetown Master Plan

The ultimate master plan for Georgetown is to subdivide the entire property into 7 lots to allow for a mixed-use, multiple residential and commercial community to be completed over 7 phases. Designed by Vancouver-based CIVITAS Urban Design & Planning, Georgetown will consist of multiple buildings ranging from 6 to 45-storeys, with ground floor commercial space, and a significant public plaza located centrally within the site:

Phase 1: a 30-storey residential high-rise with ground floor commercial
Phase 2: a 32-storey and a 31-storey residential high-rise with ground floor commercial
Phase 3: a 6-storey residential building with ground floor commercial space centred on a large public plaza
Phase 4: a 41-storey residential high-rise
Phase 5: a 39-storey residential high-rise with office space
Phase 6: a 45-storey residential high-rise with office space
Phase 7: a 15-storey mid-rise residential building with ground floor commercial space.

Georgetown Phasing Plan Master Plan for Georgetown Site

While no timeline is given for the ultimate build-out of the plan, Phase 1 on the south-west corner of the site is expected to begin construction in 2019. This will allow for the existing Save-on-Foods and Canadian Tire to remain in operation on the northern portion of the site in the interim until future phases are developed.

Ground level site plan for Phase 1 showing retail / restaurant units Level 2 site plan for Phase 1 showing rooftop outdoor amenity, townhouses, and tower

For more on Georgetown: https://anthemproperties.com/properties/surrey-city-centre/

Surrey Planning Report: http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7916-0448-00.pdf

The long awaited opening of Civic Hotel may finally be just around the corner. After numerous delays – having originally been set to open back in November – the hotel is finally showing signs that it is nearing completion. This week, fencing came down from in front of the building’s main lobby and Dominion Bar + Kitchen fronting Civic Plaza. In addition, landscaping has been planted next to Dominion’s patio, and a newly opened portion of Central Avenue. Signage for Dominion has also been installed on the awning.

While no official date has been set for opening, according to the Dominion Bar + Kitchen website, the restaurant is tentatively scheduled to host its first event – a comedy show – on April 21, 2018. The Marriott reservations website is now taking bookings for Civic Hotel for dates beginning on March 28, 2018 (although the available booking date has been pushed back in the past).

Despite looking nearing completion, it seems we will still have to wait another month or two before the hotel and restaurant open. Numerous things remain to be finished on the building including a number of additional signs to be installed, the removal of a construction elevator on the condo portion of the building, the completion of Civic Plaza lane on the north side of the building, the construction of Prado Cafe on the north side, and the finishing of numerous retail units along City Parkway. It is clear now that the building will open in phases – with the Hotel and Dominion Bar + Kitchen opening first, retail units along City Parkway likely following later this spring, the Condo tower by summer, and the 5-storey KPU campus this fall.

According to sources working on the project – one reason for the delayed opening of the building has been a water leak, affecting the elevator shaft of the main tower. This has delayed the removal of the exterior construction elevator for several months, as well as the exterior finishing of the north side of the tower, where the future Prado Cafe, and an exterior green wall will be. Rumours on the forum SkyscraperPage this week indicated that the construction elevator may finally be coming down by next week, which would hopefully help wrap up the exterior of the building prior to the hotel’s opening in less than 2 months. Regardless, it seems the building will remain an active construction site (at least on the inside) on the main tower and KPU portion, while the hotel and restaurant open on the other.

Dominion Bar + Kitchen nearing completion fronting Civic Plaza Landscaping along Central Avenue next to the Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio Staircase and entry to Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio New sidewalk along Central Avenue next to Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio Dominion Bar + Kitchen + Civic Hotel Entrance along Civic Plaza Lane Daytime shot of Dominion Bar + Kitchen – additional signage for Civic Hotel still to be installed on podium Dominion Bar + Kitchen featuring numerous doors/windows which will open to the Plaza Civic Hotel Lobby Civic Hotel Lobby Civic Plaza Lane in front of Hotel Lobby

A proposal to revitalize an existing rental tower and create 63 new rental units at King George Blvd & 98th Avenue was stalled by Surrey’s new Council on Monday, after being denied 1st & 2nd readings for not looking satisfactory enough, in Council’s opinion. The application, which is proposing to convert an existing 3-storey commercial building on site to rental residential, and upgrade the exterior of the 18-storey tower behind it, was sent back to staff to work with the applicant on unspecified revisions.

Designed in partnership with MCM Architects and PWL Landscape Architects, the project would bring a welcome facelift to the existing buildings on site, originally completed in 1982, as well as improve the surrounding streetscape. Aside from aesthetic upgrades, the primary objective of the project is to create 63 new rental units on site through the conversion of the existing 3-storey commercial building along King George Blvd. Details of the proposed upgrades include:

• Modernization and conversion of the existing low-rise commercial building to rental residential. Exterior cladding to be replaced with new materials consisting of high quality white fibre cement panels, and charcoal seam metal cladding.
• Landscaping along King George Blvd enhanced and modified to suit residential use and layout
• New plaza at the north-east corner of the site to help activate the streetscape along King George Blvd
• The existing 18-storey tower to receive new exterior paint and glass balcony rail replacements with colour enhancements.

Proposed exterior upgrades and residential conversion along King George Blvd Elevation of proposal looking north along King George Blvd

Despite the high quality materials proposed, and thoughtfully designed plan which works within the given site constraints, Council was of the opinion that the design was not suitable enough to be allowed to proceed. Without giving any specific recommendations on how to improve the design, the project was sent back to staff to work with the applicant on revisions to the plan, despite staff already working closely with the design team to date. The building’s modernization, and the delivery of new rental units to City Centre is now delayed pending unclear revisions, until the project can return to Council for consideration once again.

The conversion is supported by Surrey Staff as the existing commercial building has long suffered from poor vacancy rates and high tenant turn-over due to physical attributes of the building, and its poor integration with the neighbourhood. The proposed residential use is seen as appropriate for this location, being across from a SkyTrain station and the developing context of the area.

Proposed site plan including public realm and streetscape enhancements

The Surrey Village Tower currently contains 227 rental units in the existing 18-storey tower, managed by RealStar. The addition of the proposed 63 new units would bring the total rental units to 290.

King George Hub Phasing Plan

A development application has been submitted for Phase ‘C’ of PCI Group’s ‘King George Hub’ at Fraser Hwy & King George Blvd next to King George Station. Details of the application indicate that Phase ‘C’ will consist of a single 34-storey mixed-use tower just to the east of Phase ‘A’ – the landmark 10-storey Coast Capital Savings headquarters built in 2014. No renderings of the tower have been released at this time, but the project is proposed to contain 363 residential units above 10,000 sq.ft. of ground-level retail.

With the application just submitted, it is expected that Phase ‘C’ will not likely begin construction until around 2020/21, around the time when Phase ‘B’ reaches completion. It could however be fast-tracked to begin sooner, given the strong response for Phase ‘B’ – which sold out both its residential towers in a matter of days. Phase ‘B’ is set to begin construction in the coming months, and will contain 29 & 40-storey residential towers, a 15-storey office tower, a 2-storey (9,376 sq.ft.) standalone restaurant next to the Coast Capital Savings Headquarters, and 112,535 sq.ft. of retail.

King George Hub Phases A & B – Facing North-West King George Hub Phases A & B – Facing North-East King George Hub Phase A & B – View North from King George Blvd View South of Phase ‘B’ Retail Plaza View South of Phase ‘B’ Retail Plaza 41st floor residential rooftop amenity area – Phase ‘B’

Following Phase ‘C’ will be the final phase of King George Hub – Phase ‘D’. No details of Phase ‘D’ have been released yet, but this last piece of the site at the corner of Fraser Hwy and Whalley Blvd is expected to add 2-3 more residential towers above retail. Full buildout of all phases is expected to be complete around 2025, and will be accompanied by numerous other surrounding projects – also expected to complete within that timeframe.

For more on King George Hub:
http://kinggeorgehub.com/

Rendering of the new North Station House interior concourse at Surrey Central Station.

A press conference was held Friday to announce that the long awaited upgrades to Surrey Central Station will begin next month. The project itself has been known about and in the planning stages for quite sometime now, with construction originally supposed to have begun back in fall 2016. With this delay, it appears the upgrades will now not be complete until towards the end of 2018. The station upgrade is a part of TransLink’s station upgrade program, which has seen upgrades at Scott Rd, Main Street, and New Westminster Stations, as well as the ongoing work on Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway, and Joyce-Collingwood Stations.

In all, 3 levels of government and TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond joined on Friday to announce $25 million in funding for the station, which will see a new north station house built at the corner of 103 Avenue and City Parkway. The new station house will bring a new elevator, new escalators, a new staircase, better lighting, and a spacious new interior concourse area to the north end of the station, better connecting to Civic Plaza and the future 103 Avenue on-street bus exchange. The new station house will also help to fill in a gap along City Parkway with new building frontage where a small parking lot currently exists, improving continuity along the streetscape.

With an estimated nearly 30,000 commuters passing through Surrey Central Station daily, it is already one of the busiest stations on the SkyTrain network, and projected to become even busier with continued rapid population growth South of the Fraser, the densifying Surrey Central neighbourhood around it, and with the future LRT line planned to connect directly with the station in the next 5 years. Already, the north fire exit of the station is being frequently used as an informal exit by many commuters, indicating demand for access at this end of the station, with new bus bays having been located to the north in recent years. The new upgrades will greatly improve access to the station and better integrate it with the surrounding community.

Rendering of the new North Station House fronting City Parkway at 103 Avenue

Plan view of the new North Station House at City Parkway and 103 Avenue

Elevation schematic showing the integration of the new station house into the existing station

View from 103 Avenue looking east

View from City Parkway looking south

New City Parkway entrance

View looking north along City Parkway

For more on the project:

http://www.translink.ca/en/Plans-and-Projects/Station-and-Exchange-Improvements/Expo-Line-Upgrades/Surrey-Central-Station-Upgrades.aspx

The August Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of Council Approvals and Construction activity during the past month of July 2021.

Council Approvals

The past month saw 2 major projects receive approvals from Surrey City Council. As of August 2021, there are 37 major projects approved in City Centre, representing 40 high-rise and 25 low-rise buildings.

20 – 0244 | Innovation Village

This 3-tower mixed-use project by WestStone Group on King George Blvd across from Surrey Memorial Hospital received 3rd Reading (Preliminary Approval) on July 26. The application is seeking a Rezoning, OCP & City Centre Plan Amendment, and General Development Permit to allow for three towers to be built in phases.

The tallest tower (37-storeys) closest to King George Blvd is to contain retail & office space on levels 1-5 with residential above. The remaining 2 towers to the east (31 & 12-storeys) are to be entirely residential. Separate detailed Development Permit applications are to follow in the future for each building.

View looking north along new 95 Avenue Plan view of Innovation Village with new 95 Avenue through site

21 – 0072 | Brightside (Phase 3)

Phase 3 of BlueSky’s Brightside development went to Council on July 12, receiving approval to draft Development Permit. This phase of the project will include a 51-Storey mixed condo / rental tower and 2-storey standalone amenity building on the north-east corner of the site along 105 Ave.

The overall Brightside development originally received Rezoning and General Development Permit approval back in March 2020, later revised in February 2021 to include a 4th tower. Phase 1 will consist of a 38-storey rental tower on the south-west corner of the site at 104 Ave & City Parkway.

View looking south-west from King George Blvd towards Tower 3 View of Tower 3 base – looking south along new green lane from 105 Ave View of 2-storey amenity building along 105 Ave Overall Brightside Master Plan – Phase 3 at top right

Construction

The past month saw 2 new major construction starts and 1 completion. As of August 2021, there are 16 major projects under construction in City Centre, representing 15 high-rise and 7 low-rise buildings.

New Construction

Holland Parkside Phase 1 (11-Storey Office + 19-Storey Rental over retail) – Begun excavation Plaza One & Two (41 & 44-storey residential over office & retail) – The final phase of King George Hub has begun excavation

Continued Construction

Rosewood (5-Storey Supportive Housing) – now topped out on 137 St The Holland (25-Storey Residential) – Now at grade with construction beginning on level 1 One Central (44-Storey Residential & Retail) – Podium now topped off at 14 levels, with main tower to rise above University District (28 & 37-Storey Residential & Retail) – Towers beginning to rise above townhouse and retail podiums Parc Centrale (20-Storey Residential + Legion) – Main tower rising above podium on City Parkway Park Boulevard (41-Storey Residential) – Main entry on Park Plaza nearing completion Georgetown One (30-Storey Residential + Retail) – View from Central City Plaza Park George (35 & 39-Storey Residential) – Excavation now bottomed out Ledgeview (6-Storey Residential) – Now topped out at King George Blvd & 132 St with glazing & exterior work underway

Completions

Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – View from Fraser Hwy & George Junction Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – View of residential entries and new multi-use path along Fraser Hwy Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – Retail plaza to open in Fall 2021