September 2017 – UrbanSurrey

Concord Pacific’s Park Avenue West has finally opened near King George Station in Surrey City Centre. The tower which began construction in 2014, is the taller twin to Park Avenue East which opened in late 2016.

Standing at 39 Storeys tall, Park Avenue West not only adds another condo tower to the area, but also completes the the Park Avenue development, bringing with it a number of resort-style amenities, new public plaza space, walkways open to the public, lighting features, and a corner fountain with spotlights that illuminates the building in changing purple and blue tones at night. Park Avenue is the successor to the original 3 Park Place towers at King George Station, and is set to be followed by Park Boulevard which is expected to break ground by next year.

The opening of Park Avenue has quickly given a new feel to the area. A walk through the new public plaza, pathway, and amenity areas provides a good sense the future feel of Surrey City Centre, and the King George Station area in particular, with the quality of urban design and landscaping on-par and comparable to areas of Coal Harbour and Concord Pacific’s False Creek neighbourhood. With a number of new developments set to break ground within the next year in the immediate vicinity, the area’s transformation will only continue.

New corner fountain at Whalley Blvd + 100 Avenue featuring coloured spotlights. View west along 100 Avenue of Park Avenue West lobby View east on 100 Avenue of Park Avenue West entrance View of the Park Avenue parking access area New public pathway connecting to Whalley Blvd Parking Garage entry and pool deck to the right View further back along new public pathway Private pool within Park Avenue amenity area Horizontal lighting feature on top of Park Avenue West and East Pool deck within private amenity area Amenity area tennis court along new public path Park Avenue West and East as seen from King George Station Park Avenue West and East with Park Place in forefront from King George Station Purple toned lighting feature on Park Avenue West as seen from 100 Avenue

For more on Park Avenue:

https://www.parkavenueliving.ca

Lark Group‘s 10-storey ‘City Centre 3’ development across from Surrey Memorial Hospital is set to appear before Council on Monday, September 11 for 1st & 2nd readings. The project is the 3rd in a series of towers being developed by Lark Group as part of the emerging medical, technology district dubbed Innovation Boulevard. The tower follows the 12-storey ‘City Centre 1’ completed in 2014, and the currently under construction 12-storey ‘City Centre 2’. A Business in Vancouver article published earlier this year indicated that Lark Group has plans for up to 8 towers in total for the area, envisioned to become a “Stanford University type” medical / research hub.

Like its predecessors, City Centre 3 will provide office space for a mix of medical offices, research, and tech firms, along with ground-floor retail. It will also provide space for a new private surgical centre. The development is seeking both OCP and City Centre Plan amendments from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR, as well as Rezoning and Development Permit. Designed by Wensley Architecture Ltd., the building offers a striking design and will be a welcome addition to the growing cluster of mid-rise towers in the quickly urbanizing area at the south end of Surrey City Centre.

November 2020 – UrbanSurrey

The November issue of the City Centre Monthly Update is now out at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of new Development Applications, Council Approvals, and Construction activity during the previous month.

New Development Applications

20-0233 (Center Block)

View from Civic Plaza of the initial phase of Centre Block – 14 + 35-Storey Office & Retail

A preliminary Rezoning and General Development Permit application has been submitted for the first phase of the much anticipated redevelopment of the North Surrey Recreation Centre site, known as ‘Center Block.’ The applicant, Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), is proposing 1,446,088 sq.ft. of office and commercial space, next to Civic Plaza and Surrey Central Station as part of this initial phase, which will include 2 office buildings at 14 & 35-Storeys, with retail at grade. The current application is for rezoning and master plan approval only. Separate applications will be submitted in the future for each building / phase.

The Center Block project plans to transform the city’s core with a number of new office towers, an expanded SFU campus, retail, and a new transit plaza integrated with a revamped Surrey Central Station, expected to be built over the coming decade.

20-0244 (9525 King George Blvd)

This application replaces a previously approved Seniors Living & Care Facility project known as ‘Innovation Boulevard’ originally planned for a site across from Surrey Memorial Hospital. Since failing to attract investment in that project since its approval in 2016, WestStone Group has now submitted a new application for the site. The new application is proposing a mixed-use residential, office, and retail development, which is to include 920 residential units, and 10,841 sq.ft. of commercial space.

Council Approvals

18-0443 (13245 104 Ave)

13-Storey Rental Apartment at 13245 104 Ave

This mixed rental and market residential project at 13245 104 Avenue received 3rd Reading (Conditional Approval) in October 2020. The current application included a detailed Development Permit for just Phase 1 of the project, which will include a 13-storey rental apartment building (115 Units) on the north portion of the site. Phase 2, subject to a future detailed Development Permit application, is to include a 16-storey market residential building, containing 157 units, on the south portion of the site fronting 104 Avenue.

The site is adjacent to, and will eventually become integrated, with a similar application to the east, which received Conditional Approval in September 2020 for a 21-storey rental and 26-storey market residential project.

Master Plan for adjacent rental & market residential projects at 13245 & 13264 104 Ave

19-0105 (The Holland 2)

The Holland 2 – 32-Storey Market Residential

The second phase of Townline Homes ‘The Holland’ project received Conditional Approval in October 2020. This phase will include a 32-storey market residential tower consisting of 308 units at 13333 Old Yale Rd. The first phase of the project, consisting of a 25-storey market residential tower, began construction in September 2020.

Construction

The month of October 2020 saw continued construction on 15 major projects within City Centre, including 15 high-rise towers (>6 Storeys) and 4 low-rises (6-storeys or less) representing:

5,190 Residential Units
312,179 Sq.ft. of Office Space
164,220 sq.ft. of Retail

A 6-storey residential project at Fraser Hwy and 140 Street known as Fraser Landmark completed in October 2020.

Fraser Landmark at Fraser Hwy & 140 St completed construction in October 2020 Construction progress at King George Hub (Phase B) King George Hub (Phase C) – 34-Storey Rental Apartments Linea – 28-Storey Market Residential nearing completion at 133 St & 104 Ave City Centre 3 – 10-Storey Office across from Surrey Memorial Georgetown One – 30-Storey Residential & Retail at 102 Ave & Whalley Blvd One Central – 44-Storey Residential under construction in West Village

January 2020 – UrbanSurrey

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

With the new year upon us, it’s time for this blog’s annual review of the past year in Surrey City Centre, as well as a look at what can be expected ahead in 2020. Additionally this year, we will also take a look back at the past decade, which saw accelerating growth and transformation in City Centre, a trend likely to persist as Surrey’s downtown becomes further established, and continues to attract more people, businesses, institutions, and jobs.

Growth in 2019

Construction activity in Surrey City Centre reached record levels in 2019, with many projects approved in previous years entering the construction phase, joining others already under construction, and others completing. Overall 2019 construction activity is summarized below:

6 significant projects began construction

One Central | 44 Storeys
Georgetown One | 30 Storeys
Linea | Residential | 28 Storeys
Veterans Village | Mixed-Use | 20 Storeys
Camellia | Residential | 5 Storeys
La Voda | Residential | 6 Storeys

7 significant projects continued construction

King George Hub B | Residential, Office, Retail | 15 + 29 + 40 Storeys
Park Boulevard | Residential | 39 Storeys
King George Hub C | Rental Residential | 34 Storeys
City Centre 3 | Office, Retail | 10 Storeys
Fraser Landmark | Residential | 6 Storeys
Maverick | Residential | 5 Storeys
13904 102 Ave | Residential | 4 Storeys

8 significant projects completed construction

Prime | Residential, Office, Retail | 37 Storeys
Evolve | Residential, Office, Retail | 36 Storeys
Aspire | Residential | 6 Storeys
Porte HQ | Residential | 6 Storeys
SFU Sustainable Energy & Environmental Engineering Building | 5 Storeys
9909 140 St | Residential | 4 Storeys
Surrey Central Station Expansion
West Village Park & District Energy Centre

One Central under excavation at Central Ave & 133A St Linea by Rize under construction at 104 Ave & 133 St King George Hub (Phase B) under construction at King George Blvd & Fraser Hwy Park Boulevard under construction on Whalley Blvd near 100 Ave King George Hub B & Park Boulevard as seen from Fraser Hwy Georgetown One under excavation at Whalley Blvd & 102 Ave City Centre 3 by Lark Group under construction on 96 Ave Aspire recently completed on 101 Ave near Whalley Blvd Prime completed in Fall 2019 at University Dr & Central Ave HQ by Porte at 140 St & 105A Ave completed early 2019 Evolve completed in 2019 at Central Ave & 133 St SFU Sustainable Energy & Environmental Engineering Building completed in Spring 2019 Surrey Central Station expansion completed in Spring 2019 West Village Park & District Energy Centre completed in Spring 2019

As for new Development Applications, 2019 saw a drop from 2018’s record number of 25 applications, to 19 new applications. This is still well above all previous years in the decade between 2010 and 2017, indicating continued strong interest from the development community in 2019. These 19 new Development Applications included approximately 21 towers (>6 Storeys) and 14 low-rises (4-6 Storeys), comprising over 7,200 units and over 300,000 sq.ft. of commercial space in 2019 applications alone.

As of January 2020, in total there are currently 65 significant active applications either under review, approved, or under construction in City Centre consisting of approximately 69 high rises (>6 Storeys) and 44 low-rises (

PHOTO UPDATE: Crane Removal at University District – UrbanSurrey

The crane is now in the process of being removed from Bosa Properties’ Alumni Tower project in Surrey City Centre. Alumni Tower is the first of 8 towers planned as part of Bosa’s University District development along 104 Avenue between University Drive and King George Blvd. At 36 stories, it will contain 310 condo units, along with retail and office space. Completion is scheduled for Fall 2016.

For more on University District:
http://ud.bosaproperties.com

Photos by UrbanSurrey – June 6, 2016

August 2016 – UrbanSurrey

Bosa Properties’ University District is progressing with work continuing on the interior as well as balconies, exterior finishing touches, and sidewalk. While not scheduled for completion until later this year, the building has already transformed the area, creating a very urban, downtown streetscape along 104 Avenue, which will only improve with opening of the building’s retail. According to Form Leasing’s website, there are 5 units available which have not yet been leased.

http://form.ca/universitydistrict.pdf

A luffing crane has now been installed at WestStone Group’s 36-storey Evolve Condo project in Surrey City Centre’s emerging West Village neighbourhood. The use of a luffing crane is a rare sight in Metro Vancouver condo construction, as it is typically used in situations where movement of the crane is constrained by other buildings. In this case, the adjacent 36-storey Ultra condo tower to the South of the project would prevent a standard crane from being able to swing a full 360 degrees.

When complete in 2018, Evolve will add not only condos, but also retail and commercial space to the West Village neighbourhood along a newly dedicated 103 Ave, forming the beginning of a new neighbourhood centre. Four additional towers will be added through future phases of WestStone’s master plan for the area, along with retail, commercial space, and new pedestrian and road connections.

Excavation begins for Surrey’s 2nd tallest tower – One Central – UrbanSurrey

Earlier this month, excavation began for what is to become Surrey’s 2nd tallest tower – One Central in West Village. The 44-Storey, 134m (438 ft.) tower by China-based developer Aoyuan will rise at the corner of 133A St and Central Ave, adding to the growing cluster of towers in the densely populated West Village neighbourhood.

Once complete, the tower will contain 550 units, including 11 ground-oriented townhouses at its base, and 4,596 sq. ft. of ground-level retail space. The building will also include 11,501 sq. ft. of indoor amenity space throughout the building on levels 1, 3, 14, 34, and 44 – signified by horizontal architectural breaks in the tower, and 10,247 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space, including an expansive rooftop deck.

With excavation now underway, building completion can be expected by late 2022 / early 2023.

https://onecentral.ca

Surrey City Centre – UrbanSurrey

The December Issue of the City Centre Monthly Update is now out at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of new Development Applications, Council Approvals, and Construction activity over the past month.

New Development Applications

Four new major development applications were submitted within City Centre during the past month of November 2020, bringing the total number of major projects under initial review to 34. This represents approximately 27 HighRises (6 Storeys) and 4 low-rises (6-storeys or less) representing:

5,190 Residential Units
312,179 Sq.ft. of Office Space
164,220 sq.ft. of Retail

A 6-storey residential project at Fraser Hwy and 140 Street known as Fraser Landmark completed in October 2020.

Growth in 2019

6 significant projects began construction

One Central | 44 Storeys
Georgetown One | 30 Storeys
Linea | Residential | 28 Storeys
Veterans Village | Mixed-Use | 20 Storeys
Camellia | Residential | 5 Storeys
La Voda | Residential | 6 Storeys

7 significant projects continued construction

King George Hub B | Residential, Office, Retail | 15 + 29 + 40 Storeys
Park Boulevard | Residential | 39 Storeys
King George Hub C | Rental Residential | 34 Storeys
City Centre 3 | Office, Retail | 10 Storeys
Fraser Landmark | Residential | 6 Storeys
Maverick | Residential | 5 Storeys
13904 102 Ave | Residential | 4 Storeys

8 significant projects completed construction

Prime | Residential, Office, Retail | 37 Storeys
Evolve | Residential, Office, Retail | 36 Storeys
Aspire | Residential | 6 Storeys
Porte HQ | Residential | 6 Storeys
SFU Sustainable Energy & Environmental Engineering Building | 5 Storeys
9909 140 St | Residential | 4 Storeys
Surrey Central Station Expansion
West Village Park & District Energy Centre

Rize Alliance – UrbanSurrey

Vancouver developer Rize is set to bring their latest and most ambitious project to date before Surrey Council on Monday for 1st & 2nd Readings, and approval to proceed to Public Hearing. Passages as it’s called, is a proposed master-planned mixed-use development at 10138 Whalley Blvd consisting of market condos, market rental apartments, retail, and daycare space, all situated within a European-style ‘piazza’ public plaza. In total the project is proposing:

3 High-Rise towers and 1 Low-Rise (6, 23, 32 & 39 Storeys) containing 954 Market Condo Residential Units
2 Mid-Rise towers (13 Storeys each) containing 172 Market Rental Residential Units
18,116 sq.ft. of Ground Level Retail Space
4,252 sq.ft. of Daycare Space
A 69,602 sq.ft. Publicly Accessible ‘Piazza’-Style Public Plaza

Rendering of central public ‘Piazza’ space within Passages development

Designed by London, UK based Alison Brooks Architects, Passages brings a fresh departure from the standard point tower above podium form, commonly found throughout Metro Vancouver. Instead, the project consists of 6 irregularly-shaped buildings of varying heights, clustered around a ‘Piazza’-style public plaza.

The design takes inspiration from coastal BC forests, incorporating references to ‘textured tree bark’ on building facades, and the use of earth tones and materials. Interspersed single and double-storey units are present throughout the towers, adding variation in form and glazing pattern. The 6-storey building is a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘British mansion block’ merged with ground floor townhouses.

The site’s perimeter and courtyard are structured as open, barrier-free spaces that the public and residents can share and enjoy. A series of four distinct piazzas, City Piazza, Park Piazza, Central Piazza and Neighbourhood Piazza, are linked by narrow urban groves between buildings and enriched streetscape edges.

The Landscape Architect on the project is Vancouver’s PWL Partnership tasked with designing the publicly accessibly open spaces comprised of the four landscaped piazzas. These spaces are animated with community agricultural gardens, an urban square with seating, a children’s play area, a great lawn for event and performance space, a yoga and exercise zone, a community harvest table, and an outdoor barbeque and games table space to encourage the public and residents to interact and socialize.

Passages will replace two existing and aging, wood-frame, 4-storey apartment buildings known as Fraserview Court, built in the 1970’s. Rize is proposing to offset the loss of the 154 existing rental residential units on site by providing 172 new rental residential units in two new 13-Storey concrete mid-rises as part of re-development. These rental units will be secured for a period of 20-years, through a Housing Agreement with the City. Rize is also assisting existing residents facing displacement through a City policy directed Tenant Relocation and Assistance Plan.

The project is proposed to be built in 3 phases, which includes:

Phase 1 (Targeted Completion: May 2023)

13-Storey Mid-Rise with Market Rental Residential (88 Units), Ground Floor Cafe, and Daycare
23-Storey High-Rise with Market Condo Residential (212 Units)

Phase 2 (Targeted Completion: June 2024)

6-Storey Low-Rise with Market Condo Residential (66 Units)
32-Storey High-Rise with Market Condo Residential (304 Units), and Ground Level Retail

Phase 3 (Targeted Completion: August 2024)

13-Storey Mid-Rise with Market Rental Residential (84 Units), and Ground Level Retail
39-Storey High-Rise with Market Condo Residential (372 Units)

In terms of approvals, the development is seeking:

City Centre Plan amendment to increase density on the site from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR
Official Community Plan amendment to increase density on the site from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR
Rezoning from Multiple Residential 45 Zone to Comprehensive Development Zone (Based on RM-135 & C-8)
Subdivision from 1 to 3 lots
Development Permit to allow for 3 High-Rise Buildings, 2 Mid-Rise Buildings, and 1 Low-Rise Building.

For more information on Passages:

https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0289-00.pdf

A proposal to revitalize the North Surrey Medical Building at 9656 King George Blvd in the emerging Health & Technology District is heading to Council on Monday for 1st & 2nd Readings. The project, by Vancouver’s Rize Alliance, is seeking to restore and integrate the 1960’s North Surrey Medical Building on site into a new mixed-use development consisting of a new 4-storey office and retail podium along King George Blvd, and a new 31-storey residential tower behind. The project was first reported on here back in February when it passed ADP.

According to the Planning Report to Council, the application is seeking both OCP and City Centre Plan amendments for increased density from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR to allow for the proposed development. In exchange for the increased density, the project is proposing to preserve and revitalize the 1960’s North Surrey Medical Building on-site under a Heritage Revitalization Agreement. In total the project is to contain:

- 293 Apartment Units
- 5 Townhouse Units
- 34,369 sq.ft.sq.ft. of Commercial Space with within the revitalized North Surrey Medical Building and new adjacent 4-storey podium (including ground floor retail along King George Blvd)

A landscaped courtyard designed by Vancouver’s PWL Partnership will separate the residential and commercial portions of the project. The Architect on the project is Stantec.

In addition to the revitalization of the North Surrey Medical Building, the applicant will be providing community amenity contributions including funding towards enhancements to Quibble Creek in the area. Contributions will also be provided for construction of a new east-west lane to the directly adjacent north of the site in the future, and towards the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy.

For more information on the project: https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0276-00.pdf

A heritage revitalization project being proposed by Vancouver developer Rize Alliance at 9656 King George Blvd just north of Surrey Memorial Hospital, received unanimous approval by Surrey’s Advisory Design Panel (ADP) on February 14. The project, which must still appear before Council for approvals, is proposing to restore the 1969-built North Surrey Medical Building, while adding a new ‘twin’ commercial podium, and residential tower to the site.

The North Surrey Medical Building is listed in the Surrey City Centre Plan as a ‘Potential Heritage Resource’. If approved, the project will officially add the building to the City’s Heritage Register, and help to preserve and enhance mid-century heritage within the City Centre – a goal of the City Centre Plan.

Subject Site at 9656 King George Blvd

Aside from the Heritage Revitalization Agreement for the North Surrey Medical Building, the proposal is seeking to Rezone the subject site from CHI to CD, Consolidate 2 lots into 1, and obtain a Development Permit in order to construct 276 residential units and 1486 sq. m. of commercial space. The new commercial space is to occupy a new ‘twin’ 4-storey podium consisting of ground floor retail and 3 floors of office – adjacent to and resembling the original 1960’s building.

Now that the project has passed ADP – it can be expected to appear before Council within the coming months. More renderings and project details can also be expected at that time.

For more on the proposal: https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=18&seq=0276

Excavation got underway this week for Rize Alliance’s 28-storey Linea at 104 Avenue and 133 Street. Linea is phase 2 to its predecessor and twin ‘Wave’ which was completed in 2015. Upon completion, both towers will stand at 28-storeys and feature the same signature curved balconies and orange accents.

In addition to the new tower, Linea will also improve the streetscapes along 133 Street and 104 Avenue with new street-oriented townhouses, add a common outdoor amenity area between the 2 towers, and create a new north-south lane to the east of the site. Completion is expected by early 2022.

Linea site from Wave tower Linea site from 133 Street Rendering of Linea and Wave Ground level Site Plan of Wave and Linea site Rooftop Site Plan of Wave and Linea site

Rize Alliance, the developer behind Wave and the recently released Linea, has submitted an application for their next development in City Centre. Located at 10138 Whalley Blvd just south of 102 Avenue, the project would replace an existing 3-storey walk-up apartment complex built in the 1970’s.

While not many details have been released so far, what is known is that the project is to contain 1,070 units – likely within 2-3 towers above a mixed-use podium base. The subject site is currently designated ‘Residential Mid to High Rise 3.5 FAR’ in the City Centre Plan, and is located just to the south of Anthem Properties ‘Georgetown‘ development, which recently received 3rd reading for phase 1 its 7-tower master-planned community.

The new Rize application is currently under initial review at the City of Surrey. More details can be expected once the project proceeds to Council.

Subject Site containing an existing 3-storey apartment complex Subject site containing an existing 3-storey apartment complex Subject site within City Centre Plan

Rize Alliance has begun pre-sales on the second phase of their 2-tower project at 133 St & 104 Ave in the growing West Village neighbourhood. The first phase of the project – the 28-storey ‘Wave’ condo tower – was completed back in 2014, with the second phase originally set to be called ‘Wynd’. Four years later, that name has now changed with the launch of a new marketing campaign and registration site set up for phase 2 under the name ‘Linea’.

With phase 2 of the project having already been approved as part of the original application for the site, Linea is likely to proceed with construction soon after sales. Despite the name change, the tower will retain its originally approved design – a twin of the Wave tower – featuring distinctive curved balconies and vibrant orange accents on the building’s exterior. Not only will Linea bring a twin tower to the development, but it will also complete the site which has been sitting vacant for years, bringing a new row of urban street-fronting townhouses along both 133 St and 104 Avenue, and a substantial outdoor amenity area / park. The website for the project www.liveatlinea.com is now open for registration offering 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos and townhouses.

The completed Wave tower – Phase 1 of project

Site Plan for Wave (Tower ‘A’) and Linea (Tower ‘B’)

Linea site within City Centre Plan

With sales now just around the corner, Linea will likely begin construction in 2019, making it the 5th residential tower expected to start next year in the red hot Surrey City Centre condo market, following 3 condo towers expected to start this year, and 2 office towers. It was noted in the Spring 2018 issue of West Coast Condo that benchmark prices for condos in Surrey City Centre led all of Metro Vancouver in growth over the past year – up 45.6% between December 2016 and December 2017. Despite the price growth, Surrey City Centre still remains one of the most affordable areas to buy a condo in Metro Vancouver, and the best place to invest in real estate in BC for future growth.

For more:
http://liveatlinea.com
https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7911-0075-00.pdf

September 2018 – UrbanSurrey

Bosa Properties has submitted an application for their next phase of University District, to be located on the former Brick / Sears outlet site just north of the Safeway near 104 Avenue and City Parkway. This next phase is to follow Phase 2, known as ‘Blue Sky‘ which is currently in pre-sales and expected to begin construction in 2019.

Details of the new application indicate that the project is proposing 1,134 residential units and 104,300 SF of commercial space. This is likely to translate into up to 4 residential towers above podiums and significant commercial / retail space.

The site, which includes 2 properties – 13583 104 Ave & 13550 105 Ave spans an entire block, with frontages on 104 Ave, 105 Ave and City Parkway. The site also spans 2 designations under the City Centre Plan – with the south portion of the site designated for Mixed-Use/High-Rise (5.5 FAR), and the north portion designated for Mixed-Use/High-Rise (3.5 FAR). The City Centre Plan allows for density bonuses of 20%, meaning the project FAR will likely be proposed higher than what is designated.

View of Subject Site looking north-west from 104 Ave

The subject site is a key location in City Centre, in the civic core, just to the north of City Hall and Civic Plaza. Well-fitted to a project at this high profile location, the applicant on the file is Perkins + Will, a renowned international architecture and urban design firm with an office in Vancouver.

In development of the site, the project will also dedicate and construct a new urban ‘green lane’ running east-west across the site, as well as re-align the intersection of 104 Avenue and City Parkway. This will result in a continuous City Parkway between Surrey Central and Gateway – and help bridge the gap between these 2 areas of City Centre.

For more on the application:

https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=18&seq=0350

PCI Developments is moving ahead with the next phase of its master-planned King George Hub development at King George Station. Following the success of ‘Phase B’ which is currently under construction, ‘Phase C’ will add a 34-storey rental apartment tower with ground floor retail to the site just east of the completed Coast Capital Savings headquarters (Phase A).

Originally planned to be an office tower site, ‘Phase C’ is to include 371 residential units, above 9,322 SF of ground floor retail. Phase C will complete the northern street edge of the internal road on site known as ‘George Junction’, as well as the Coast Capital Plaza next to Phase A. The completed plaza is intended to allow for retailer displays and seating, while serving as a direct pedestrian connection through the Hub development to King George Station.

‘Phase C’ shown behind the existing Coast Capital Savings headquarters and to the left of currently under construction ‘Phase B’ View of ‘Phase C’ from King George Blvd View of ‘Phase C’ from the east looking towards King George Station View of Coast Capital Plaza between Phase A and C – connecting Hub to King George Station

In terms of architecture, the tower’s design references the pair of 29 & 40-storey residential towers currently under construction as part of Phase B, with a similar wide rectangular floor plate, and prominent canopy at the top of the tower. Phase C differs however with a more ‘playful’ design, featuring shifting coloured balconies every other floor for visual interest, and a light grey window wall running down the narrow north and south sides of the tower. Punctuated black-framed windows and white paneling cover the wider east and west facades.

The retail podium of the tower also aims create visual interest and promote a human-scale environment through varied heights and materials used for each of the retail units. This reinforces a small-scale retail rhythm along the street for a comfortable and pleasant pedestrian experience.

Punctuated windows and varied coloured balconies along east and west facades View from east towards King George Station Retail fronting Coast Capital Plaza between ‘Phase C’ and Coast Capital Savings headquarters View facing west of retail along George Junction – featuring varied materials and podium heights

Phase C marks the second to last phase of King George Hub – to be followed by Phase D on the remaining lands on the east end of the site. Phase D is expected to include up to 3 additional towers, bringing the total number of towers within King George Hub to 9. While it is unclear when Phase D will move forward, Phase C is expected to begin construction by next year, with occupancy targeted for summer 2022.

King George Hub lands with ‘Phase C’ site in green and future ‘Phase D’ site to the east North elevation view of Phases A-C East elevation view of Phase A-C

For more on Phase C of King George Hub: https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0095-00.pdf

Development Application submitted for Central City 2 – UrbanSurrey

Blackwood Partners has submitted a development application for the much anticipated Central City 2 office tower – proposed for the corner of King George Blvd and Old Yale Road on the site of a former Best Buy. The 25-storey tower designed by ZGF Architects is to be built to Class AAA and LEED Platinum standards and contain over 500,000 SF of office space, and 20,000 SF of ground level retail.

The proposed design of the tower has undergone considerable revision since first announced back in November 2017. The tower now features copper / reddish toned shading fins on its exterior, and a refined, more cohesive massing and podium. The tower also features expansive green roof decks, premium fitness facilities for office tenants, bike lockers, electric vehicle charging, high-speed elevators, and a ground level urban plaza, anchored by a restaurant, café, and retail.

New plaza at corner of Old Yale Road & City Parkway Conceptual ground level floor plan Office tower views Premium fitness facilities for office tower tenants

Following the completion of the original Central City office tower and SFU campus back in 2003, Central City 2 will form the next phase of a long-term vision to redevelop the remainder of the Central City Shopping Centre site. While just conceptual at this point, the long-term plan would see the remaining parking lots to the north redeveloped with mixed-use development and new streets. The mall itself is envisioned to be reconfigured to include a number of new tower sites, and a large new plaza entrance fronting Holland Park on Old Yale Road – mirroring the existing Central City Plaza to the north and creating a connection through the mall linking the city’s civic core to Holland Park.

Along with the recently submitted development application, Blackwood Partners has also now begun marketing the tower for lease, and will be opening a presentation centre in the Central City Shopping Centre in early 2019. The current leasing brochure can be found here.