The Residences at West, 105-167 West 2nd Avenue

Here’s the just about complete second and third phases of West on West 2nd Avenue, to the east of the first phase (below) completed three years ago. The two towers were marketed sequentially (Phase 2 was Tower Green), but construction caught up on the third tower, (Epic at West), so they’re completing together.

We posted the renders of this project in 2012, designed by Walter Francl Architecture for the Executive Group. The project was split into three phases.

You can see how closely the finished product matches the 2012 render. The project occupies a complete half block immediately behind the four tower Wall Centre False Creek development. The three towers range from 13 to 16 storeys, over a 6 storey podium with a total of 488 condos as well as retail space. A bank and restaurant were the first to open, other spaces have also become restaurants although there are still some units available.

All the developments in South East False Creek have to be rezoned because the City adopted a rezoning policy, rather than pre-zoning the area. All the developers pay a higher than average Development Cost Levy to cover the new roads, parks, waterfront walkway, social housing etc for the formerly industrial area. In addition some additional density can be considered for additional community benefits, and in this case the developer built an $11m childcare program with spaces for infants, toddlers, three-to-five year olds, and a preschool program. That’s on top of the podium of the first phase; there’s a high glazed screen at the 6th level protecting the outdoor play space on the roof. The developer has also acquired some heritage density from the Best Building on 1st Avenue and made a contribution to the affordable housing fund.

The building previously on the site represent a link to the city’s post-war growth. The Dominion Construction Company, run by Charles Bentall, built their headquarters here back in 1954. Still in business today, Dominion built the Bentall Centre for its related company as well as many other landmark city buildings, including the BC Pavilion at Expo 86 (previously the home of the Edgewater Casino).