This sponsored feature takes an intimate look at real estate projects in Greater Vancouver, bringing you stories about the developers, the neighbourhoods and the homes themselves. It was the place to stay in Vancouver for the who’s who of the A-list Hollywood stars of the last few decades. Bob Hope, Kathryn Hepburn, Johnny Depp, Sharon Stone and Tom Selleck were just some of the names that called the Pacific Palisades Hotel their home away from home. Forget the Roxy lineup, the Pacific Palisades Hotel bar was the Vancouver location for your Thursday-Friday-Saturday night drinks and carousing.

The Palisades, located on Vancouver’s renowned Robson Street (at Jervis), is considered one of the city’s historical landmarks for the guest list alone. In Spring 2010, for industry and business reasons the hotel said good-bye to its last guests and closed its doors – but not for good. Enter Austeville Properties Ltd.

The property management and development company has been in the business for over 40 years and is behind some of the most coveted rental buildings in the Lower Mainland. Its focus is providing rental solutions that create and sustain strong ties between residents and their neighbourhoods and communities.

Austeville had a vision for this one-time hotel, and was determined to both preserve the historical, mid-century design while updating it for 21st-century urban living through conversion to high-end rental suites. Opening in June 2012, the Pacific Palisades upgrade will be complete and become the new home for 200-plus Vancouver urbanites.

Pacific Palisades will offer 234 rental apartments in two towers. The Commons building will provide amenities for residents that include a fitness centre, yoga space, art gallery and meeting rooms. The anchor commercial tenants of Robson Tower’s retail space are CB2 (affordable modern home furnishings and accessories from Crate and Barrel) and Vancouver skincare specialist Shifeon. 

Studios will rent from $1,100/month, one-bedrooms from $1,500/month. All apartments will feature West Coast Modern style with high-end, durable finishings such as quartz countertops and oak floors. Renovations include double-paned windows and blackout shades in each suite to limit noise and light. All one-bedroom suites have balconies, and parking is available.

The waitlist is currently open, but filling up fast. If you are interested in calling Pacific Palisades your home this spring, visit the Pacific Palisades website to get on the list.

With so many great names in the Pacific Palisades guest book we got to thinking: What would these celebs be most excited about if they were moving in to the NEW Pacific Palisades?

Bob Hope Large, secured storage lockers to hold his numerous golf clubs, plus the Signature BC liquor store down the street.

Katharine Hepburn Classic white-oak hardwood flooring in living room, dining room and bedrooms. We have a feeling Ms. Hepburn didn’t do carpet!

Johnny Depp Deep soaker tubs to relax after a long day on the 21 Jump Street set.

Sharon Stone State-of-the art fitness facility to keep her Basic Instinct body intact, plus facials at Shifeon.

Tom Selleck Quartz bathroom countertops, large mirrors and great lighting—the ideal space to keep Tom’s trademark moustache groomed.

Martin Sheen Extra rooms for rent for when family is in town (we’re talking to you, Charlie Sheen) and you don’t want them sleeping on your floor!