Integrating First Nations culture and ideas, Place of Cedars is a proposed social housing tower for the northern end of Commercial Drive.
In a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver, the proponents explain the project proposes 191 units of affordable housing in an 18-storey building at 1710-1730 East Pender St., just east of the intersection with Commercial Drive. Two apartment buildings stand there now.
The proponents, the Aboriginal Land Trust and Lu'ma Native Housing Society, note the building would go towards the city's goals of affordable housing and reconciliation. Units will include a variety of options, from live/work spaces to 4-bedroom homes.
"Culturally, this project will further the City’s aims of Reconciliation by enabling Indigenous-owned, operated, and occupied space and will provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to meet and gather in cultural safety independently from space controlled by residual colonial entities or from the private settler-owned market," reads part o the project summary.
Along with the social housing, the building will have a variety of amenities, including space for a greenhouse and urban agriculture, a rooftop park-like area resembling a forest floor, and an edible shrubbery meadow. There will also be a ceremonial place with a focus on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh traditions.
Indigenous art and design will also be integrated in a variety of ways, including street murals.
"The project will provide a clear expression of xʷməθkʷəyə̓m (Musqueam), skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlili̓lw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and showcase Indigenous art and culture in the design of the building," states the proposal. "Amenity spaces will include indoor and outdoor gathering spaces where residents can gather and share and practice culture."
