Developers say they're aiming to retain the heritage character of a four-story building in downtown Vancouver while doubling its height.
Nearly a century old, the building at 852 Seymour St. was built in 1926 as the Great War Veterans Association Hall and currently houses a mix of things including office space the Hollywood North Karaoke Club.
"The G.W.V.A. Hall is significant for its association with Canada’s largest veteran organization," states a report from the developers. "The building is additionally valued as an excellent example of refined Classical interwar architecture, as designed by architect A.A. Cox, and for its later use as the Playpen Central, an important part of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2S+ nightlife scene."
Now Arno Matis Architecture and the Bene Group are applying to redevelop the spot, keeping the building's look, but building a 7-storey commercial structure around it, including the lot next to the building. They'll also restore and refinish the original exterior, states the applicants.
"The design proposal contrasts and harmonizes the historical with advanced thinking in office design," notes the report to the city.
The proposal is currently at the development application stage with the city. Public comments can be made until July 26.
