A real estate company co-founded by the man who created Lululemon is behind a massive development proposal for the False Creek Flats area of Vancouver that features two 35-storey rental towers and a 19-storey office building.
Low Tide Properties is working with PCI Developments and architecture firm Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership to redevelop a two-storey warehouse site currently occupied by Shaw Communications at 1155 East 6th Ave.
The City of Vancouver received a rezoning application in July for the property, which is near the VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station on a strip that has seen a lot of development in recent years as the area gets built out.
“This proposal acts as a catalyst for the eastern expansion of the creative district, offering a blend of employment spaces that honour the area’s commercial heritage, alongside office and residential components,” Low Tide’s application said.
“Emphasis is placed on enhancing the public realm, which plays a vital role in linking the site with its surroundings.”
600 apartments
The proposal calls for 600 rental apartments, including 120 below-market homes, and 180,000 square feet of office space. The project will feature a 10,000-square-foot daycare centre, a full-sized grocery store, a community-based “food security facility” and spaces for retail.
If approved, the development would be located in the same neighbourhood as Emily Carr University of Art + Design, EA Sports and the headquarters of Nature’s Path, which is currently under construction near the East Van sign at Clark Drive.
To the south, Vancouver Community College plans to construct a new automotive maintenance program building, while also increase density on existing sites between Great Northern Way and Broadway.
The expansion includes plans for student housing.
Broadway subway
Key to moving people that will live, work and shop at the proposed site will be the new Broadway Subway line. The VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station currently marks the last stop of the SkyTrain line and will connect with the subway once it opens in the fall of 2027.
“The influx of development across various sectors, including employment, services and housing will attract more residents and visitors to the neighbourhood,” Low Tide’s application said.
“This surge in population will contribute to a revitalized public realm, breathing new life into the area.”
Low Tide collaborated with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations on the proposal before submitting the rezoning application. Approximately 100 years ago, the Flats was a tidal estuary of great natural and cultural significance to the nations for thousands of years.
Chip Wilson and David Ferguson are the co-founders of Low Tide Properties, a company that owns several properties in Vancouver, including locations on Great Northern Way, Station Street, Water Street and West and East Hastings streets.
Citizens who want more information about the proposal for 1155 East 6th Ave. can view details on City of Vancouver’s website. The section on the website is called Shape Your City.
