A pair of new residential towers have been proposed not far from each other in Kitsilano.
A 20-storey tower has been proposed near the intersection of Burrard Street and West 2nd Avenue while a 23-storey has been proposed at Yew Street and West 8th Avenue. Both are with the city right now for rezoning applications following the approval of the Broadway Plan in 2022.
2226 W 8th Ave.
The taller of the two towers is at 2226 W 8th Ave and 2415-2421 Yew St.; if approved it would replace a 35 unit apartment building at 2226 W 8th Ave.
At the same time, the proposal includes two homes built in 1912. The two homes will remain at their current addresses, but will be integrated into the project as amenity spaces with direct connections to the tower. A home at 2407 Yew St., at the corner with West 8th Avenue is not part of the project.
"We have programmed the heritage homes as amenity space, creating a meaningful point of interest for this project. We believe this provides a more inclusive use of the homes so more residents are able to enjoy their preserved facades, and newly finished interiors,' reads the application.
While specific amenities aren't discussed for the houses, the proposal does note a social lounge on the roof, a fitness space in the basement, and a games room are all included in the design.
In total there will be 63 studio apartments and 73 one-bedroom units. Larger units include 66 two-bedroom units, and 22 three-bedroom units. It also includes a total of 90 parking spots.
Developer Townline and others involved in the project state the project will include 224 rental units in the 23-storey project. Of that, 20 per cent of the residential floor space will be below-market rental (for households earning less than $80,00 per year), as per the city's housing policies. That equals 34 units.
The project application touts its proximity to West Broadway and the incoming Arbutus SkyTrian station (project drawings show the Millennium Line continuing to to UBC, which hasn't been announced).
1855 W 2nd Ave
Proposed to stand 20 storeys at West 2nd Avenue behind the Petro Canada station on Burrard Street, this tower would have 171 rental units.
Currently the property has a 36-unit building from 1972; proponents for this project note that it too will be close to shopping in Kitsilano and nearby transit, thought it's closer to West 4th and Kitsilano Beach.
The building itself will have retail space, according to the proposal, with drawings showing five different spots for shops or other commercial ventures. Amenity space is included, with the top two floors left for a variety of options, including a gym, co-working space and multipurpose rooms.
It will primarily have one-bedroom or studio units (112) with 42 two-bedrooms spaces and 17 three-bedroom homes. Residents will have 61 parking stalls.
