At 416 West Pender Street, the story is one of continuity—honoring the legacy of the Western Canada Building while contributing meaningfully to the future of Victory Square. The redevelopment preserves the historic street presence of the 1914 structure and uses the new tower above it to express a modern chapter of urban living, sustainability, and community growth through secured rental housing.
The proposal introduces a 12-storey building that delivers 88 secured rental units, including at least 25% family-oriented homes, where none exist today. The ground level maintains active retail frontage along Pender Street in accordance with Victory Square urban design guidelines. Located near Waterfront Station, Gastown, major public institutions, and ample transit, the site sits within a dense urban context of three- to twelve-storey buildings. Rezoning from DD to a site-specific CD-1 enables increased height and density consistent with the Downtown ODP, Victory Square Policy, and the Housing Plan for the Downtown Eastside. Shared resident amenities—including rooftop indoor space, urban agriculture areas, children’s play space, and outdoor gathering zones—enhance livability for all residents.
A defining aspect of the design is the respectful retention of the Western Canada Building, valued for its classical detailing and significant role in the financial and commercial history of early Vancouver. The original façade and entry foyer will be preserved and restored, using archival and on-site evidence to guide interventions. A stepped-back massing above the heritage frontage creates a visible transition between old and new, while materials salvaged from deconstruction—such as original timber—may be reused on site to strengthen the continuity of place.
Material selection reinforces this narrative of heritage and evolution. While the original façade remains intact, the residential tower above is clad in light grey brick to complement but differentiate itself from the historic brickwork below. Punched window openings framed in bronze metal add warmth and refinement, while the top floors step back and continue the same material palette to align with surrounding architectural rhythms. Together, the retained heritage and the modern addition tell a unified story of preservation, city-building, and respectful transformation.
