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Building Character
601 WEST PENDERRezoning Application Booklet
2019.11.01 23
Nature | Office
The inspiration behind the building is to weave together
elements of nature with elements of architecture to
create an oasis in the city. The facade is made up of
framed elements that fold in two directions to create a
weave effect. The materiality is thought of as a shiny warm
metal that reflects light and adds unexpected color to its
surroundings.
While the glass in the main tower is flat, at the bottom
and the top of the building, the glass starts to fold in
plan to open up areas for views into retail and amenity,
respectively.
At the base and extending up the tower, setbacks are
met and added to by extending the sidewalk into the
property line. Landscape elements add interest and
life to the street scape. Further landscape is added to
the architectural canopy, so greenery is experienced
3-dimensionally.
At the top, the folding glass creates terraced gardens as
well as open slots to the sky. In the context of the city, the
building brings an interplay of light, reflection and nature
to the Vancouver skyline.
Alley Oop Laneway
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In this proposal, Reliance has made a conscious
effort to respect the sense of place created by
the Alley Oop while simultaneously allowing for
normal business function of the laneway areas
to serve the required demands of the proposed
development. The current design intends to
have some basic functions of the building
occurring serviced by the laneway. These
functions include:
• the loading bay area which consists of two
“Class A” and two “Class B” loading zones;
• the waste management room and pickup area;
• the parkade access ramp for both vehicle and
bicycle traffic
These uses have been designed to face
the laneway area due to applicable bylaw
requirements and in order to preserve the
streetscape and façade continuity along
Seymour St. and West Pender St. To ensure
the listed functions work in cohesion with the
public space the traffic issues related to private
vehicles, bicycles, and service vehicles from
these uses will require careful and diligent study.
The goal of this project was to transform an
under-utilized area of the City into a public
space that was a unique, lively, and safe
addition to the downtown streetscape. The
alleyway is painted in vibrant pink and yellow
colours and can be used on occasion for
temporary pop up events. This laneway is
shared by people and vehicles, which continue
to access the lane for service purposes. The
painting pink of the adjacent buildings 443
Seymour to the South and 602 Hastings to the
North was permitted by the building owners.
Both of these buildings are owned by Reliance.
Reliance also permitted a basketball hoop to be
attached to its building at 602 Hastings.
Reliance understands that the proposed
development will significantly impact the
alleyway in its current form, however the design
of the building is in alignment with the values
of the Alley Oop project as it intends to activate
the public realm and create liveliness at the
prominent downtown intersection of Seymour
and Pender by providing ample street-oriented
retail space along both roadways.
Alley Oop Laneway
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Reliance feels the design of the development
at street level will be beneficial to pedestrians
and improve the public’s interaction with the
surrounding urban space. However, considering
this proposed development’s proximity to the
Alley Oop, the design team is fully prepared
to continue to work in collaboration with the
DVBIA and any other stakeholders to ensure
their vision for the future of the alleyway space
is considered and planned for.
It is also possible that a portion of CAC’s
resulting from the project could be considered
as a funding source for Alley Oop and an
opportunity to further develop and enhance the
design. As an example the loading area could
still be painted pink to continue the theme.
And as Reliance owns the buildings on both
sides we have considered and suggested to the
DVBIA the possibility of a retractable roof scrim
that would be suspended well above the traffic
pattern of the Alley and could be deployed for
pop-up events in the lane.
Cross Alley pink Catenary lighting would also be
an option.
Alley Oop activities including pedestrian
traffic considerations would be evaluated in a
Transportation Assessment and Management
Study (TAMS) to determine the feasibility and
functionality of this design and how different
uses will interact.
Public Benefits
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Open and Active Public Realm at Grade
Open and active public Realm at grade. Landscape raised
public plaza.
Full height setback allows for entry along Pender, continuing
city’s intention of porosity through sites along this block.
Public Art
Public art will be provided according to the applicable council
policies.
Rogers Building
A “Historic Design Rationale for 601 W Pender Street” for the
adjacent Rogers Building has been completed (see Appendix).
CAC Contributions
Should the project proceed as Strata Office a negotiated CAC
will be provided. Potential elements of any negotiated CAC
may include heritage density or heritage amenity shares as
well as other potential on site amenities such as Alley Oop (see
separate section) and or on site Cultural facilities.
If the project proceeds as a for Lease office a Commercial
Linkage fee of $15.78 psf on net additional floor area.
Job Creation in the City’s Core
New Retail opportunities at grade and Office Space above.
Payment of DCL (Development Cost Levy)
DCL Payments will help fund projects across the city that will
benefit everyone.
A Showcase of Sustainable Technology and Design
The Project will meet low emission green building policy.