Vancouver City Council |
REPORT TO COUNCIL
Date: September 15, 2004
Author: GHAPC/DSalmon
Phone No. 604.873-7269
RTS No. 4534
CC File No. 8104/3135-1
Meeting Date: September 28, 2004
TO:
Vancouver City Council
FROM:
Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee
SUBJECT:
Woodward's Proposal/Tender
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee support the scale, mix of uses, and overall urban design of the Westbank Project for the Woodward's site, subject to the applicant developing a more sensitive and respectful treatment of the existing heritage building.
B. THAT the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee requests to be consulted on the project design as it evolves.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The City Manager submits the foregoing for INFORMATION.
BACKGROUND
Given the significant impact the Woodward's development will have on Gastown, GHAPC requested the opportunity to review the current proposals as a committee and provide their comment and advice to the DOP & Council. On Wednesday, September 15th at 4:00 pm the Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee met at the "W" room at Woodward's. Michael Flanigan, City of Vancouver Project Manager presented all three proposals currently in the running.
After review and discussion of the attributes of each proposal and issues it was the decision of the committee to support the Westbank Proposal with the above recommendation. The key issues for support were as follows:
· broad mix of uses, ie. market & non-market housing, retail, services and public space.
· density retained on site produces a more vibrant and active neighbourhood.
· raised courtyard addresses issues of security making it more usable at present.
· location and design of the tower relative to the Dominion building.
· placement and handling of the "W" sign.* * * * *