Vancouver’s historic Canada Post building will be getting a modern new look, while retaining the building’s heritage value.
The large building, covering an entire block between Georgia and Dunsmuir Streets and Homer and Hamilton Streets, was built in 1958. It currently stands at five storeys tall with an oblong three-storey level on the roof.
What was once called the “Taj Mahal with escalators,” the building has been under used in the modern era and was recently sold for $130 million to investor group BC Investor Management Corporation.
Instead of demolition, the group paired up with Bentall Kennedy to redevelop the site into a mix of retail, residential, and office units that will be known as “The Post.”
Three glass towers above the original building will include 17 storeys of office, and 18 and 20 storeys of residential space.
On the residential side, there will be 795 units, including 424 market rental units. That will be complemented by a ground floor of retail and restaurant space and six levels of parking. Plans also included a space for on-site childcare.
The project is expected to be LEED Gold ND-certified with a LEED Platinum-certified office building. It also has the goal of being carbon neutral.
Out front, all four street facades will be improved to create an “attractive, inviting and animated streetscape,” according to the project plans.
With a site sized at over 130,000 square feet, this will be the largest heritage revitalization in Vancouver’s history.
The proposal will be displayed at an open house for public input on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
View photos of the proposed building designs below:
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