The old Vancouver stock exchange building will be getting a new look

The old Vancouver stock exchange at Howe and Pender is getting a make-over, but not everyone is happy about it.

Rezoning plans include a 200-million dollar overhaul including a 30-storey tower atop the historic building.

City council approved the project today after a number of amendments, but some neighbours still have concerns.

From the 25th floor of the Jameson House, a residential building in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district, there is a million dollar view.

But in a few years, it will look a lot different.

The city’s newest commercial high-rise is going right next door.

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Only one city councillor voted against the rezoning application for a 30-storey office tower at the corner of Howe and West Pender.

After heated opposition from residents at a public hearing last month, the new zoning will now eliminate direct sightlines within sixty feet.

The builder will also have to include permanent fixtures such as louvres to reduce the glare from lights.

“In this case with residences so close, I think there is some compromise here,” says Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson. “I have confidence that our staff, architects and builders can work out those details to everyone’s satisfaction and that we get a win-win out of this.”

The development will be centered around the old stock exchange building.

The plan is to renovate and retain as much of the original building as possible, including a restoration of the exchange floor.

“This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Vancouver,” says Franz Gehriger with Swissreal Group. “To maintain this for the future and also structurally improve it…this is a real great effort.”

At 400,000 square feet, the 200-million dollar project also marks an economic milestone for the province.
It’s the first foray into BC by Credit Suisse, one of the largest real estate investors in the world.

In addition, the new exchange will be the city’s first LEED platinum certified building, the highest sustainability rating.

Construction is scheduled to get underway next year, with completion in 2016 or 2017, about the same amount of time it took to get the project approved.