Key Takeaways:
- The City of Vancouver has begun construction on a new 28-storey, mixed-use tower in Northeast False Creek, containing social housing, a childcare facility, and a new replacement and expanded firehall.
- The project is part of a broader land transfer agreement with Concord Pacific, which will create a total of 673 social housing units across three new buildings in the False Creek North area.
- The tower will have 283 social housing units, with 117 units having multiple bedrooms for families, and a childcare facility for 44 kids.
- The project is a partnership between the City of Vancouver, Government of British Columbia, and non-profit housing operator Brightside Community Homes Foundation.
- The construction is expected to finish in 2029, with a total funding of $47.2 million from the municipal government and $44.8 million from the provincial government.
Introduction to the Project
The City of Vancouver has officially started construction on a new 28-storey, mixed-use tower in Northeast False Creek, located in downtown Vancouver. The project, situated at 95 Nelson St., will feature social housing, a childcare facility, and a new replacement and expanded firehall. This development is part of a larger land transfer agreement with Concord Pacific, which aims to create a total of 673 social housing units across three new buildings in the False Creek North area. The project is a significant step towards addressing the city’s housing crisis, providing affordable housing options for low-income families, seniors, and individuals.
Project Details and Partnerships
The 95 Nelson St. project will have 283 social housing units, with 117 units having multiple bedrooms for families. The childcare facility will have the capacity to care for 44 kids and will be operated by the Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres. The project is a partnership between the City of Vancouver, Government of British Columbia through BC Housing, and non-profit housing operator Brightside Community Homes Foundation. The municipal government is providing $47.2 million in funding, while the provincial government is providing $44.8 million. Additionally, the provincial government will provide $5 million annually as an operating subsidy for the building. The project’s design and construction are being led by Francl Architecture and the City of Vancouver’s project team.
Other Development Sites
In addition to the 95 Nelson St. project, construction has also begun on two other development sites in the False Creek North area. The site of 1050 Expo Blvd. will feature a 29-storey tower with 299 social housing units, while the site of 450 Pacific St. will have a seven-storey building with 91 social housing units. The 1050 Expo Blvd. project is being designed by Public Architecture and will be operated by B.C. Indigenous Housing Society. The 450 Pacific St. project is being designed by Public Architecture and will be operated by Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society. These projects are financed by a combination of direct funding from senior governments, low-cost loans from the government, and municipal fee waivers and in-kind land value contributions.
Community Engagement and Artistic Contributions
The City of Vancouver has also issued a call for First Nations artists to contribute to the exterior building design for 95 Nelson St. Three artists, each representing the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, will be selected to create unique ground-surface designs for each of the building’s three main entrances. The selected artists will work with technical advisors from the City’s project team to finalize their designs, which will be produced as graphic tiles and permanently integrated into the exterior of the building. Each artist will receive a $10,000 fee for their contribution, with all fabrication and installation costs covered by the project team.
Construction Timeline and Expected Completion
The construction of the mid-rise building at 450 Pacific St. is expected to finish in 2028, while the two high-rise tower projects at 95 Nelson St. and 1050 Expo Blvd. are scheduled for completion in 2029. The project’s progress is being closely monitored by the City of Vancouver and its partners, with regular updates and community engagement activities planned throughout the construction period. Once completed, the 95 Nelson St. project will provide much-needed affordable housing options for low-income families, seniors, and individuals, as well as a new childcare facility and a modern firehall.
Conclusion
The 95 Nelson St. project is a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in Vancouver, providing affordable housing options for low-income families, seniors, and individuals. The project’s partnerships between the City of Vancouver, Government of British Columbia, and non-profit housing operators demonstrate a commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities. With its unique design features, community engagement, and artistic contributions, the 95 Nelson St. project is an example of innovative and collaborative urban development. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the False Creek North area, providing a vibrant and inclusive community for its residents.