Vancouver city planners recommend new Chinatown condos of up to 14 storeys

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      More tall buildings are coming to Chinatown in Vancouver.

      City planners are recommending heights of up to 14 storeys for new condo developments in the historic neighbourhood.

      According to a discussion guide prepared by staff, this measure will “clarify achievable floor area” and “maximum number of floors”.

      Most of the buildings in Chinatown are two to four storeys.

      The height caps are part of proposed changes to Chinatown Economic Revitalization Action Plan, which are subject to approval by council at a future date this year.

      Meanwhile, a number of multi-storey developments have been pouring into the old neighbourhood.

      Westbank Projects Corp. has a 17-storey condo tower at 188 Keefer Street.

      On the other side at 189 Keefer Street is a nine-storey condo development by the Solterra Group of Companies.

      Other residential developments are in the pipeline.

      Bonnis Development Corporation is planning a 15-storey condo building at 728 to 796 Main Street. The proponent has yet to file a rezoning application.

      Over at 105 Keefer Street and 544 Columbia Street, the Beedie Group has submitted a rezoning application for a 12-storey condo project.

      City hall will host open house on the suggested changes to the Chinatown plan on Saturday (February 4) at the Chinese Cultural Centre Auditorium (50 East Pender Street). The event starts at 10 a.m.

      According to the discussion guide, new businesses and residents are moving into the neighbourhood.

      “Population growth is driving demand for housing and commercial space,” the document states.

      City planners have suggested a maximum of five to seven floors on Pender Street.

      For other areas in Chinatown, the maximum height limits are eight, 11, and 14 storeys. 

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