Two Vancouver condo buildings to be demolished for 39-storey skyscraper project in the West End

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      One is 27 years old, and the other is 37.

      They’re relatively new, and these two modern condo buildings in the West End neighbourhood of Vancouver seem to have a lot of life left in them.

      But with the real estate rush ripping through the city, they soon may have a date with demolition crew.

      Westbank Projects Corp. has filed a rezoning application to build a 39-storey condo skyscraper that will replace the two residential buildings on the southeast corner of Alberni and Bidwell streets.

      One of these buildings is simply known for its address, which is 1668 Alberni Street. Built in 1990, it has eleven floors with the same number of units.

      The other one at 1684 Alberni Street is called The Lord Stanley. It was built in 1980. It has 13 floors, and 12 residential units.

      The two buildings are made of concrete.

      The Westbank project is designed by Bing Thom Architects, and will feature 94 condo units.

      In a letter to city hall, the architectural company states that the development will be a “dramatic new landmark for Vancouver”.

      View of the development from Robson Street.
      BING THOM ARCHITECTS

      Central to the design of the proposed development is an outer spine or an exoskeleton.

      “The single powerful concept of a repeating form that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing results in an ‘exoskeleton’ that weaves up all four sides of the tower to distinguish this tower from others,” Bing Thom Architects explains. “Without changing form or material, the design achieves a sense of architectural purity that celebrates simplicity and rhythm.”

      According to the designers, this “’weave’ or ‘exoskeleton’ takes cues from repeated structures found in nature; seemingly simple elements that when assembled together achieve greater strength and beauty”.

      City staff and the proponents of the project will hold an open house Thursday (September 21) at the Crystal Ballroom of the Empire Landmark Hotel (1400 Robson Street) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.