Westbank Planning 214 Rental Units for Gastown Site
Westbank Projects has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to develop a site at 33 West Cordova with a 11-storey mixed-use building.The plan, which involves a deal between Ian Gillespie, the Portland Housing Society and BC Housing, was first announced a year ago.
The proposal for the 19,071 SF site that also fronts onto Blood Alley includes the following:
- 214 rental apartments (80 social housing units /134 secured market rental units);
- commercial uses on the ground floor and cabaret underground;
- 163,482 SF of gross floor area;
- total density of 8.57 FSR
- building height of 110 ft.;
- 267 bicycle parking spots.
Under the site’s existing HA-2 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted; however, it requires the decision of the Development Permit Board. 
The architect for the project is Henriquez Partners Architects. In the application, Henriquez explains the design rationale:
“The Blood Alley project at 33 West Cordova Street will make a significant contribution to the life of Gastown by retaining its heritage facade, providing affordable housing options, reinforcing an active street life through retail, food and performance opportunities, and provide a backdrop for the new Blood Alley Square renovation.”