In a stunning display of ambition worthy of a Broadway musical, local developer Onni Group has put its hat in the ring with a rezoning application that could very well redefine the skyline of Vancouver’s Broadway Plan area. Imagine four towering behemoths stretching up to 37 storeys—giving new meaning to the term “high rise,” while also casting long shadows over your afternoon coffee. With over 1.1 million sq. ft. of floor space, you’re not just getting a building; you’re getting a whole new reason to avoid outdoor activities.
This magnificent development is set to grace the partially excavated pit at 375 East 1st Avenue, conveniently located right next to SkyTrain’s future Great Northern Way-Emily Carr Station. So, prepare yourself for the intriguing aroma of fresh asphalt mixed with the distant sounds of construction machinery. What a delightful symphony!
Crafted by Boniface Oleksiuk Politano Architects and David Stokyo Landscape Architect (yes, that’s a real name, and no, it doesn’t sound like a character from a sitcom), this multifaceted complex is a beacon of “transit-oriented development.” The proposal combines density and a glorious mélange of uses within a single volume—because why have multiple buildings when you can stack them all like LEGO bricks? Let’s integrate strata condominiums, secured purpose-built rentals, a hotel, office spaces, and retail areas. It’s the Swiss Army knife of real estate, but fancier.
Inside, visitors will find expansive public spaces—both indoors and outdoors—because nothing says “welcome” like an indoor atrium that’s so large it could double as a microclimate. Did someone say ‘weather-protected’? You’ve hit the jackpot! This atrium will be adorned with skylights, seating, and even an amphitheater, making it the kind of place where you can listen to the sound of silence while being surrounded by foot traffic. Who needs tranquility when you can have performance art, right?
But let’s not forget about the strategic entrances that are designed to funnel pedestrian traffic as if they’re eager lemmings heading toward an all-you-can-eat buffet. The hotel lobby and large commercial units—measuring up to a whopping 29,000 sq. ft.—might as well shout “Hello, shoppers!” while smaller commercial units cater to those who need a quick caffeine fix. The atrium doubles as a social hub, making it the ideal environment for studying or awkwardly avoiding eye contact with people you used to know.
With a grand total of 210 hotel rooms and 965 homes, including a delightful cocktail of market and below-market rental units, this development screams, “We cater to everyone—except those who want to actually afford a view.” The rental layout conveniently offers a mix of sizes ranging from cozy studios to sprawling three-bedroom units, all while ensuring you get the joy of living in a constant construction zone.
And let’s talk about the greenway—which sounds like a nature-loving vegan’s utopia. Its 19,000 sq. ft. will feature landscaping so beautiful that you’ll forget you’re living in the middle of a bustling city. Designed to trace the path of a long-buried stream, this area will serve as the backdrop for all your Instagram posts, while you ponder if you’ll ever afford a home in this transformative wonderland.
