Design for mass timber office expansion for heritage building underway

August 27, 2020

The recently submitted development application for 837 Beatty Street heritage building located across from the Terry Fox Plaza in Vancouver, BC proposes the century old warehouse structure be renewed as a mixed-use building.

In collaboration with Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects & Designers and Reliance Properties, design for a three-storey expansion of the existing structure using mass timber beams and columns and laminated timber floors is underway. The original heavy timber structure and material will be preserved, whilst the new heavy timber addition will emphasize the existing design and maintain a visual aesthetic. The existing exterior masonry walls will be renovated with the white paint removed to reveal the original light coloured brick.

The ground and basement levels will be reserved for improved retail and cafe space, while the top four floors will be used as office space, with amenity space available in the outdoor rooftop. Upon approval, the vertical expansion will allow for a capacity from 55 employees to 234 employees.