800 Granville

Granville Street in downtown Vancouver is a popular cultural and entertainment hub and is home to beloved performance venues like the Commodore Ballroom and the Orpheum Theatre. The strip has been in a constant state of flux with several of its buildings and infrastructure showing signs of natural wear and tear. Now, a bold new proposal for the 800-Block aims to honour its eclectic character while creating larger, more diverse entertainment and commercial opportunities.

The new design ensures the conservation of all five heritage resources on the site, including the complete retention and seismic upgrade of the Commodore Ballroom and Commodore Lanes bowling and billiards. Additionally, the proposal incorporates much-needed, back-of-house upgrades that benefit both the Commodore Ballroom and the Orpheum Theatre, resulting in 40% more shows. An all-year restaurant and lounge promenade on level four will feature a covered sidewalk while providing a visual transition between the heritage buildings and the new structure above.

The new 16-storey tower will provide 400,000 sq ft of office space within the upper levels. The upper eight levels have large outdoor terraces, made possible by the building’s gradual north-south height transition between the taller buildings to the north and the shorter buildings to the south in the Granville Entertainment District. The design ensures greater accessibility for all and aims to revitalize the 800 Block with greater engagement from locals and visitors alike.