Wesgroup Properties and Yamamoto Architecture have released preliminary plans for the redevelopment of the Georgian Towers apartment complex at 1450 West Georgia Street and Nicola.
The 21-storey apartment tower is 60 years old, and nearing the end of its natural life cycle.
The redevelopment will see a 49-storey, mixed rental and strata condominium tower built in its place.
The new building will contain 162 rental units, ranging from studios up to three bedrooms, as well as 187 market condominiums, ranging from one to three bedroom units.
All of the existing rental units in the Georgian Towers will be replaced on a 1:1 basis, and existing tenants will be offered relocation assistance. Wesgroup says rents in the tower are already at or above market rates.
There will be approximately 3,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.
Design highlights include a plaza with seating, lush vegetation and a water feature. The second floor rooftop of the retail podium will feature amenities including an outdoor yoga studio, communal seating area, tables and chairs and artificial turf.
On 21st floor, amenities will include an outdoor fire table with seating, BBQ, and communal dining table.
There will be 300 underground parking spaces, all with EV charging capability.
Wesgroup hopes to have a decision from council in fall 2019, with a planned construction start date in 2021.
The surrounding blocks are a hotbed of tower proposals, most of them luxury condominiums.
Upcoming developments nearby include Alberni by Kuma, 1444 Alberni, White Spot/Aspac and a shelved tower proposal from Brilliant Circle.
