Demolition has begun on the 15-storey former CRA building in downtown Vancouver, signalling the start of construction and leasing of a new office tower by Reliance Properties and Hines at 1166 West Pender. The development is the first office building to begin construction in downtown Vancouver since the onset of the global pandemic and the first designed for a post-COVID work environment, according to the developers and architect.
Vancouver-based Reliance Properties and global real estate firm Hines have partnered for the joint venture. EllisDon will be the general contractor leading construction, with CBRE responsible for leasing.
The development application for the office tower was originally filed in July 2020.
“With continued growth of the tech sector in Vancouver and steady demand for quality office space, we are confidently proceeding with construction,” says Jon Stovell, president and CEO of Reliance Properties. “We designed 1166 West Pender to be an employee-centric building because we know the office of the future must be a destination to enable companies to effectively recruit and retain high quality talent.”
Upon completion, 1166 West Pender will be 32 storeys and total 344,000 square feet with 12,000-square-foot office floor plates. The architecture is described as “contemporary”, with landscaped outdoor terraces cascading down the building offering great views.
“1166 West Pender will be a mark of excellence in many ways,” says Syl Apps, senior managing director for Hines. “The outdoor terraces will be a key draw for top talent and forward-thinking businesses.”
Amenities will include an activated employee lounge and collaboration area, modular conferencing facilities, a professionally managed co-working floor, and a high-end fitness facility.
“New centrally located office buildings with rich amenities inside and outside – and features like superior air filtration – will be absorbed faster during and after the pandemic,” says Blair Quinn, vice chairman of CBRE, the leasing brokerage for the new tower. “1166 West Pender is exactly the kind of ‘future-proofed’ prestigious AAA office tower that tenants are seeking.”
1166 West Pender will target WELL, LEED Gold, and WiredScore Platinum certifications.
