The rezoning of the Sears site at Metrotown in Burnaby is moving ahead at the same time the retailer liquidates its department stores across the country and prepares to shut down.
Concord Pacific has owned the Metrotown Sears site for several years, and is preparing to begin phase one of the redevelopment, which will see three new residential towers built on the Sears parking lot at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson.
The existing Sears department store will be replaced by a tower as well, but not until phase four of the redevelopment.
Phase one will see three residential towers constructed, ranging from 35 to 65 storeys, with the tallest, signature tower located at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson. There will be a total of 1,309 residential units in phase one, ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. Concord is targeting a LEED Gold standard.
The development — which is being designed by IBI Group for Concord — will feature curved façades and rooflines, as well as graphic elements along the balcony glass. The tallest tower will be elevated in materials and design in order to “bookend” Kingsway with another signature tower proposed to the west, as part of the Station Square redevelopment by Anthem Properties.
The existing plaza at the corner of Kingsway and Nelson will be replaced by three new open, public spaces within phase one. McMurray Avenue will be extended south of Kingsway through the Sears site, and a new public space called the “Stream Plaza” will front onto McMurray and include opportunities for water play, seating areas and spots for restaurant and café patios.
A “Lake Plaza” will be located at the southwest corner of Kingsway and Nelson, in a semi-covered space under the tower. The description of the plaza in city rezoning documents indicates that the signature tower will have a 40 ft. tall high space at its centre, with water flowing beneath. A small parklet is also proposed for the corner of Nelson and Metro Way.
Sears Metrotown redevelopment future phases
Phase two:
- One residential tower between 40-55 storeys
Phase three:
- Two residential towers between 20-45 storeys
- two levels of retail space, with opportunity for one major retail anchor
Phase four:
- One office tower between 20-30 storeys
- two levels of retail space, also with opportunity for major retail anchor
The redevelopment plan will head to a public hearing November 28, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Burnaby.
how did Concord Pacific get this deal, I do not recall Sears selling this property, I hate Concord Pacific getting this property because it is a Chinese company!