The Cape Group has broken ground on an arts-focused, mass-timber rental building on East 2nd Avenue near Emily Carr University, designed by Human Studio Architecture + Urban Design.
“The Raphael” will include 95 rental units consisting of artist studios and two-bedroom units, in a five-storey building, with 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. There will also be two artist studios, rented at special rates for artists in residence, and operated by Grunt Gallery. The building will be constructed with mass timber.
The artist studios have been designed to offer adequate working space in the living room area with natural light for artists. There’s also a shared workspace amenity and a multi-purpose exhibition space off the lobby. In addition, oversized sinks, and increased electrical outlets near the workspace will be provided.
There will be 10,000 square feet of wholesale space on the ground floor. The development site was previously home to Ralphs Recycled Auto Parts, a company that was in the community since 1913. The name ‘Raphael’ is meant as an ode to this historical business.
Renderings: The Cape Group’s art-focused rentals
Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular choice for rental and office development across Vancouver, with proposals across the city, including:
- Western Canada’s tallest mass timber office building slated for Mt. Pleasant
- 21-storey Vancouver mass timber rental tower announced
- World’s tallest mass timber building proposed for Vancouver
