The 127 Society for Housing operates three apartment buildings for low-income seniors in Vancouver's Downtown South neighbourhood. The organization's 259 tenants have amassed over a 30-year stretch, beginning with the opening of Jubilee House at Richards and Helmcken Streets in 1986. Unfortunately, recent years have not been kind to the building, with pressing structural problems hampering its ability to provide safe and stable housing to its residents. Thankfully, the Society has partnered with Brenhill Developments to create a replacement building just across the street.
The New Jubilee House will provide modern living spaces to the 87 current low-income individuals residing in the old structure. Another 75 low-end-of-market units will make up the remaining residential component, with revenue from these units subsidizing the low-income tenants.
The new building significantly improves access for those with limited mobility, and features much larger amenity spaces. Of the 162 bachelor and one-bedroom suites included in the development, 11 will be wheelchair-accessible. The building's main floor will host offices, a kitchen, a library, a multi-purpose dining room, and an affordable food store.
Recent images captured by Forum contributor mcminsen show the GBL Architects-designed building in its final stages of construction. Grey and charcoal panelling covers substantial portions of the facade, which is also defined by randomly arranged protruding boxes. Green spandrel adds a splash of colour to Yaletown while beige brickwork has been applied to the base. Tenants of the current building are hoping they'll be able to move into their new digs this summer. As for the old building, it is slated to be replaced by another GBL creation of 35 storeys.
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