2.5K 
A Canadian Tire big-box store has been demolished and a new urban community is rising in its place as Westbank's Kensington Gardens begins to take shape in Vancouver's East Side. Located at the corner of Kingsway and Gladstone, the masterplanned project will consist of three 14-storey residential towers, each with their own unique identity, attached to a string of podiums and townhouses that together establish a strong street presence.
Renderings of the 404-unit development show the buildings hugging a central courtyard with a landscaped lounge and year-round pool. Complementing other exterior amenities like an elevated urban orchard, a playground, and a barbecue area, interior conveniences include a fitness centre and multimedia lounge.
To prevent the units from becoming dated while allowing residents to invoke their own creative ideas, they will be finished with neutral colours. Wide-plank engineered wood flooring, imported European cabinetry, back painted glass tile backsplashes, and integrated stainless steel appliances are just some of the features underscoring the residences.
Designed by Henriquez Partners Architects, the mid-rise scheme includes some standard elements of the typical Vancouver residential building typology, such as large balconies protruding from a glazed facade. But some peculiar design choices, notably the series of external spiral staircases accessing the roof, denote the project's efficient use of space and devotion to greenery. Photos from the site show curved concrete floor plates above grade, just beginning to make an impact on the streetscape.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
