Classified as a "Gateway Landmark" building by local Vancouver City Planning jargon, the proposed 46-storey, 514-foot 1445-55 West Georgia Street, a 128-unit condo tower designed by James Cheng Architects for Brilliant Circle Group Investments Inc., will push the guidelines currently in place beyond their current 450-foot limit. The development will be pitched to the City in the context of the nearby financial district that could one day become part of the surroundings for this project if it is approved later this month. 

1445-55 West Georgia Street, as viewed from the Crown Plaza Building, image via James Cheng Architects

At its proposed height, all-glass tower will test the limits of current city zoning by-laws, although there have been exceptions granted to other similar projects in the past. Inspired by the Washington Monument, the unusual shape of the tower features a series of asymmetrical sloping sides, terminating with an angular peak, the overall effect loosely reminiscent of the famous stone obelisk.

1445-55 West Georgia Street, looking east along West Georgia, image via James Cheng Architects

Located at the confluence of West Pender Street and West Georgia Street on a triangular lot, the proposed site of the project would place the 128-unit residential tower and its residents within easy walking distance to Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and the many shops, restaurants, and bars that populate nearby Robson Street. 

1445-55 West Georgia Street, looking west along West Gerogia, image via James Cheng Architects

At ground level, the tower will provide a unique pedestrian experience thanks to the inclusion of an indoor-outdoor lobby and entranceway. The so-called "urban room" concept at play here will provide residents and passersby alike with a pleasant public realm space that will help integrate the tall tower into its surroundings. 

Pender Street Lobby, "Urban Room" concept, image via James Cheng Architects

If built as proposed, 1445-55 West Georgia Street will be a welcome addition to the local streetscape. The new tower will replace a pair of non-descript low-rise buildings dating to the 1970s, making the area ripe for the type of urban transformation that this project could deliver. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.