With artistically bent urbanites to the east, and health conscious outdoorsy types to the west, South Main and Granville Island used to feel worlds apart. So what was keeping two of Vancouver’s coolest areas from becoming one big happy blended family?
Well, one could argue that the light industrial strip along 2nd Avenue between Cambie and Main streets (a.k.a the Olympic Village) created a bit of a no man’s land. Sure, some big box chain stores have opened up around that area, but they’re really more destination pit stops, as opposed to community building endeavours.
But thanks to ambitious multi-use projects like The Residences at WEST, all that’s changing. This two phase, ultra-contemporary 488-condominium development — which will take up a whole city block on West 2nd Avenue, between Columbia and Manitoba streets — boasts 43,000 sq.ft. of street-level shops, retail services, restaurants and cafes with tenants already committed. So hold on to your fedoras: the Village in southeast False Creek is going cosmo.
And when it comes to transportation, this is a no-car required zone. Situated between the Canada Line and SkyTrain, this premium location is very pedestrian friendly — not to mention boater friendly (there’s an AquaBus stop just yards away and then the Dragon Boat dock is just minutes away as well). And False Creekers who love to walk and cycle along the seawall no longer have to pull a u-turn at Cambie Street and head back to Granville Island. They can just keep on trucking along this up-and-coming hood till they hit SoMa. So it’s pretty much a win/win for Vancouver proper peeps all round.
Plus, WEST residents will only be one short bridge away from downtown. Yet, with starting prices at $268,900, buyers can expect to pay approximately $20,000 to $50,000 less for the same size unit at WEST than they would in, say, Yaletown. And really, come summer, being able to walk over the False Creek inlet is more of a bonus than a hindrance. With all that in mind (price, location and amenities), when these suites hit the market this spring, you can bet they’ll be scooped up pretty darn fast.
Article by Sarah Rowland Featured in the 24hr
For more information visit: The Residences at West
Chris Frederickson | Sutton Group West Coast Realty | 604.306.1062 | chris@chrisfrederickson.ca