River District is a multi-phase development by Wesgroup Properties in Vancouver’s Killarney neighbourhood.
Situated next to the Fraser River, the master-planned community features several phases consisting of a mix of mid- and high-rise residences. The development’s next phase is located at 3350 Marine Way, where the developer has submitted an application for a six-storey, mixed-use building. Yamamoto Architecture Inc is the project architect, while Van Der Zalm + Associates is listed as landscape architect.
The site is located on the western entrance to the community, and is one of the last undeveloped parcels of land within the Town Square Precinct, a large retail plaza and neighbourhood hub.
The proposal is for five levels of purpose-built market rentals above 10,000 square feet of commercial retail space. A total of 178 residential units are planned, consisting of 20 studios, 93 one-bedroom units, 38 two-bedroom units, 15 three-bedroom units, and two three-bedroom live-work units. Two levels of underground parking would provide 256 parking spaces.
Envisioned by Vancouver firm Yamamoto Architecture, the design of the building was inspired by the adjacent Fraser River and its native white sturgeon fish. The white sturgeon is the largest and longest-lived freshwater fish species in North America and is known for its long, snaking form with pronounced fins and bony scales.
“The sturgeon concept suggests a way in which the irregular geometries of the building can be contained within a single skin,” reads the Design Rationale. “As with the sturgeon, the building is directional, with walls oriented to buffer traffic noise and balconies positioned to provide solar shading.”
The building’s colour palette also looks to the local white sturgeon for inspiration with its proposed cladding consisting of dark metal corrugated siding. Smooth, off-white shiplap siding on interior panels surrounding the balconies would provide contrast in both colour and texture.
Building amenities have been designed around open spaces and feature a mix of indoor and outdoor communal areas. The orientation of the building creates an open space for a southwest-facing courtyard with long views down Jack Uppal Street. A dedicated outdoor amenity area incorporates children’s play areas, urban agriculture, public seating and a dog run. Indoor amenities would include an entertainment lounge, communal dining and kitchen area, a media room, and a gym.
