Housing on top of ‘big box’ stores?

Vancouver gives it a try

Steve Hawley, Dec 01, 09.

A development project in Vancouver shows that ‘big box’ retail stores are not necessarily incompatible with mixed-use, transit-oriented urban settings, according to CoolTown Studios.

The 2.3-acre transit-oriented project, called The RISE, includes 90 townhouses and condominiums built on top of a Home Depot and a Save On Foods grocery store. Parking is underground, and the building also includes a 20,000 square foot green roof that acts as both a park and a community garden.

The building will use 31 percent less energy than usual, as well as 67 percent less potable water, while producing 52 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It received an Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence for mixing the housing with 212,000 square feet of retail space.

The project was developed by Grosvenor Canada. To learn more, visit The Rise website.