Revamped Design for 105 Keefer Aims to Revitalize Vancouver’s Chinatown

A significant redesign of the mixed-use development at 570 Columbia St., formerly known as 105 Keefer St., aims to enhance community engagement in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. The Beedie Group has embarked on this project to transform a long-vacant lot into a vibrant hub, located at the intersection of Keefer Street and Columbia Street, near key landmarks such as the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Public Park.

Over the past decade, this project has faced numerous challenges and revisions. Initial plans included a larger 12-storey building that the Vancouver City Council rejected in June 2017. A subsequent nine-storey proposal was also turned down by the City of Vancouver’s Development Permit Board (DPB) later that year. After a lengthy court appeal, a judge ruled in December 2022 that the DPB’s rejection was “substantively unreasonable,” allowing the original development permit application to be approved in June 2023.

This latest iteration of the project retains the height of 90 ft. with nine storeys but introduces notable changes in design and density. The total building floor area has increased to 128,800 sq. ft., reflecting a floor area ratio (FAR) of 7.04, slightly up from the previous 119,000 sq. ft. and FAR of 6.5. The number of residential units has expanded from 111 to 133, including a diverse mix of unit sizes aimed at accommodating various demographics.

The revised application now includes 5,600 sq. ft. of commercial space, featuring seven retail and restaurant units, alongside a 1,064 sq. ft. social services centre. A significant architectural highlight is the incorporation of a nine-storey internal covered courtyard, designed as a publicly accessible atrium. This space is intended to foster community interaction, allowing natural light and fresh air to circulate throughout the building.

As part of its design rationale, the project aims to revive the historical vibrancy of Chinatown’s lanes, which were once bustling centres of social activity. A central passageway will provide public access to the courtyard, reminiscent of traditional laneways in the area. The design also includes principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), ensuring adequate lighting and optimized sightlines for safety.

In response to previous community concerns, the design team, led by James Cheng Architects, has placed a stronger emphasis on heritage character. Architectural features have been added to reflect the essence of Chinatown, including a facade that mirrors the narrow street frontages of historic buildings. Notably, a cupola inspired by traditional Chinese architecture has been included, enhancing the building’s presence at the corner of Keefer and Columbia Streets.

The building will also offer residents shared access to both indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, including a rooftop area designed for communal activities such as BBQs and urban gardening. Parking facilities will include 76 vehicle stalls and 167 secured bike parking spaces, accommodating the needs of both residents and visitors.

As construction progresses, a new 10-storey hotel, the Keefer House, located nearby, is set to open its doors on October 1, 2025. This hotel is expected to complement the revitalization efforts in the Chinatown area.

The municipality is also planning to unveil an updated design for the Chinatown Memorial Square, which will create a seamless connection with the new development. This redesign is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2025, further enhancing the cultural and community significance of the area.

With this revised design, the development at 570 Columbia St. aims not only to provide housing and commercial opportunities but also to contribute positively to the community fabric of Chinatown, bridging the past with the future.