Vancouver Tower Project Near Renfrew Station Doubles in Height

A major redevelopment project near the SkyTrain’s Rupert Station in Vancouver is set to nearly double its height, transforming the landscape of the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood. The revised application for the site at 2406-2484 Renfrew Street proposes a 318-ft-tall, 31-storey tower, increasing from the previously approved 171-ft height of a 15-storey building. This change comes in response to the City of Vancouver’s updated Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, which allows for increased density in the area, particularly for rental housing.

The original plan, initiated by Epta Development Corporation, was approved in April 2022 and included a mix of residential units comprising 180 secured purpose-built rental homes. Of these, 144 would be market rental units, while 36 would fall under the City’s Moderate Income Rental Housing Pilot Program. The City staff later approved the development permit in May 2023.

With the introduction of the new area plan in July 2025, the revised proposal emphasizes the need for more affordable housing solutions. The current application, now named “Easthill,” is spearheaded by OpenForm Properties and designed by Studio One Architecture. The plans have been modified to include an additional 164 rental homes, bringing the total to 344 secured purpose-built market rental homes. The unit mix will comprise 103 studio units, 108 one-bedroom units, 126 two-bedroom units, and seven three-bedroom units.

Details of the Revised Development Plan

Despite the significant increase in height, the overall design and layout of the project remain consistent with the previous iteration. The ground level of the tower will incorporate nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of commercial space dedicated to retail and restaurant uses, aimed at energizing the intersection corner. Additionally, the low-rise building will feature shared indoor amenity spaces and residential units at ground level.

A mid-block pedestrian pathway will separate the tower from the low-rise building, enhancing accessibility and community interaction. The project will include four underground levels, providing space for 210 vehicle parking stalls and approximately 680 secured bike parking spaces. The total building floor area is projected to reach 264,000 sq. ft., establishing a floor area ratio (FAR) density of 7.5, matching the area plan’s density limit.

Impact on the Community and Future Developments

The area surrounding the Renfrew Station is witnessing a surge in development activity, with another significant project from Sightline Properties nearby. Their proposal involves the redevelopment of several single-family homes into four towers of up to 45 storeys, projected to house nearly 2,000 homes, including around 600 secured purpose-built rental units.

As Vancouver continues to grapple with housing affordability, initiatives like the revised plans for the Renfrew site reflect a broader commitment to increasing the availability of rental homes. The City’s strategic approach to density and height in transit-oriented developments aims to foster a vibrant, sustainable urban environment while addressing pressing housing needs.

The revised project is currently under review, with public consultations expected to gather community feedback as the development moves forward. As Vancouver embraces increased density, the outcome of these projects will be pivotal in shaping the city’s future housing landscape.