Tall & Urban News

Plans for an affordable housing development, 546 West 13th Avenue, have been approved by the City of Vancouver Council. Designed by an all-female team at GBL Architects, the project is planned to have 135 rental homes for professional women, senior women, and women-led families. The project aims to meet community needs by helping women obtain financial independence and housing security. The new building replaces a two-story, 21-unit housing complex for female seniors built in 1960. 

The project is located in the Fairview neighborhood and is meant to stand out from the surrounding low- and mid-rise, rectilinear buildings in the area. It is designed as an infill project that will have 13 stories and fluid, curvilinear balconies. Vegetation will be incorporated at street level, in the private balconies and on the 13th-floor social terrace. These plants will be curated to include native species that hold significance to women of different cultures.

There will be a variety of home sizes and configurations in order to meet the needs of its residents. Smaller homes are tailored for individuals in the workforce while multi-bedroom homes will include larger living and dining areas better suited for families. Men and boys will be allowed to live in the building, but only a woman who meets a specific criteria will be able to hold a lease.

For more on this story, go to The Architect's Newspaper.