Vancouver's Tallest Mass Timber Hotel Breaks Ground

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | June 7, 2025
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A groundbreaking 18-storey hotel project has been proposed for Vancouver's west side that would make history as both the city's first mass timber hotel and North America's tallest mass timber hotel. The ambitious development at 1580 W 3rd Avenue, near Granville Island, represents a significant leap forward in sustainable construction technology and Vancouver's hospitality sector.

The proposal is for an 18-storey building that would reach a maximum height of 175 ft and house 160 hotel rooms, split between 144 regular king suites, eight double-king suites, and eight accessible king suites. The project would tower over the surrounding low-rise commercial district while incorporating cutting-edge mass timber construction techniques that could reduce construction emissions by up to 45%.

The development site carries a complex history tied to Vancouver's rail infrastructure. Located on a narrow parcel of land that was previously used as a parking lot, the property was formerly part of the CP Rail corridor. The site, now assessed at over $4 million, represents a strategic redevelopment of contaminated former railway land into a modern hospitality destination.

Arno Matis Architecture, serving as both architect and beneficial owner through ICX Holdings Ltd., has designed the hotel to maximize its compact footprint through innovative vertical development. The building will feature ground-floor amenities including a lounge, while the rooftop will house a fitness center and business center. Underground parking will accommodate 28 vehicles and 36 bicycles across four levels, complete with valet service.

The project leverages Vancouver's progressive Mass Timber Policy for Rezonings, which allows additional height for developments utilizing sustainable timber construction. This policy recognizes mass timber's environmental benefits, including reduced embodied carbon emissions and the ability to prefabricate components off-site, potentially accelerating construction timelines.

Wyndham Hotel & Resorts has expressed interest in operating the property under its WaterWalk Extended Stay brand, indicating strong commercial viability for the unique concept. The proposal has garnered support from the British Columbia Hotel Association and Destination Vancouver, highlighting its potential contribution to the region's tourism infrastructure.

The development aligns with Vancouver's Broadway Plan, which encourages hotel projects in the Granville/Burrard Slopes area with flexible height and density provisions to support project viability. Despite its 16.4 FSR density ratio being notably high due to the small lot size, the proposal follows precedents set by other recently approved Vancouver hotel projects.

This innovative project represents Vancouver's commitment to sustainable development and positions the city as a leader in mass timber construction technology. If approved, the hotel would stand as a testament to the possibilities of combining environmental responsibility with modern hospitality design, potentially inspiring similar developments across North America.

#Vancouver Hotels #Mass Timber Construction #Sustainable Hotels #Granville Island #Vancouver Development #Eco Friendly Hotels #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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