Project 200
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Project 200 was an ambitious waterfront redevelopment initiative launched in 1968 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Named for its initial budget projection of $200 million, the project aimed to revitalize the area north of Cordova Street, stretching from Howe Street to Abbott Street. It was conceived as a modernist mixed-use complex, which at the time was believed to be the largest single development planned in Canada.[1]
Location and Significance[edit]
The proposed site for Project 200 was at the base of Granville Street on the harbour, representing some of Vancouver's most valuable real estate. Its proximity to the downtown core and its visibility from North Vancouver meant that any development in this location would be highly prominent and easily recognizable.
Project Design and Amenities[edit]
The development was planned to include up to 14 office towers, 1,000 apartment units, a 40-storey hotel, 5,000 parking spaces, and comprehensive retail shopping areas featuring a new department store. Key amenities were to include elevated pedestrian plazas, offering expansive views of the waterfront and enhancing the area's accessibility and aesthetic appeal.[1]
Transportation Integration[edit]
Central to the project was the proposed waterfront freeway, a thoroughfare intended to link the city with the Trans-Canada Highway to the east and west, and with BC Highway 99/I-5 to the south. The design included direct access to underground parking garages from the freeway, allowing convenient access to the complex.[1][2][3]
Implementation Challenges[edit]
Despite its ambitious scope, only a small portion of Project 200 was realized. The project faced significant hurdles, including challenges in securing financing and opposition to the demolition of historic structures such as the CPR Station, now known as Waterfront Station, which was ultimately preserved.[1][2][4]
Legacy[edit]
Although most of Project 200 did not come to fruition, several components were completed, including:[1]
- Granville Square: This office tower at 200 Granville Street was completed in 1973, and has since become a prominent feature of Vancouver's Financial District.[5]
- CNCP Telecommunications Building: Located at 175 W Cordova, this building was originally part of a joint venture between the two major Canadian railway companies, and is now occupied by Allstream.[6]
- Woodward’s Parking Garage: Known today as the Cordova Street Parkade, this structure was rebuilt in the early 2000s and has since been recognized as one of the "coolest parkades in the world."[7][8]
The partial realization of Project 200 has had a lasting impact on the urban landscape of Vancouver, contributing significantly to the development trajectory of its waterfront areas.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "This Week in History: 1966: A concrete monstrosity is proposed for Gastown waterfront". Vancouver Sun. June 25, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Stiem, Tyler (May 9, 2016). "Story of cities #38: Vancouver dumps its freeway plan for a more beautiful future". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "Project 200: The Lost Vision of Our Waterfront". Viewpoint Vancouver. March 22, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
- ^ "Project 200 and the Waterfront Freeway". Eve Lazarus. January 21, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ "Granville Square". Cadillac Fairview. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "175 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC • Vancouver Heritage Foundation | Vancouver Heritage Site Finder". www.heritagesitefinder.ca. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ "Gastown Parkade Redevelopment". council.vancouver.ca. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ "Vancouver parkade named as one of the coolest in the world | News". dailyhive.com. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
Further reading[edit]
- Donaldson, Jesse (March 19, 2014). "Vancouver: The Way We Weren't". The Tyee. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- "The Kind Of City Vancouver Nearly Became In The 1960s". Scout Magazine. September 5, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
- Mackie Updated, John (March 22, 2019). "This Week in History: 1967 — Wacky Bennett and Tom Terrific team up to push for a third crossing". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved December 1, 2019.