…new homes, historical Vancouver address ›› p.4
November 5, 2009
TRICIA LESLIE Sleek and commanding. Stylish and powerful. Massive and majestic, all at the same time. Highrise towers can be breathtaking – awe-inspiring even – whether viewed from up close or far away. History tells us that highrises are not new – during the ancient reign of the Roman Empire, several cities within its borders featured highrise apartment buildings of 10 or more stories, while in Egypt, highrise buildings of up to 14 stories – some with roof gardens and ox-drawn water wheels for irrigation – were reported by Ismaili missionary, poet and traveller, Nasir Khusraw, in the early 11th century. In modern times, residential highrise buildings became popular after the Second World War. Technological inventions such as elevators, the progressive industrialization of concrete and steel construction techniques, and cheaper, more abundant building materials led to the style becoming more popular in corporate, institutional and residential construction throughout the world. While there are differences of opinion as to what constitutes a highrise building (in general, most agree they are tall, multistoried buildings with elevators), highrise condos dot the urban landscape throughout Metro Vancouver, especially in downtown Vancouver itself and the once-industrial Yaletown, which is now filled with residential (and some mixed-use) tower projects. Choose any postcard or famous photo of Vancouver and often, the city’s skyline is pictured, its numerous tall buildings rising up against the spectacular backdrop of the local, snow-capped mountains. Although none are quite as tall as worldfamous skyscrapers like the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (818 metres, or 2,684 feet tall, 162 floors) or the Taipei 101 CONTINUED ON P.2
Highrise style
Towers offer more than new homes to potential buyers
architecture
Highrises: solid, sleek, stylish
Neale Staniszkis Doll Adams Architects principal Tom Staniszkis at Bosa Properties’ Miramar Village in White Rock. Staniszkis’ firm helped design the mixed-use project. Rob Newell photo
Markets on the mend in Metro Vancouver Lower Mainland housing markets will continue to improve in 2010, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Home sales will continue at a brisk pace through the remainder of this year and into the next, states a CMHC release. Steady population growth through migration, an improving job market and low mortgage rates will all support home ownership demand throughout 2010, the housing agency says. However, the CMHC notes that more sales combined with fewer active listings will likely push average home prices higher. “Home prices in most Robyn Adamache Lower Mainland centres are still below their previous peak. Prices will rise as buyers take advantage of the lower prices and favourable mortgage interest rates,” says CMHC senior market analyst Robyn Adamache. Throughout B.C., a tight resale market will boost new construction in 2010, according to the CMHC’s latest report, which was published Monday. CMHC is predicting total housing starts in the province during 2010 will be between 20,200 to 26,800 new homes. The agency also foresees a rebound in single-detached and multi-family residential construction throughout British Columbia that will bring levels closer to, but still below, the 10-year average. “The pick-up in home sales in 2009, combined with a stronger domestic economy next year, will lead to more housing starts and increased renovation activity,” says CMHC regional economist for B.C. Carol Frketich. – www.cmhc.ca