Vancouver Waterfront May Get 22-Story Maple Tree-Inspired Office Tower

A 22-story office building designed to resemble a Lego-like maple tree has been proposed for Vancouver's waterfront, potentially replacing a parking lot adjacent to the city's historic Waterfront Station. The innovative architectural concept, created by James KM Cheng Architects, aims to transform an underutilized space into a striking landmark while addressing complex site constraints.

Architectural Innovation Inspired by Nature

The proposed structure features a unique design where stacks of floors would be built off-center from each other, creating open areas that could accommodate small trees and shrubs. These stacked sections, ranging from two to six stories in height, are intended to collectively resemble the form of a maple tree when viewed from a distance.

Project architect James Cheng explained that while the concept of building atop a concrete core isn't new to Vancouver—referencing the 15-story Westcoast Building (known as Qube) completed in 1969—this proposal represents a significant evolution of that approach. "The technology and construction science has got better and better," Cheng noted, emphasizing how modern engineering capabilities enable more ambitious designs.

Addressing Complex Site Challenges

The difficult lot presents several constraints that influenced the design:

Heritage buildings flank both sides of the property
The West Coast Express train track runs beneath the site
Preserving sightlines from Cordova Street to water and mountain views

Cheng explained that by building the tower atop a central core rising to Waterfront Station's height, the design avoids impacting the station's foundation while allowing western floors to extend above the adjacent heritage building. The proposal also eliminates the need for an expensive underground parking structure—potentially saving $50,000 per parking space—by leveraging the site's proximity to a major transit hub.

Public Engagement and Heritage Considerations

The preliminary development application, submitted in November, has already undergone initial public review through a community open house held on February 23. Cheng acknowledged mixed reactions to the unconventional design, stating, "Some people like it, some people don't like it. That is why it is a preliminary development application to get feedback from the public."

Key heritage considerations include:

Options for relocating the Angel of Victory First World War memorial to either the proposed public plaza or inside Waterfront Station
Potential reopening of a historic mail tunnel that once connected the station to the old Canada Post building on Georgia Street

Project Specifications and Timeline

The proposed building would stand approximately 126 meters tall and include:

Retail space at ground level
General office space above
A public plaza surrounding the building's core

The project faces several upcoming review milestones:

Heritage impact report presentation to Vancouver Heritage Commission on March 9
Examination by the Urban Design Panel
Final decision by the Development Permit Board on May 11

While acknowledging the design would be more costly than a standard office tower, Cheng emphasized the value of creating distinctive architecture that makes innovative use of challenging urban spaces. The proposal represents a bold attempt to blend contemporary design with heritage preservation while adding a unique architectural statement to Vancouver's evolving waterfront landscape.