FAQs
- Vertical proportions and other compositional strategies to break down the apparent massing,
- A richness and complexity in the façade including recessed balconies,
- A fine grain of retail shops and continuous weather protection, and
- A pedestrian-friendly lane.
What past decisions have been made on this site?
The original rezoning application from Studio One Architecture on behalf of the Bonnis Development Corporation was received by staff on May 1, 2017. This application was reviewed by the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee (CHAPC) on February 9, 2017, and the Urban Design Panel on October 2, 2017. A revised rezoning application was received on September 5, 2019, and returned to CHAPC on September 12, 2019, and Urban Design Panel on December 11, 2019. Council approved the application in principle, at the February 9, 2021, Public Hearing. Information on this application is available on shapeyourcity.ca/728-796-main-st.
The development permit application following the rezoning was received on August 6, 2021, and the Director of Planning approved the application on February 14, 2022. Information on this application is available on shapeyourcity.ca/728-main-st.
By-law CD-1 (845) was enacted on January 31, 2023.
On June 14, 2024, an application for a text amendment from Studio One Architecture on behalf of the Hogan’s Alley Society was received to increase the number of units and a slight increase in height, as well as change the tenure of the residential to 100% social housing. This was approved in principle by Council on November 12, 2024. Information on this application is available on shapeyourcity.ca/205-union-st-and-728-796-main-st.
The development permit application following the approved text amendment, was received on July 14, 2025 and is currently in process.
Will this development application be reviewed by any Advisory Groups? When does that take place?
Yes, staff will be providing an update to the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee on September 11, the Chinatown Advisory Committee on September 22, and Racial and Ethno-Cultural Equity Advisory Committee on September 25.
What happens after the development permit review by City staff?
Once the period for public comment closes and staff complete their reviews, the application will be brought to the Director of Planning for decision.
How does this application fit within the area plans and guidelines?
The proposal delivers key uses such as social housing and fine-grain shopfronts, incorporates heritage façade elements, breaks down the apparent massing, and meets the intent of the Chinatown Guidelines to help ensure the proposal fits into the overall neighbourhood context.
The HA-1A Design Guidelines provide guidance to the development community on specific architectural components including façade composition, design, and materiality. The proposal meets the guidelines in unique ways that reinforce Chinatown’s streetscape and building components, while celebrating the Black Community. The proposal meets the guidelines by including:
How does this building incorporate the Jimi Hendrix shrine and Vie’s Chicken and Steak House?
As part of the design, Hogan's Alley Society is conducting community engagement—prioritizing Black communities—to identify what should go into the commercial retail units. The design has already accounted for venting and other technical considerations to allow for a restaurant or food retail space, which would serve as a contemporary nod to the historic legacy of Vie’s Chicken and Steak House.
In addition, materials from the existing buildings, such as bricks, will be carefully retained and integrated into the new development, ensuring that the physical memory of the site is preserved. The lane-facing façade will provide an opportunity to feature historical storytelling and art installations that highlight the rich Black history of Hogan’s Alley and the history of the specific site. These displays will be shaped with guidance from the Hogan’s Alley Community Archive Steering Committee, ensuring authenticity and community ownership. This storytelling will include acknowledgement of the Hendrix family's connection to the area and the Jimi Hendrix Shrine, reflecting the deep cultural and artistic connections that are central to Hogan’s Alley’s legacy.
How will this be affordable for residents of the area?
The residential portion of the project is 100% social housing. The rezoning report outlines that 30% of units are affordable to households with incomes which fall under the BC Housing Income Limits (HILs) levels and the applicants are endeavouring to maximize the proportion of shelter rate units, subject to the availability of operating funding/subsidy and long-term financial sustainability.