Image of the Independent located at 311 East Broadway nestled between Kingsway and Main Street by Rize Alliance Properties
The Independent: Ahead of the Millenium Line construction off the Broadway corridor, Mount Pleasant’s newest development is open to residents, and the 257-unit mixed-use building is completely sold-out.
Kornfeld LLP has been proud to represent our client, Rize-Ayalaland (Kingsway) Limited Partnership, on a major neighbourhood transitional project that is shaping the future of Vancouver.
As counsel for the developer of the Independent project, Kornfeld LLP was involved in all aspects of the project, including the rezoning of the property and municipal permitting to allow for the construction of the project, litigation on the development, project financing, preparation and filing of disclosure statements, leasing matters and completing the sale of individual condominium units.
The Independent is a reflection of the surrounding creative community and has a strong transit and bike focus as well as a dedication to local artists.
A giant second floor “urban screen” on the outside of Kingsway and Broadway will broadcast The Mount Pleasant Community Art Screen on a 4 x 7 metre digital canvas. The community building screen’s inaugural exhibition, put on by The Grunt Gallery is called Place, and will look at a changing Mount Pleasant and Vancouver, through works that explore its history, its current vitality and its future through the interpretations of artists and residents who live there.
Located off the 10th Avenue east-west bike route, connecting cyclists to UBC and the Central Valley Greenway, residents will have access to private locker parking for over 300 bikes. There are also 399 parking stalls over four underground levels.
A modern workroom inside provides a space for do-it-yourself tune-ups and any other hobbies or special projects.
“The Backyard” on the 5th floor connecting the 21-story tower and lower-rise podium units, is one of the largest private parks in Vancouver at 20,000 square feet of green space, with views of downtown, the mountains and the bustling Main Street community.
Bring your pooch because dogs are most certainly allowed. Pets can stay pampered at the enclosed dog walk area and indoor backyard dog washing station. A 3,300 square foot recreation centre inside the backyard provides kitchen amenities in addition to barbeques on the deck. Giant bean bags lie on a bright orange cushioned family area that is soft and resilient for little feet.
The homes themselves were built with livability and practicality in mind with convenient in-suite amenities like custom-built storage organizers to maximize space and convenience.
Outside, adjacent to the building on the west side of the block will be home to a bustling Main Street Skytrain station on the future extension of the Millenium line down Broadway.
Image by Rize Alliance Properties
Nesters Market is on the corner of Kingsway and Broadway, and eight smaller retail units are located by a ground-level entrance located at the intersection, including Starbucks and Freshii.
According to The Grunt Gallery, Mount Pleasant was the place to be from the 1890s until 1910, when the Shaughnessy neighbourhood became the new preferred district. During the last century, it transformed into a working class hub, and became one of the poorest neighbourhoods outside of the Downtown Eastside.
Now the things that seemed to be holding back the area are making it blossom. Historically, Main Street’s new immigrants, the urban poor, and artists created the conditions from where much of Vancouver’s early cultural life grew.
Now it’s come full circle, and the heritage architecture, entrepreneurial spirit, and arts community have made it one of the most vibrant spaces in the city for hip professionals and residents who appreciate function as well as form.
