While many high-rise developers are rediscovering roof space for amenities, gardens and even fountains, Century Group may be the first to consider a commercial business operating from atop a tower.
The 50-storey 3 Civic Plaza, a mixed-use hotel, retail and residential project by Century Group and Surrey City Developments will feature more than 5,200 square feet of rooftop meeting rooms and conference facilities, set among gardens and water features on the tallest building between Vancouver and Calgary.
While designed by Cotter Architects as part of the hotel and condominium amenities, the space could be leased to a private operator, according to Century spokesperson David Laulainen, who said the company is examining that option.
“I can see a business offering space for weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate meetings and other events,” Laulainen said, while keeping the rooftop gardens accessible to tower residents.
By commercializing the roof space, the amenity would not be factored into the tower’s common areas, which would keep strata fees lower for residential tenants, he added. The tower is to complete in 2017.
In Vancouver, the 500,000 square-foot Telus office complex will include 10,000 square feet of patios and green space on top of a 24-storey tower at Seymour Street and West Georgia Street. The roof will include a modest commercial component: gardens will provide organic produce for local restaurants.At 745 Thurlow in downtown Vancouver, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership has planned two green roof spaces into the 24-storey office tower. This includes a rooftop terrace extending around the west, south and east sides of the building, accessible to tenants from the 3rd floor. As well, a roof top amenity area will include an outdoor patio and entertainment zone with a gas fire pit and barbeque.
The Broadway Tech Centre business complex in East Vancouver already has a 270,000-square-foot roof planted with trees, shrubs, perennials and grass. The roof also boasts a sports field – a first in Canada – patios and tree-lined walkways.
