An Exciting Future for Brentwood Block

The Brentwood Block site, perfectly situated near the Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain station, is bordered by Lougheed Highway to the north, Beta Avenue to the east, Dawson Street to the south, and Alpha Avenue to the west. This prime location in the rapidly growing Brentwood community is set to be one of the final pieces in the city’s dynamic town center, addressing the needs of Burnaby's increasing population.

A Vision for a Thriving Community

Brentwood Block is poised to become a vibrant, inclusive, mixed-use community featuring approximately 3,500 new homes, including 2,450 rental units. A new urban, multi-storey community centre and around 250,000 square feet of transit-friendly commercial space will enhance the area. Notably, this project will be a pedestrian paradise, with all car access relegated to the underground perimeter of the site. Over half of the development will be dedicated to green and public spaces, offering beautifully landscaped courtyards and plazas, pedestrian trails, and cycling routes for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

Commitment to Affordable Housing

Brentwood Block will deliver around 2,000 market rental homes and 450 below-market rental homes, supporting the City of Burnaby’s non-market housing policy. These below-market rentals will be offered at rates 20% below the CMHC median rental prices, providing affordable options for the community.

Sustainability at Its Core

Brentwood Block is designed to surpass the City of Burnaby's sustainability standards and align with Grosvenor's 2030 Commitment to achieve Net Zero Operational Carbon. This will be accomplished through efficient building envelope designs, low carbon systems, and the use of renewable energy. The project aims for a 40% improvement in GHGI beyond the required BC Step Code 2 Low Carbon standards, utilizing 100% electric in-suite appliances, space heating, cooling, LED lighting, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption. The transformation of a former asphalt parking lot into over four acres of landscaped, pedestrian-only public space exemplifies the commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a 20% reduction in vehicle traffic is targeted through innovative parking and transportation strategies.

A Hub of Activity and Culture

Brentwood Block will boast 250,000 square feet of curated, community-oriented retail, restaurants, and office space. An $8,000,000+ public art program will enrich the development, fostering a vibrant cultural scene. Grosvenor has already hosted 60 community events, drawing over 50,000 visitors to Brentwood Block between 2020 and 2022, demonstrating the area’s potential as a bustling community hub. With 75% of the homes designated as rentals—250% more than comparable projects—Brentwood Block is set to become a lively and inclusive neighborhood for all.

Project Overview

The Grosvenor Brentwood Site will feature four high-rise rental buildings and two high-rise strata buildings. These structures will sit atop podiums that house non-market rental units and commercial/retail spaces, all with underground parking. Additionally, a City Community Centre will be part of the development. The project will be built in two phases: Phase 1 on the western half and Phase 2 on the eastern half of the site.

Phase 1 Details

Phase 1 will include the High Street, Urban Gateway, and Civic Heart Districts. Highlights of this phase are:

• A 43-storey condominium tower with a large retail space and smaller retail units along Dawson Street and Alpha Avenue.
• A 54-storey market rental tower with retail and office spaces along Alpha Avenue.
• A 63-storey market rental tower with a mid-rise non-market rental podium and retail units along Alpha Avenue and Lougheed Highway.
• A low-rise standalone retail space on Lougheed Highway.
• A new City Community Centre on Dawson Street.

Phase 2 Details

Phase 2 will feature the Oasis and Green Link Districts, including:

• A 63-storey market rental tower with a mid-rise non-market rental podium and retail units along Beta Avenue and Lougheed Highway.
• A 58-storey market rental tower with a commercial podium along Beta Avenue.
• A 44-storey condominium tower with retail units along Dawson Street and Beta Avenue.
• A low-rise standalone commercial space on Dawson Street, next to the Community Centre.

Pedestrian-Friendly Design

Unlike many large developments, this site will be entirely pedestrianized with no surface roads. Public spaces will be accessible to all ages and abilities, featuring elevators and ramps for navigating the site's varying elevations. Landscaping improvements will accompany each phase, with plazas and green spaces enhancing the public realm.

Parking and Access

Underground parking will be accessible from Dawson Street and Alpha Avenue in Phase 1, and from Beta Avenue in Phase 2. The parking areas will be connected across the phases, ensuring seamless access.

Residential Units and Amenities

The development will offer up to 3,666 residential units, including:

• 939 market strata units
• 2,275 market rental units
• 452 non-market rental units at 20% below CMHC median rates

Phase 1 will deliver 1,734 units, including 453 strata units, 1,077 market rentals, and 204 non-market rentals. Phase 2 will add 1,932 units, with 486 strata units, 1,198 market rentals, and 248 non-market rentals. The site will cater to diverse housing needs, with a variety of unit sizes and amenities such as meeting rooms, recreation rooms, fitness centers, and outdoor spaces.

Design and Community Focus

The development prioritizes public spaces, purposeful design, local community focus, and rental housing. The towers are strategically placed around the site to maximize space, sunlight, and views while creating a distinctive pedestrian-friendly central area. This proposal exemplifies outstanding urban design and architectural quality, meeting the high standards expected in the City's Town Centre areas.