The proponents behind the redevelopment of 848 Seymour Street in downtown Vancouver have expressed their intention to complete the hotel project in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Source: Daily Hive

Hotel development site at 848 Seymour Street, Vancouver. (Google Maps)

This initiative involves transforming one of the last remaining surface vehicle parking lots in the heart of the downtown Vancouver peninsula.

Hotel development site at 848 Seymour Street, Vancouver. (Google Maps)

During the final public hearing of 2023, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the rezoning application for the proposed 30-storey tower standing at 321 feet.

The tower, situated between Robson and Smithe streets, adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre, will be dedicated entirely to hotel uses.

Although the project, led by Paul Y. Construction (B.C.) Ltd., an asset of the Tso family of Hong Kong, is still in its early stages, it has received approval for 393 hotel guest rooms, divided into short-term stay rooms in the lower half and long-term stay rooms in the upper half.

Hotel concept for 848 Seymour Street, Vancouver. (Perkins&Will/Forme Development/Paul Y. Construction)

The architectural design is entrusted to Perkins&Will’s Vancouver office, emphasizing public spaces on the first three floors, including a unique three-storey atrium with sliding glass walls.

The uppermost floors will feature hotel guest amenities and meeting spaces, culminating in the “Skyroom” on the rooftop, inclusive of an expansive outdoor patio.

Hotel concept for 848 Seymour Street, Vancouver. (Perkins&Will/Forme Development/Paul Y. Construction)

Hotel concept for 848 Seymour Street, Vancouver. (Perkins&Will/Forme Development/Paul Y. Construction)

Addressing Vancouver’s growing shortage of tourism-supporting hotel rooms, city councilor Sarah Kirby-Yung highlighted the importance of such additions, especially considering Destination Vancouver’s study indicating a need for 20,000 additional hotel rooms, including 10,000 within the city.

The building, spanning 238,000 sq ft, will offer 59 underground vehicle parking stalls. In exchange for rezoning approval, the project will contribute $2.5 million in cash community amenity contributions, $6.8 million in development cost levies, and a $472,000 public art contribution.

Looking ahead, City staff are expected to present a report on potential policies to encourage new hotels and hotel room supply in early 2024.

Despite recent proposals for new hotel towers in downtown Vancouver, the demand remains high, calling for further efforts to meet short-, medium-, and long-term requirements based on Destination Vancouver’s forecast.

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