RSS

SFU Burnaby campus set for major transformation with gondola (RENDERINGS)

Changes are afoot at Simon Fraser University’s main campus atop Burnaby Mountain, as redevelopment plans show an elaborate new heart for the campus that even sets aside space for the future gondola.

The East Gateway project, located in the area of the existing UniverCity Town Centre and East Campus Road bus loop, will become the new main hub of the campus – where the academic campus to the west and new residential neighbourhood to the east meet.

 
SFU East Gateway

Site of SFU East Gateway: 1. Parcel 24; 2. Future Gondola Station; 3. Art Museum; 4. East Campus Road Bus Loop; 5. Town Square (Perkins + Will / Simon Fraser University)

 

SFU East Gateway

 

Layout of SFU East Gateway. (Perkins + Will / Simon Fraser University)

It consists of new institutional and mixed-use buildings, public spaces, a new bus loop, and the mountaintop terminus station gondola station, which will cement the East Gateway as the new hub of the campus.

“The design for the East Campus Gateway is a singular opportunity to define the threshold of academic campus and residential community as an identifiable, evocative place of gathering and celebration,” reads the design rationale by local architectural firm Perkins & Will, adding that it will “evoke a strong sense of arrival and dignity for the campus transit gateway.”

“It establishes a vision that will support and enhance future projects in the area, giving them a presence that will anchor and define the public space in a cohesive way.”

SFU Gondola

The gondola station at the top of Burnaby Mountain will be integrated into a new “iconic” mixed-use building at Parking Lot B – immediately south of the Cornerstone building, which is where a number of retail shops and food outlets such as CaliBurger, Starbucks, and Donair Town are currently located.

A previous study by TransLink in 2011 indicated a gondola transit line, similar to Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak-to-Peak Gondola, would cost $120 million to build and have a travel time of just six minutes – less than half the current time by bus.

And the wait could be mininal with gondola cabins, each with a capacity for more than two dozen people, departing about every 30 seconds.

SFU East Gateway

Artistic rendering of SFU East Gateway. (Perkins + Will / Simon Fraser University)

In the Mayors’ Council 10-year plan, the gondola project has been identified as an unfunded major project that will be built once immediate projects like the Broadway extension, Surrey light rail, bus service expansions, and acquisition of new SkyTrain cars are complete.

Currently, there are 25,000 daily bus trips to the campus, and it is expected to grow to about 40,000 per day over the next 20 years from student enrolment growth and new residences.

New public spaces and bus loop

The existing East Gateway bus loop will be rebuilt and integrated with plazas and other adjacent public spaces, including a large grassy ‘Commons’ area – on the site of Parking Lot E – that will complement the Quadrangle.

The Town Square campus plaza will be extended, with the entire precinct utilizing high-quality, cohesive paving material and outdoor furniture.

Artistic rendering of SFU East Gateway. (Perkins + Will / Simon Fraser University)

Overall, the design of the East Gateway’s public spaces will “capture the vitality of the convergence of bus transit and gondola commuters.”

New retail within the ground level of new buildings will also help “animate” the public spaces.

A landmark residential building, one of the tallest buildings on campus, will be built immediately north of the new bus loop on East Campus Road to “frame” the new gateway precinct.

New art museum

An existing grass field immediately east of Strand Hall Annex is the planned site of a new landmark building that will house a 25,000-sq-ft art museum, which could have optimal views of Burrard Inlet and the mountains.

The roof of this building will also double as a large outdoor plaza.

SFU East Gateway

Layout of SFU East Gateway. (Perkins + Will / Simon Fraser University)

SFU is currently in the process of constructing a new on-campus Student Union Building (SUB), which will reach completion this fall, and a Sustainable Energy and Engineering Building at its satellite Surrey campus.

Residential developments at the campus are carried out by SFU Community Trust, which has built 5,000 units of housing to date on the eastern half of the Burnaby Mountain campus.

SFU UniverCity

Masterplan for the residential neighbourhood at SFU UniverCity atop Burnaby Mountain. (SFU Community Trust)

Provided By: Kenneth Chan for The dailyhive

 

Simon Fraser
Market Update

Simon Fraser Condos

Altaire by Polygon

Altaire built in 2008/2009 reaches higher then any other condo building in Metro Vancouver offering panoramic views.

Novo I by Intergulf

Novo I built in 2007 known for the amazing sight lines and views from most units and balconies up to 1000 sq ft.

Novo II by Intergulf

Novo II built in 2007 known for the amazing sight lines and views from most units and balconies up to 1000 sq ft.

Aurora by Polygon

Aurora built in 2006 with 103 condos featuring 36 unique floor plans ranging from 715 sq ft to 1500 sq ft.

One University by Millennium

One University built in 2005 is UniverCity's flagship building with luxury homes featuring semi private elevators.

Harmony by Polygon

Harmony built in 2005 was the first condo development at Univercity & as a result offers a unique setting & views.

Serenity Townhomes by Polygon

Serenity is a collection of 2 bedroom townhomes of 1100 sq ft ranging to 4 bedroom 2000+ sq ft townhomes.

The Hub by Liberty Homes

The Hub built in 2009 is set atop Nester's Grocery and steps from High Street giving these homes an urban feel.

Verdant by VanCity Enterprises

Verdant is a two storey town home building built with environmental design and stylish living spaces which complement the modern exterior of these SFU homes.

Origin by Porte Development

Origin is designed by GBL Architect & BYU Interior Designs, developed by Porte Development Corp. and marketed by Red Dot Real Estate.

Nest by Mosaic

Located on UniverCity High Street across from the new University Highlands elementary schools this refreshing building will add further depth to a growing community.

Highland House by Liberty Homes

A 12-storey concrete high-rise development and targeted towards Rental Investors and First-Time Condo Buyers.

Lift by Porte Development

Lift will be a wood frame building comprising of 56 homes. Building technologies, environmental features, and price points should be similar to Origin.

Altitude by Hungerford Group

Altitude will be a 2 tower development comprising of a 12 and 14 story building with a total of 210 strata units.

CentreBlock by Liberty Homes

CentreBlock at UniverCity atop Burnaby Mountain is the latest condo project with sales commencing early 2014. .

Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.