Scheduled for completion by early 2006, the superstructure of the Hudson building has finally begun to rise at 610 Granville Street (corner of Dunsmuir). Located next to the Granville Skytrain station, the Hudson is named after the Hudson's Bay Company store, which is also nearby.
When it's finally done, the building will be 35 storeys (326 feet) high, with 423 live-work apartment units.
As sharp as the design plan for the Hudson looks, one can't help but think that with unit prices ranging from $180,000 to $320,000, this building will probably wind up becoming a giant Melrose Place.
Clues abound, as to the target market for this building - the developer's site features a young, clean-looking couple enjoying their newfound condo lifestyle, set to a trendy drumbeat soundtrack that is occasionally interrupted by what seems to be a referee's whistle. ("Five minute penalty for bickering").
Further evidence that the developer is going after people who can't let go of their college days is the Hudson's sporty, all-American logo. Its font says Abercrombie & Fitch, while its generic nature is somehow reminiscent of Jim Belushi's old sweatshirt from Animal House.
Can't wait for the first housewarming parties...
