As mentioned in the previous post, the redevelopment of the Southeast False Creek (SEFC) neighborhood will begin with the construction of the Olympic Village, which as the first phase of the project, will be completed by late 2009.
The entire 80-acre SEFC site includes a mix of private and public lands that are to be developed between now and 2018. Housing for as many as 14,000 people (approx. 7,150 units) will eventually be constructed within this neighbourhood, which is designed to serve as a model of urban design and sustainability.
Among the initiatives planned for the area include the creation of extensive bicylce paths and pedestrian walkways, storm water collection systems for local irrigation needs, urban gardens and green roofs, as well as the restoration of some elements of the former False Creek shoreline ecosystem.
All buildings are also to be constructed according to the highest LEED standards of efficiency in energy and water use. Height restrictions on the buildings will be set in such a way as to accentuate the False Creek basin, with lower buildings (max. 4 storeys) located closest to the water, and the highest buildings (max. 12 storeys) to be set back from the water, between First and Second Avenues.
(Click on map for larger picture)
The restored Salt Building will anchor a commercial district at the heart of the development, where the Olympic Village will initially be built. There's also mention of a First Avenue streetcar that will run through the neighbourhood, connecting the southern shore of False Creek with Skytrain.
For more details on the development, including maps, have a look at the 42-page official community plan (link to pdf). Further information is also available on the City of Vancouver's website for SEFC, in addition to several video presentations which can be found by browsing the archives at www.gvtv.ca.
