Living above the big box

Sometimes a giant supermarket or big box store like Home Depot coming to your neighborhood is an inevitability, but The RISE in Vancouver, Canada proves it doesn’t have to be a one-story warehouse surrounded by parking. Instead, the parking is buried underground with over 90 condos and townhouses above. That’s right, when have you ever heard of residences above a big box?

No, this is certainly not an example of elegant, attractive design, but hey, baby steps. Developed by Grosvenor Canada, the 2.3 acre transit-oriented development received a ULI Award for Excellence in recognition of its innovative mix of residential and 212,000 s.f. of retail.

The building is designed to use 31% less energy, 67% less potable water, and will generate 52% lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a 20,000 s.f. green roof (pictured below) that serves as a park and community garden.

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