T3 Mount Pleasant – Timber, Transit and Technology

The proposed mass-timber 12-storey mixed-use project in Mount Pleasant (named T3 Mount Pleasant), recently received support from the City Design Panel following support from the Heritage Commission – another step closer to Development Permit approval. 

Developed by the global real estate investment firm Hines alongside local developer PC Urban, once complete, the project will bring ~ 196,000 sf of additional office & industrial product to the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

The development application includes the following:

• Heritage designation, alteration and relocation of an existing ~10,000 square foot building for the purpose of delivering it to the City to operate as an arts centre
• A 12-storey, mixed-use office and industrial building, including:
  • A combined FSR of 6.6
  • A combined floor area of ~196,000 square feet
  • A proposed height of 150 ft
  • Three levels of underground parking, with access from the lane

Under the site’s existing I-1B zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted, subject to approval from the Development Permit Board.  The Development Board Decision is scheduled for July 25, 2022.

Mass Timber Construction

The proposed project is to be constructed of mass timber and designed according to Hines’ “T3 system” – joining other projects from around the world by combining timber, transit and technology.  As champions of this sustainable building methodology, the development team feels that the mass timber “represents the most ecologically important disruption of the construction industry in the last 100 years and (we) are thrilled to be bringing it to Mount Pleasant”.

the mass timber represents the most ecologically important disruption of the construction industry in the last 100 years and (we) are thrilled to be bringing it to Mount Pleasant

Development team Hines and PC Urban

Heritage Restoration

A highlight of the project includes the SFU Annex heritage building, which was originally built in 1929, that will be reoriented and restored onsite.  The restoration reminds us of Conwest’s nearby and recently completed Houss project where the 1901 Coutler House was restored onsite.  A key difference in the two projects is the future use of the restored building.  A restaurant will occupy the space at Houss, where T3 ‘s plan is to deliver the SFU Annex to the City to operate as a community arts centre. 

The conservation strategy comprises of maintaining the institutional form, scale and massing of the two-storey structure while maintaining some of the interior components, transitioning from a schoolhouse to an arts centre.  According to Proscenium, the Annex’s new colour palette is based on the historical colour scheme with the intent to take the annex colour back to its original contrasting light stucco with dark wood tracery and light window treatment.

Project Partners

Project partners include and are not limited to the following:

• Hines – Developer
• PC Urban – Developer
• DLR Group – Project Designer / Lead Architect
• Proscenium Architecture & Interiors – Associate Architect

Follow along with us as we keep you updated on the status at T3 Mount Pleasant, including on-site photos and video as the project progresses.