Bonnis Properties Proposing Two Towers With 327 Units On Kingsway In Vancouver

Vancouver developer Bonnis Properties has submitted a rezoning proposal to the City for a site at 602–644 Kingsway and 603–617 East 16th Avenue, near the Fraser Street intersection and southeast of Robson Park. Today, the area hosts small commercial buildings and surface parking lots built between 1912 and 1937—none of which are protected heritage structures, meaning they could be replaced if the project is approved.

Their plan calls for two rental towers set atop a single-level commercial podium. The “north” tower on Kingsway would rise 14 stories and include 120 units: 60 studios, 24 one-bedrooms, and 36 two-bedroom suites. Meanwhile, the “south” tower at East 16th and Carolina Street would reach 25 stories, with 207 units made up of 92 studios, 23 one-bedrooms, 69 two-bedrooms, and 23 three-bedroom homes. All together, the development would consist of 327 secured rental units.

Following Vancouver’s Broadway Plan, which governs the Mt. Pleasant Centre where the site is located, Bonnis would be required to set 20 percent of the residential space aside for below‑market rentals. That means 66 of the units would be offered at rents below typical market rates. The podium would house about 19,415 square feet of commercial space and a childcare facility with room for 20 kids. A proposed underground parkade would provide 141 vehicle stalls and 648 bicycle spots.

The design, developed with architecture firm Perkins\&Will, focuses on street‑level engagement and environmental sustainability. The plans call for improved building orientation to reduce heating and cooling needs, airtight construction methods, efficient HVAC systems, and a small park on the ground floor to help manage stormwater. Bonnis and Perkins\&Will also highlighted the historical importance of the Kingsway–Fraser crossroads, tracing its origins back to the 1800s gold rush and early brewery operations along Brewery Creek.

Early designs show a shared podium linking the towers, bordered by green space and pedestrian‑friendly paths that extend the feel of nearby parks and low‑rise shops on E 15th Avenue. By locating the taller building away from Kingsway, the developers say they were able to meet separation rules and minimise shadows over Robson Park.

The zoning application was published by the City on May 30, 2025. A public question‑and‑answer window ran from July 2 to July 15, giving local residents a chance to review the plans and give feedback. If rezoning is granted, Bonnis Properties would repurpose a significant commercial block into a mix of housing, retail, and community spaces, likely transforming one of East Vancouver’s historic intersections. The outcome of this proposal could shape the future of Kingsway. With major transit and active‑transport upgrades on the Broadway corridor, this project aims to boost pedestrian access and neighbourhood vibrancy while providing a mix of rental options, including some at below‑market rates. It reflects the broader city goal of increasing housing density and sustainability along key streets in rapidly growing areas like Mt. Pleasant Centre.