55 units entitled for social housing
- 55 units
- 9,150 sq ft site
- CD-1 approved
entitlement done
program-ready
A 55-unit social housing site in Strathcona is available with CD-1 rezoning approved in principle — draft by-law provisions in hand, conditions of approval defined, and an architect-designed program ready to advance.
For a non-profit operator or social housing developer, the hardest and most expensive part of the work has been completed. The buyer steps into a fully structured program with a known covenant framework, a fundable unit mix, and a clear path to by-law enactment and permitting.
Property is co-listed with Al DeGenova of Oakwyn Realty.
the program
Human Studio Architecture + Urban Design has designed a 6-storey residential building with one below-grade level on a 9,150 sq ft site in the heart of Strathcona. The program delivers 65 micro dwelling units ranging from 248.6 to 257.0 sq ft — sized to meet the City of Vancouver Micro Dwelling Policies and Guidelines, including minimum suite width, ceiling height, and livability standards. Total buildable area is approximately 27,815 sq ft at 3.04 FSR, within the permitted maximum of 3.10.
The unit mix is purpose-built for a social housing operating model. Not less than 33% of units are to be rented at Income Assistance shelter rates. The remaining units are capped at the lesser of Affordable Market Rents and 90% of appraised market rent for comparable units in the East Hastings zone. The low-parking program — two stalls total, with a relaxation in place — reflects the tenant profile and keeps operating costs lean. Bicycle storage for 65 Class A stalls and six Class B racks is built into the design. Amenity space and staff office space are incorporated into the program, addressing one of the most common operational constraints for societies running housing at this scale.
the entitlement
The CD-1 rezoning referral has been issued by City of Vancouver Planning, with draft by-law provisions and conditions of approval defined. The rezoning is not yet enacted — enactment is subject to satisfying the conditions in Part 2 of the Conditions of Approval, which include execution of a Housing Agreement, a Section 219 Covenant, and a Services Agreement for on-site and off-site works. Environmental contamination disclosure is required if applicable; no water main or sewer upgrades have been identified. These are standard pre-enactment conditions for a social housing rezoning of this type. The covenant structure — 100% social housing secured for 60 years or the life of the building — is consistent with BC Housing and CMHC funding requirements.
The policy foundation is solid. The site sits within the Strathcona sub-area of the Downtown Eastside Community Plan, adjacent to the DEOD area. The DTES Rezoning Policy explicitly supports increased height and density where social housing is being increased on an existing social housing site. The program was developed under that framework and the rezoning referral reflects it.
CD-1 approved in principle
100% social housing secured 60 years
Amenity and staff space included
neighbourhood
context
Established residential co-op directly across the street — stable, community-oriented street context
New high-rise development across the lane — neighbourhood scale supports 6-storey social housing form
Well-suited for seniors housing or independent living operations
Amenity and staff office space designed into the program — critical for supportive housing operators
Active Strathcona location with transit access and inner-city services nearby
Walking distance to all urban amenities
gallery
of images
27,815 sq ft buildable area
9,150 sq ft of land
55 units buildable
specifications
Address: 441–449 East Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
PID: 032-397-623
Legal Description: Lot 1 Block 70 District Lot 196 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan EPP140830
Price: $5,750,000
Lot Size: 9,150 sq ft (850.3 m²)
Zoning: RT-3 (rezoning to CD-1 approved in principle)
Approved Units: 55 micro dwelling units (248.6–257.0 sq ft per unit)
Buildable Area: 27,815 sq ft (2,584 m²)
FSR: 3.04 (maximum permitted: 3.10)
Building Form: 6-storey residential with one below-grade level
Building Height: 22.5 m / 73 ft 10 in (maximum permitted: 23 m)
Housing Tenure: 100% social housing (Housing Agreement + Section 219 Covenant, 60-year term)
Parking: 2 spaces (1 visitor + 1 accessible); relaxation in place
Bicycle Storage: 65 Class A stalls, 6 Class B racks
Entitlement Status: CD-1 rezoning referral issued; draft by-law provisions in hand; enactment subject to Housing Agreement, Section 219 Covenant, Services Agreement, and environmental disclosure
Architect: Human Studio Architecture + Urban Design
Sustainability: Green Buildings Policy for Rezonings compliance required (TEUI 100, TEDI 15, GHGI 3)
Policy Framework: Downtown Eastside Community Plan — Strathcona sub-area