Vancouver staff urge council to reject 151-room hotel on Seymour Street downtown

City of Vancouver staff are recommending that council refuse an application for a hotel proposed for downtown Seymour Street, saying it would sit too close to a neighbouring residential tower. Council will consider the referral report at a public meeting on November 17, and could still approve the project.

The proposed 151-room hotel at 852-872 Seymour St. would sit as close as 36 feet (about 11 metres) from the Vita condominium tower to the south, Daily Hive Vancouver reported, citing the staff report. The city's typical standard is at least 60 feet from adjacent residential uses. Staff recommend sending the application to a public hearing, then rejecting it — a move described as rare.

Seven rooms in the neighbouring hotel would face a lightwell

The staff report says seven guest rooms in the neighbouring 390-room Marriott tower at 848 Seymour St., expected to open in 2028, would face exclusively into a small lightwell on the northern property line, with no outlook at all. The report also notes that plans for the site contemplated a building of about seven storeys when the Marriott's rezoning was approved in 2023.

Staff concluded the form of development would hurt how the building fits its context and affect surrounding properties. A hearing is not legally required, but staff want one because of public feedback and potential impacts on two adjacent properties, giving neighbours and residents a formal chance to weigh in.

What the project includes, and the heritage facade

The project, designed by Arno Matis Architecture for developer Bene Group, would include a 2,500 sq. ft. restaurant and bar at street level and about 82,500 sq. ft. of floor area, with two underground levels holding about 18 vehicle parking spaces. It would preserve the front facade of the 1926 building, which the previous council protected through heritage designation in 2023.

The staff report also includes draft zoning provisions and conditions for council to use if it chooses to approve the project, meaning council could still give it the green light on November 17.

(File photo: a downtown Vancouver street. Photo: John Wilander / Unsplash)