Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/354800
The Prescott by Zuzanna Wodzynska O ne of several new mixed-use resi- dential projects in the area, The Prescott building sets itself apart with a unique design referencing its ex- tensive North Shore roots. The 145,000-square-foot building was named after Sewell Prescott Moody, a pioneer who, through his purchase of the Pioneer Mills in 1864 and subse- quent support and building of the com- munity, helped create the City of North Vancouver as it is today. Formerly a gas station, the corner of Lonsdale Ave and East 13th Street in the heart of the City of North Vancouver now belongs to The Prescott. The proj- ect consists of a 15-storey residential tower, while the three-storey commer- cial podium is set to house BlueShore Financial's new headquarters this fall. Marking the entrance into the com- mercial area, the most prominent cor- ner of the property features a public space sheltered by a soaring roof plane and splayed corner columns. The angular geometries of the col- umns and roof contrast with the curved skylight that visually leads into the recessed surfaces of the atrium beyond, landscaped with native plants. The grey and silver metal facade also references local sources with mechani- cally fastened black granite stone, while the soffit and wall cladding elements are warmed by wood accents. "The whole [project] is an expres- sion of durable elegance that recalls its origins on the North Shore," states Stefan Aepli of Francl Architecture. "It has to assert a clearly unique identity for its new residents, while referencing the architectural and material palette of the BlueShore office podium." Soaring above that podium is the residential tower. Its unusual, elongated north-south plan respects the Lonsdale view corridor and is set away from the busy street below. The east facade features an exposed elevator and stair core. As a result, most of the 84 residential suites face the prime views of Burrard Inlet and English Bay to the west, as well as mak- ing the most of the afternoon sunlight. "Generous balconies ensure the suites are shaded from excess sun to provide AUGUST 2014 /73 The Prescott