The Black-led non-profit organization called Hogan’s Alley Society is pushing forward with its plans to build a mixed-use social housing tower within the south end of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown district.

A newly submitted development permit application by Studio One Architecture for 728-796 Main St. — the northeast corner of the intersection of Union Street and Main Street — calls for the construction of a 128-ft-tall, 12-storey building with 109 social housing unit on top of about 7,400 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant space on the ground and second levels.

As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized in April 2024, local developer Bonnis Properties sold the property and approved rezoning plans to Hogan’s Alley Society in a 2023 deal worth $20 million. On the same day the deal was finalized, the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided the organization with a $25.2 million mortgage.

The new redevelopment concept under Hogan’s Alley Society’s ownership generally aligns with the overall form and height of Bonnis Properties’ approved concept, which was also previously designed by Studio One Architecture. But Bonnis Properties envisioned a wider range of uses, including 75 market strata ownership condominium homes, 19 social housing units, and 6,000 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant uses.

With a total building floor area of 92,300 sq. ft., the 2025 design concept also carries a slight density increase — up from the 2021 rezoning-approved concept’s 85,700 sq. ft. The floor area ratio (FAR) density on this 12,844 sq. ft. lot correspondingly saw an increase from a floor area that is 6.7 to 7.2 times the size of the land area.

Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Google Maps)

Existing condition:

Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)

Cancelled 2021 rezoning application-approved concept:

Cancelled: 2021-approved design for 728-796 Main Street, Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Bonnis Properties)

New 2025 development permit application concept:

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

The project will provide nearly 200 secured bike parking spaces. There will also be 34 vehicle parking stalls — down from 64 stalls in the previous concept.

Beyond the shift to 100 per cent social housing for the residential uses, the most significant change is the project’s architectural direction.

Both the previous and new concepts demolish the 1899-built, three-storey boarding building situated at the property’s corner with the intersection.

Whereas the previous concept by Bonnis Properties sought to align with Chinatown’s distinct heritage architectural and material character — but also incorporating on-site heritage elements of the 1910-built Brickhouse Late Night Bistro and Dive Bar on Main Street, as well as a modest 1925 structure on Union Street that was previously at another location and once housed a shrine to Jimi Hendrix — the new Hogan’s Alley Society proposal envisions a highly contemporary and contrasting design said to draw inspiration from African cultures.

“African art and cultures are rich and diverse, characterized by intricate patterns, geometric shapes such as circles and triangles, and a deep connection to nature,” reads the design rationale.

“The design process began by exploring African architecture, which is often marked by earthy tones, dark reddish-browns, perforated shading screens, and bold patterns, many, featuring triangular shapes. These elements reflect both aesthetic and functional purpose, such as providing sun protection, while celebrating the vibrancy of African heritage.”

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

Moreover, the overall design concept is inspired by the Baobab tree, more commonly referred to as the “Tree of Life,” which is said to be a symbol of resilience, community, unity, wisdom, heritage, and life — a source of shelter, food, and water in many African communities.

The Baobab tree’s “roots reach deep into the earth while its branches extend skyward, symbolizing strength, growth, and connection. The symbolism of this tree resonated with the site’s historic and cultural significance and the project’s goals,” continues the design rationale.

“The trunk-inspired forms anchor the structure at the corner of Main and Union, symbolizing the history, strength and rootedness of the African community in Vancouver while embracing the richness of African cultural heritage. The railings with the intricate patterns tie the volumes together representing the strength of smaller communities uniting into a larger, more resilient identity. The building’s entrance is designed to reflect the traditional African porch, emphasizing its cultural significance as a communal gathering space.”

The building’s exterior facade will feature cast iron, pressed metal decorative elements, and architectural patterns. The retained brick heritage facades of The Brickhouse and the Union Street structure will provide a break from the contemporary design. A commemorative plaque will also be installed in the laneway detailing the “story of Hogan’s Alley.”

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)

The organization claims the area saw a concentration of Black residents due to its proximity to the railway, where they worked as porters, and that remnants of the community were displaced beginning in the late 1960s to enable the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, which was built to replace the aging 1915-built Hart McHarg Bridge — the area’s original viaduct.

It should also be noted that many Chinese residents living in Chinatown were also displaced by the construction of the viaducts.

Under the City of Vancouver’s Northeast False Creek Plan (NEFCP), for the entire city block immediately south of 728-796 Main Street, a contemporary reimagining of Hogan’s Alley is envisioned as a mixed-use residential development with retail, restaurant, community, and cultural spaces. This site is the city block at the southeast corner of the intersection of Main Street and Union Street — currently home to an informal green space, the Nora Hendrix Place temporary modular housing building, and the easternmost end of the viaducts. According to the organization’s website, they are the “lead operating partner” of the temporary modular housing building.

Across the street, under the NEFCP, the southwest corner of the same intersection is also slated for mixed-use residential and retail development, designed as a direct southward extension of Chinatown.

Both blocks are still occupied by the City-owned Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, and it remains uncertain if or when they will be demolished, especially due to the high growing costs associated with demolition and the construction of a new replacement surface road network.

2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver, in relation to the future Hogan’s Alley and Chinatown expansion developments replacing the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)