As the final building in Concert Properties’ The Creek community in Vancouver’s Olympic Village, Tesoro has all the criteria — stunning architecture, sweeping views and luxury finishes — to ensure it fulfils its role as a landmark structure in the neighbourhood.
Colleen Anderson, Concert’s chief marketing officer, says the City of Vancouver’s design guidelines for Tesoro — Italian for treasure — required the building, located on the southeast crest of False Creek, to be of significant architectural quality given its strong visual position and waterfront presence.
“Significant effort and time went into developing the building design to achieve this objective,” says Anderson.
Designed by Rafii Architects and ZGF Architects, Tesoro is Concert’s fifth building at The Creek. The others include Navio (two buildings), Voda and a non-market housing co-op.
While the building’s form and modern material palette are reminiscent of West Coast Modernism, a thin cast lattice screen gives the facade character, depth and visual interest, while referencing the industrial history of the site in a contemporary way, says Anderson.
Comprising 92 two- and three-bedroom homes (some with dens), Tesoro has a three-storey podium and 14-storey tower, both with sweeping curves inspired by the waterfront, park and city views — all of which emphasize the signature architecture, she adds.
With more than 70 per cent of the homes in Tesoro already sold, Anderson says the range of buyers is diverse.
“We actually have a large number of people who are move-up or move-across buyers — many of them professional couples,” she says, adding there is also a group of people downsizing from single-family homes in other areas around Metro Vancouver to be closer to the water and enjoy the neighbourhood’s lifestyle.
The location, with easy accessibility to both the Expo and Canada SkyTrain lines, multiple bus routes and cycling and walking paths, was an important consideration for Tesoro homebuyers Wayne Stone and David Chan, who are currently residents of Concert’s Navio building.
“We try to drive as little as possible, and the Olympic Village neighbourhood, with its many shops, restaurants and services, allows us to live in and be a part of our community. Within just a few minutes walk, we have local access to groceries, pharmacies, physiotherapists, dentists, doctors, banks and restaurants, all almost at our front door,” says Stone, adding that the Arts Club, False Creek Community Centre, Science World and the seawall are all just steps away.
“For transportation, we make use of both the Canada and Expo Lines, and soon we’ll have the new Broadway Subway via the Emily Carr station. We keep a steady supply of tickets on hand for both the False Creek Ferries and Aquabus as they’re a convenient option for when we have to get somewhere quick, like Yaletown or Granville Island,” says Stone.
Inside the homes at Tesoro, the focus on luxury is evident in the interior design by BBA Design Consultants. The chef-inspired kitchen gives most homes a separate fridge and freezer tower, a 36-inch, five-burner gas cooktop with brass accents by Gaggenau, two stacks of ovens (steam, convection, speed and warming) and custom cabinets crafted in Italy by Poliform. Each kitchen will have a statement marble slab backsplash and quartz countertop.
The primary ensuites are calming and spa-like with either an undermount or free-standing tub, separate shower with rain head and matching wall and floor marble tiles in soothing tones, says Anderson.
Homebuyers can choose from two interior colour schemes: the darker Notte palette or Luce with its mid-tone collection of materials.
“When we had a chance to visit last week for our orientation session, it exceeded expectations seeing it in person. We prefer the darker colour palette of Notte and are looking forward to the day that we’ve moved in and are able to enjoy it,” says Chan.
Distinctive features of the Notte palette are dark chocolate-coloured engineered wood floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms and an almost black wood stain on the full-height cabinets in the kitchen.
In the Luce scheme, the engineered wood floor is a whitewashed natural oak with full-height kitchen cabinets in a graphite wood stain with a dark, honed, multicoloured marble backsplash contrasted by a kitchen island of Statuario marble with a white quartz countertop.
Outside, special consideration was given to the landscaping to allow for a seamless transition from the future East Park to the Tesoro landscaping, says Anderson.
“The reflecting pool water feature at the front entrance provides a beautiful transition from Quebec Street,” she says, adding hanging gardens stretch vertically on the east facade, along with green roofs and balconies that connect Quebec Street with East Park.
“We also considered the street level perspective with visibility to the public art pieces by Jill Anholt, (called The Flats) with the beautiful lobby in the background — stunning for pedestrians, visitors and residents alike,” says Anderson.
Tesoro has many amenities for residents, including a fireside lounge, meeting room, chef’s kitchen with Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a children’s play area and two guest suites.
Highlighting his favourite amenity, Stone says, “The exercise facility is well-equipped, but we’re excited about the hot and cold plunge pools, steam room and sauna. It’ll be like having our own personal Nordic Spa.”
The building’s parkade also showcases some special touches.
“The parkade design was considered the starting point of the homeowners’ experience. A palette of black and grey in the main parkade has been complemented by custom painted, original wall murals by local artist Amy Stewart located at the circulation ramp walls,” says Anderson.
In April, the first homeowners took up residence, and Anderson says there is a small selection of move-in-ready homes available, with private tours now on offer.
Project: Tesoro
Project address: 1601 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Developer: Concert Properties
Architect: Rafii Architects and ZGF Architects
Interior designer: BBA Design Consultants
Project size: 17 storeys; 92 homes, with unit sizes ranging from 1,173 to 5,062 sq. ft.
Number of bedrooms: Two bedroom to three bedroom and den
Price: Starting $1,824,900
Sales centre: 1302-1601 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Centre hours: By appointment
Phone: 604.681.8282
Website: tesorobyconcert.com