A popular drinking hole in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood will be redeveloped into a mixed-use development with rental housing.
Local developer Hungerford Properties has submitted a new development permit application to redevelop 2828 West 4th Avenue, which is a lot at the southwest corner of the intersection of Macdonald Street and West 4th Avenue.
This includes the redevelopment of Darby’s Public House, which is particularly known for its large rooftop patio and its attached liquor store.
The redevelopment will create a new six-storey building with 68 secured purpose-built market rental homes within the upper levels. The unit size mix is 19 studios, 25 one-bedroom units, and 24 two-bedroom units with a flex space, and residents will have access to indoor and outdoor amenities on the building’s rooftop.
Site of Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Google Maps)
Existing condition:
Site of Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Google Maps)
Future condition:
Rental housing redevelopment concept for Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Arcadis/Hungerford Properties)
The application specifies that Darby’s Liquor Store will return in the new building in a 3,000-square-foot commercial unit. The next largest commercial unit is about 2,800 square feet, but there is no specific mention of whether Darby’s Public House could occupy it.
“Darby’s Hospitality Inc. has written this operational plan for execution in the redeveloped location for the retail liquor store,” reads the operational plan by Kiyo Godo, the managing director of Darby’s Hospitality.
“Darby’s Liquor Store has been in operation for over 40 years and is one of the original beer and wine stores in the City of Vancouver. We are an established landmark in the Kitsilano area and are known for providing excellent service to the neighbourhood. To better serve our existing and new customers in this growing community, Darby’s Hospitality Inc. proposes rebuilding Darby’s Liquor Store as part of the proposed mixed-use purpose-built rental redevelopment.”
Three other commercial units are smaller, ranging from 718 sq ft to 1,047 sq ft, including one unit for a “health care office.” Altogether, the project will provide about 9,500 sq ft of commercial space to activate its street frontages.
This redevelopment will also replace a handful of other adjacent businesses, including Chewie’s Biscuit Co. and Regiano’s Pizza.
Rental housing redevelopment concept for Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Arcadis/Hungerford Properties)
Rental housing redevelopment concept for Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Arcadis/Hungerford Properties)
It is noted that the new building will have improved design considerations for the liquor store’s deliveries, loading, and customer access. All building uses will be supported by 28 vehicle parking stalls, primarily located underground.
The total building floor area will reach nearly 56,000 sq ft, establishing a floor area ratio density of a floor area that is 3.5 times larger than the size of the lot. Arcadis Architects is the project’s design firm.
This intersection of West 4th Avenue and Macdonald Street is in the process of experiencing major change. With the redevelopment of Darby’s Public House and Liquor Store at the southwest corner, three of the four corners at the intersection will see new low-rise mixed-use building in the coming years.
At the northwest corner, Hathstauwk is nearing completion of its Kitsilano Block four-storey mixed-use condominium building project, which will include a 20,000 sq ft Fresh St. Market grocery store on the ground level. This anchor retail business is expected to open in Summer 2025.
Just kitty-corner from Darby’s Pub, the northeast corner, Third Space Properties is in the process of building a six-storey mixed-use rental housing and retail/restaurant building, replacing the previous Chevron gas station. This project is expected to reach completion in Fall 2025.
Rental housing redevelopment concept for Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Arcadis/Hungerford Properties)
Rental housing redevelopment concept for Darby’s Public House and Darby’s Liquor Store at 2828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. (Arcadis/Hungerford Properties)