Where Lifestyle and Legacy Meet.
About the Proposed Development Proposal
The preliminary proposal is to construct a nine-storey mixed-use building on the site with access to an underground parking garage from Bellevue Avenue and limited surface parking off the lane to the rear. The proposal includes 24 residential strata apartment units, 2 commercial/office units fronting Bellevue Avenue, and community use space on the second floor.
History
The former Masonic Hall in West Vancouver has a rich history. The building was originally the barn of the homestead of John and Christina Lawson. John Lawson later bequeathed the property to the Masons, who built the current building and used it for many years as a gathering place and hub of community activity. Eventually, the Masons sold the building to a private owner.
Today, the site is zoned to allow for up to a two-storey residential building and is not required to include any community space, reflecting its evolution from a historic community landmark to a residential development site.
The current developers are looking to honour the Lawson family and the property's long history of community use by offering the District 7,000 square feet of dedicated community space, continuing the site's tradition as a place for public benefit. In addition, the ownership is considering naming the new residential building The Christina, in tribute to John Lawson's wife. With John Lawson Park located across the street, this would ensure the history of the Lawson family and their contributions to West Vancouver remains a legacy for future generations.
Neighbourhood Character
The proposed redevelopment at 1763 Bellevue Avenue
thoughtfully responds to and enhances the character
of the Ambleside neighbourhood by replacing an
under-utilized site with a sensitively scaled, mixed-use
building that complements the evolving streetscape.
Located within the Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan
boundary, the nine-storey design introduces residential
units alongside active street-oriented commercial
spaces, contributing to the vibrant, village-like
atmosphere that defines this part of West Vancouver.
By incorporating community use space and ground-
level commercial frontage, the project supports local
activity, walkability, and economic vitality, qualities
central to the neighbourhood’s identity. Moreover, the
development respects emerging planning objectives
for increased density while integrating with the human-
scaled context of Bellevue Avenue through thoughtful
design and alignment with Official Community Plan
priorities and area plan directions.
Architectural Drawings
West Vancouver Official Community Plan (OCP)
2.1.6 - Prioritize community use and/or housing objectives when considering redevelopment proposals of institutional, public assembly or community use sites District-wide that provide an existing community or public use function (such as places of worship) by:
a. Providing floor area exceptions to support the continuation, adaptation, expansion or replacement of community use; and
b. Considering residential uses that are compatible with the community use and that respond to neighbourhood context and character.
Strengthening our centres and corridors through local area plans
2.1.15 - Prior to the adoption of the local area plan, consider proposals within the local area plan boundary by:
a. Applying relevant District-wide policies contained in this plan and any existing area-specific policies and guidelines; and
b. Requiring the proposal's contribution to rental non-market or supportive housing, or its advancement of low-carbon construction, or its ability to forward the public interest or provide other community benefits determined by Council.